Living in Armenia

Armenia offers a compelling mix of ancient history, natural beauty and affordable costs for those considering relocation. Here are the main attractions of living in Armenia:

Why Move to Armenia?

• Nature – Armenia has stunning natural scenery with mountains, canyons, glacial lakes and vital rivers. The landscape invites hiking, climbing, skiing and other outdoor activities.
• Cost of living – Living costs in Armenia are significantly lower than Western Europe, making it an affordable option for residents seeking value.
• Culture – Armenian culture dates back millennia with influences from empires like Persia, Rome and Russia. Traditions remain rooted in faith, family and hospitality.
• Emerging economy – Armenia’s economy is transitioning from Soviet industry toward knowledge-based sectors like IT, tourism and mining. New opportunities are developing.
• Identity – Armenians have a strong sense of national identity tied to Christianity, the Armenian language and historical lands spanning multiple modern countries.
• Lifestyle – Armenians enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, spending weekends hiking, climbing, skiing and relaxing in cafés and public squares. The pace of life remains relaxed.

Living in Armenia: Pros and Cons

Pros: lower costs of living, proximity to nature, emerging job market, vibrant cultural life, strong national identity

Cons: underdeveloped infrastructure, political tensions with neighbors, limited work for non-Armenian speakers, colder winters

The Cost of Living in Armenia: A Comprehensive Guide

Living costs in Armenia are significantly lower than Europe:

• Housing – Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Yerevan averages around $200-300 per month. Property prices also remain affordable.
• Food – Grocery costs are 30-50% lower due to efficient agriculture and supply chains. Restaurant prices tend to be reasonable.
• Utilities – Bills for gas, electricity and heating are inexpensive due to subsidies and lower tariffs. Internet service is also affordable.
• Healthcare – Armenia has a public health system that provides universal coverage at low costs for treatments and prescriptions.
• Transportation – Public transit costs around $0.30-$0.50 per ride. Vehicle costs and fuel prices align with Eastern Europe.

Quality of Life in Armenia

Armenia ranks moderately for overall quality of living by global standards:

• Health – Life expectancy reached 74.4 years but remains below average. The public health system faces challenges of efficiency and modernization.
• Education – Literacy exceeds 99.7% and education is free through university level. However, teaching standards still fall short of more developed systems.
• Safety – Crime rates increased in recent decades but remain lower than some neighboring countries. Yerevan is considered safe for tourists and expats.
• Infrastructure – While improving, roads, internet access and other public services remain below European standards due to underinvestment.

A Beginner’s Guide to Armenia Culture

Armenian culture has deep historical roots with influences from Persia, Greece, Rome and the Ottoman Empire:

• Language – Armenian is the official language, part of the small family of Indo-European languages with Armenian roots. Russian and English proficiency are widespread.
• Religion – The majority of Armenians are Christian belonging to the Armenian Apostolic Church, with Armenian Orthodox and Armenian Catholic minorities.
• Food – Traditional cuisine features flatbread, dumplings, stuffed vegetables, soups and stews, spiced meats and an emphasis on fresh herbs. Fermented grape drinks are common beverages.
• Arts – Armenian architecture, music and crafts blend influences from empires that once ruled over historic Armenia.
• Identity – Armenians maintain a strong sense of national and cultural identity linked to their Christian faith and millennia of history.

Best Places to Live in Armenia

Top cities and towns for residents include:

1. Yerevan – The capital city has the most job opportunities, amenities and cultural attractions but also higher living costs and traffic.
2. Dilijan – This tranquil town in the mountains north of Yerevan is known for its arboretum, national park and opportunities for rural living.
3. Gyumri – Armenia’s second-largest city historically known as “Armenian Bordeaux” for its once large wine industry.
4. Lake Sevan – The world’s largest altitude lake offers beaches, fishing villages and opportunities for outdoor recreation in adjoining mountains.
5. Yeghegnadzor – A picturesque town in the Armenian highlands known for its monastery and nearby wineries.

In conclusion, living in Armenia provides a compelling blend of historical and cultural depth, opportunities in an emerging economy, affordable costs and access to stunning natural landscapes. Underdeveloped infrastructure, capital shortages and regional tensions remain challenges but are balanced by Armenia’s strong sense of cultural and national identity. For residents seeking an alternative to more expensive European destinations, Armenia presents a compelling yet little known option.