Cost of Living in Bulgaria

If you've ever considered moving to Bulgaria, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Bulgaria?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Bulgaria and whether the reported $1164 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $672.3.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Bulgaria
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

7.33 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

31.77 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

5.86 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

1.47 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.95 $

Cappuccino (regular)

1.46 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.05 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.71 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.17 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

0.79 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.63 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.01 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

7.01 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

5.77 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

8.73 $

Apples (1 lb)

1.29 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.38 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.22 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.93 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.75 $

Onion (1 lb)

0.7 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.73 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.52 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

4.89 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

0.75 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.24 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

2.93 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.78 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

24.44 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

0.93 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.49 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

7.33 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.45 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

19549.39 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

19186.5 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

105.86 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.15 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

10.67 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

23.61 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

10.25 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

6.35 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

320.58 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

5077.33 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

51.05 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

25.97 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

64.86 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

72.04 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

312.74 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

236.08 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

540.03 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

398.64 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1569.7 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1081.96 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

672.3 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

3.28 %

Bulgaria

How Safe Is Bulgaria for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Bulgaria

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Bulgaria is very safe, generally. Crime rates are low and the most common form of crime is car theft and break-ins. Areas to avoid are the red light district near Pliska Hotel and park areas near Lion's Bridge, or Lvov Most.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Transportation is relatively safe and reliable in Bulgaria, but it is still somewhat known for reckless drivers and the driving is very hectic.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There is some risk of encountering a pickpocket, especially in larger cities such as Sofia. Apply the basic laws of precaution to avoid such a situation, and follow your common sense.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Bulgaria has experienced some earthquakes, fortunately with mild consequences. In the mountainous regions, avalanches are possible.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Bulgaria is mostly safe when it comes to mugging and kidnapping, but it is recommended that you avoid poorly lit and deserted streets and dangerous areas known for street crime like the park areas near Lion's Bridge, or Lvov Most.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Bulgaria's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

As in any tourist destination, there is risk of getting scammed. Check your change twice, negotiate everything in advance, never pay upfront, and be wary of people trying to distract your offering you unsolicited help with your luggage or anything else, as it might be a trick to steal from you. The most common scam is taxi drivers overcharging for rides.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Single women shouldn't have any problems, although special vigilance is advised around Sofia. Be extremely cautious around poorly lit or deserted streets and areas filled with clubs and bars as drunken people may cause havoc.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Most countries do not need a visa for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you might have to acquire a visa. Make sure your passport is valid at least six months past your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

The Bulgarian lev is the official currency in Bulgaria. It is still largely a cash economy, and due to the potential for fraud, it is advised to use credit cards sparingly and with caution - for example, in establishments such as large supermarket chains or reputable hotels.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Considering it's a relatively small country, Bulgaria has a variable and complex climate. Heavy snowfalls are common throughout the country from December to mid-March, and expected in the mountainous areas of Bulgaria. July is the hottest month in Bulgaria with an average temperature of about 23°C,

flight_takeoff

Airports

Sofia Airport is the busiest international airport of Bulgaria located 10 km from the centre of the capital city Sofia.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Bulgaria, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Bulgaria with other countries

Cost of living in countries