Cost of Living in Bulgaria

Updated: January 01, 2025

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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 7.33 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 31.77 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.17 USD, a loaf of bread 0.79 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.01 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.78 USD and a monthly pass around 24.44 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 105.86 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 23.61 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 10.25 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 320.58 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 5077.33 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 51.05 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 64.86 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 312.74 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 236.08 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 1569.7 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1081.96 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 672.3 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 3.28% annually.

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.

Cost of Living in Bulgaria

Bulgaria

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing