In September 2017, the average cost of cooking one standard Imeretian khachapuri varied across Georgian cities, from 3.33 GEL (the minimum observed in Tbilisi), to 3.85 GEL (the maximum observed in Telavi). The average price was 3.63 GEL, which is 5.5% higher compared to the previous month (August 2017), and 6% higher compared to September of last year.

The least expensive city – Tbilisi – offers the highest savings for those “frugal housewives” who look for the cheapest ingredients for khachapuri. Thus, in Tbilisi, a frugal housewife would pay only 2.66 GEL (minimum price) for one portion of khachapuri, saving a solid 20.1% of the average price. Telavi and Batumi are less friendly to frugal housewives, offering savings of 10.1% and 10.2%, respectively. In the second-largest city of Georgia – Kutaisi – prices are the highest (3.74 GEL) after Telavi, however, overall it offers quite a good deal to seekers of low prices.

A frugal housewife would pay 14.4% less than the average price if she buys khachapuri ingredients in Kutaisi, where the minimum price is 3.20 GEL. The reason behind the differences in savings between cities might be explained by the level of market diversification and competition. Both would be expected to be the highest in Tbilisi, which offers the lowest price and the highest savings to frugal housewives.