Exploring Azerbaijan: A Budget-Friendly Adventure?

Azerbaijan is a former Soviet Republic that gained its independence in 1991. It is a small country, barely bigger than Ireland, with a population of 9,047,000 as of August 2010. The country boasts a mix of stunning natural landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and bubbling mud volcanoes to sandy deserts and subtropical forests.

The cost of living in Azerbaijan is relatively affordable, with prices for food, transportation, and accommodation being significantly lower than in European countries and the United States. Baku, the capital city, tends to be more expensive than the rest of the country, but even there, budget-friendly options are available.

- A family of four: $1,972.70 (without rent)

- A single person: $548.30 (without rent)

- Local milk (1 liter): $1.47

- Imported milk (1 liter): $2.35

- Local pasta (500 grams): $0.50

- Barilla pasta (400 grams): $1.20

- Chicken fillet (per kg): $4.40-$5.30

- Beef (per kg): $9 and above

- Eggs (per dozen): $1.20-$1.47

- Sugar (per kg): $2

- Local cottage cheese (per kg): $4.40

- Imported cottage cheese (300 grams): $2-$2.60

- Seasonal cucumbers (per kg): $0.60

- Out-of-season cucumbers (per kg): $4

- Snickers chocolate bar (75 grams): $1.30

- Alpen Gold chocolate bar: $1.40

- Nutella (350 grams): $8

- Seasonal berries/cherries/strawberries (per kg): $0.50-$1.50

- Out-of-season pomegranates (per kg): $3.50

- Shawarma: $1.30-$2.30

- Ayran drink: $0.50-$4

- Public transportation ride: $0.50

- Taxi ride within the city: $5-$10

- Domestic flight: $30-$50

Cost of living

The cost of living in Azerbaijan is considered to be quite affordable, especially when compared to Western European countries. Baku, the capital city, tends to be more expensive than the rest of the country, but even so, it offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets.

Accommodation

A budget hotel room in Baku can cost around $20-30 USD per night, while a mid-range hotel room can be found for $50-70 USD. Luxury accommodations will cost $100 USD or more per night. In the rest of the country, prices drop significantly, with backpacker hostels available from as little as 7 AZN (Azerbaijani Manat) per night, and budget guesthouses for around 30-40 AZN.

Food

The cost of food in Azerbaijan is generally low. A meal at a local restaurant can be as inexpensive as $5-10 USD per person, and street food and snacks can be found for as little as $1-2 USD. Traditional Azerbaijani dishes, such as kebabs, dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and plov (a rice dish) are widely available and affordable.

Transportation

Transportation in Azerbaijan is also reasonably priced. A one-way ticket on public transportation costs around $0.50 USD, and a short taxi ride within Baku is usually between $5-10 USD. Domestic flights within the country are also an affordable option, with prices ranging from $30-50 USD.

Activities

Entrance fees to museums and historical sites are typically very reasonable, ranging from $1-5 USD. Guided tours of the city can be found for around $20-30 USD per person, making them a great option for those who want a more in-depth experience.

Utilities

Utilities such as electricity, heating, and water for a 915 sq ft apartment are estimated to cost around 932.2 manat (Azerbaijani currency) per month for a single person, excluding rent.

Average Salary

The average monthly salary in Azerbaijan is estimated to be between 500-700 manat ($300-$400) per month, although this can vary depending on the job and industry.

Overall, Azerbaijan offers a good quality of life at a relatively low cost, making it an attractive destination for those seeking an affordable place to live or visit.

Transport

Azerbaijan's transport system involves air traffic, waterways, and railroads. The country has 2,932 km of rail tracks, with 2,117 km in common carrier service and 810 km of industrial lines. The Baku Metro is the country's only metro system, but there are plans to open new metro systems in Sumgayit, Nakhchivan, and Ganja.

There are about 25,000 kilometres of roads in Azerbaijan, serving domestic cargo traffic and providing access to international highways. The main highways carrying international traffic include the Baku–Alat–Ganja–Qazakh–Georgian Border corridor and the North–South Transport Corridor, stretching from the Russian to the Iranian border. Road connections with Armenia are disrupted due to the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan's transport system also includes sea and water cargo transportation, with direct maritime connections to other Caspian littoral states (Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan). The Baku International Marine Trade Port is the largest port on the Caspian Sea and has recently undergone a major reconstruction.

There are 37 airports in Azerbaijan, including five international airports located in Baku, Ganja, Nakhchivan, Lankaran, and Zaqatala. The Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku is the country's largest airport and can handle 1,600 passengers per hour.

Public transportation in Azerbaijan includes buses, minibusses (marshrutkas), and taxis. The Baku Metro is an efficient and inexpensive way to get around the capital city. Taxi services such as Bolt or Uber are also available.

The cost of transportation in Azerbaijan is relatively affordable. A one-way ticket on public transportation is approximately $0.50 USD, and a taxi ride within the city typically costs around $5-10 USD. Domestic flights within the country can be found for $30-50 USD.

Food

Azerbaijan is considered a very affordable destination for travellers, and this is reflected in its food prices. The average cost of food in Azerbaijan is around Ʈ55 (or $0.00) per day. When dining out, a typical meal will cost approximately Ʈ22 per person. Breakfast is usually the cheapest meal of the day, with lunch and dinner being more expensive. The price of food in sit-down restaurants is generally higher than that of fast food or street food.

For context, a fast-food meal will cost around Ʈ5, and a meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant will be approximately Ʈ50. A meal in an expensive restaurant can cost Ʈ100 per person, and some meals can go up to Ʈ50-Ʈ60.

The key ingredient in traditional Azeri cuisine is lamb. Pilaf is considered the king of Azeri dishes, with more than ten types cooked with different spices, greens, vegetables, and meat. Saffron, dill, mint, and coriander are the most common spices used in Azeri cooking.

Some must-try dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine include traditional lyulya kebab served with onion and greens, different types of kufta (lamb meatballs), fish dishes, kutab (pita bread stuffed with greens or fruits), and soups with interesting names like dovga, umach, khamrashi, and piti.

The traditional Azeri tea ceremony is also an important part of the food culture. Tea is served with national sweets and jam, and the table is decorated with colourful jams, nuts, honey, and pastries.

Accommodation

Azerbaijan is a relatively affordable destination, with budget-friendly options available for as little as $20-30 USD per night for a hotel room. However, the cost of accommodation can vary depending on location and desired level of luxury.

Baku

The capital city of Baku offers a range of options, from budget-friendly to luxurious accommodations.

• For a budget stay, the Sahil Hostel & Hotel Baku provides dormitory and private rooms in a central location, with easy access to major attractions.
• The Merchant Baku is an elegant boutique hotel in the heart of the city, featuring art-deco style rooms, friendly staff, and multiple dining options.
• For a luxurious experience, the Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers offers stylish accommodations with stunning views of the city and the Caspian Sea, along with excellent amenities and service.
• The Four Seasons Hotel Baku is another luxurious option, offering impeccable service and a prime location in the heart of the city.

Gabala

Gabala, nestled in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, offers serene natural surroundings and cultural attractions.

• The Qafqaz Riverside Resort Hotel provides affordable accommodations surrounded by lush greenery, with comfortable rooms and convenient access to outdoor adventures.
• The Riverside Hotel Gabala is a cozy option, featuring well-appointed rooms, a tranquil setting by the river, and amenities like a spa and indoor pool.
• For a more luxurious stay, the Qafqaz Tufandag Resort Hotel boasts elegant rooms, upscale dining, and recreational facilities including a golf course and spa.

Sheki

Sheki, a historic city in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, is known for its ancient Silk Road heritage and architectural marvels.

• The Sheki Palace Hotel offers comfortable rooms at reasonable prices, conveniently located near the city center and major attractions.
• The FGarden Hotel Sheki is a charming hotel featuring traditional Azerbaijani decor, spacious rooms, and a tranquil garden setting.

It is important to note that prices can vary depending on the season and events happening in the desired location, so it is recommended to research and compare prices in advance.

Activities

Azerbaijan has a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting Azerbaijan:

• Explore Baku's Old City: Baku's Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and many other historical and cultural landmarks. The Old City is an excellent place to get lost exploring ancient alleyways, souvenir shops, museums, and palaces.
• Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center: This modern architectural masterpiece, designed by Zaha Hadid, is a cultural centre in Baku that hosts exhibitions and concerts. Its distinctive design challenges traditional concepts of architecture with its swooping shapes and lack of right angles.
• Relax on the beaches of the Absheron Peninsula: The Absheron Peninsula is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Novkhani and Bilgah, offering golden sands and a family-friendly environment.
• See the Flame Towers: These three skyscrapers are Baku's tallest buildings and offer an amazing view of the city from the observation deck. The towers are inspired by Azerbaijan's ancient practice of fire worship and are illuminated at night with over 10,000 LED lights, painting them with colours of fire, water, or the national flag.
• Visit the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape: Gobustan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses three rocky plateaus where over 6,000 rock engravings have been discovered, some dating back 40,000 years. The park is also home to remains of inhabited caves, burials, and other archaeological monuments.
• Explore the Caucasus Mountains: The Caucasus Mountains provide excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling, with scenic trails and comfortable temperatures during the spring and autumn months. The regions of Sheki and Quba are particularly popular for these activities.
• Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient temple dedicated to fire worship, located on the Absheron Peninsula. While the natural gas vent that once fuelled the fire has been exhausted, a flame is still maintained, tapped into Baku's main gas supply.
• Enjoy water sports on the Caspian Sea: Azerbaijan's Caspian Sea coastline offers unique opportunities for water sports enthusiasts, including surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. The summer months are ideal for these activities, with warmer weather and calmer seas.
• Visit the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum: This museum in Baku houses one of the world's most extensive rug and carpet collections, with over 10,000 items showcasing various weaving techniques and materials.
• Indulge in local cuisine: Azerbaijani cuisine combines elements from Turkish and Central Asian influences. While Baku has a variety of international restaurants, local dishes such as lamb kebabs, dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and plov (a traditional rice, meat, and vegetable dish) can be found in most rural restaurants.

Frequently asked questions