Cost of Living in Bulgaria - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Bulgaria
Address: BG

Monthly Cost of Living

Average monthly costs for a single person come to about $914 including rent across Bulgaria.

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,419 including rent across Bulgaria.

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,923 including rent across Bulgaria.

Living costs in Bulgaria vary widely – from $714 in more affordable cities to $1,373 in major hubs, spanning a $659 range across 44 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.62 BGN 19.34

$6.97 BGN 11.60

$17.44 BGN 29.00

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$47.78 BGN 79.5

$29.86 BGN 49.68

$71.7 BGN 119

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.74 BGN 14.54

$7.57 BGN 12.60

$10.49 BGN 17.45

Cappuccino

$2.22 BGN 3.70

$1.15 BGN 1.91

$3.26 BGN 5.43

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.54 BGN 2.57

$1.11 BGN 1.85

$2.33 BGN 3.88

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.04 BGN 1.73

$0.58 BGN 0.96

$1.73 BGN 2.88

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.34 BGN 3.89

$1.17 BGN 1.94

$3.50 BGN 5.83

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.99 BGN 4.97

$2.09 BGN 3.47

$4.18 BGN 6.96

Milk (1 liter)

$1.86 BGN 3.09

$1.45 BGN 2.41

$2.19 BGN 3.65

White Bread (500g)

$1.02 BGN 1.69

$0.65 BGN 1.07

$1.73 BGN 2.88

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.12 BGN 3.53

$1.17 BGN 1.95

$2.93 BGN 4.88

Eggs

$3.39 BGN 5.64

$2.08 BGN 3.46

$4.17 BGN 6.94

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.90 BGN 18.13

$6.94 BGN 11.54

$17.35 BGN 28.86

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.99 BGN 13.28

$4.71 BGN 7.84

$10.60 BGN 17.63

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.12 BGN 20.16

$7.03 BGN 11.70

$17.58 BGN 29.25

Apples (1kg)

$1.69 BGN 2.82

$1.11 BGN 1.84

$2.38 BGN 3.96

Banana (1kg)

$2.00 BGN 3.33

$1.30 BGN 2.16

$2.83 BGN 4.71

Oranges (1kg)

$1.81 BGN 3.00

$1.16 BGN 1.93

$2.89 BGN 4.81

Tomato (1kg)

$2.61 BGN 4.34

$1.50 BGN 2.49

$3.61 BGN 6.00

Potato (1kg)

$1.14 BGN 1.90

$0.61 BGN 1.01

$1.82 BGN 3.02

Onion (1kg)

$1.07 BGN 1.78

$0.58 BGN 0.97

$1.75 BGN 2.91

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.06 BGN 1.76

$0.58 BGN 0.96

$1.73 BGN 2.88

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.68 BGN 1.13

$0.49 BGN 0.81

$1.15 BGN 1.91

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.65 BGN 6.07

$3.45 BGN 5.73

$4.02 BGN 6.69

Wine (Bottle)

$7.18 BGN 11.95

$4.49 BGN 7.46

$11.96 BGN 19.90

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.08 BGN 1.79

$0.72 BGN 1.20

$1.49 BGN 2.48

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.72 BGN 2.86

$1.16 BGN 1.93

$2.32 BGN 3.85

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.91 BGN 1.52

$0.57 BGN 0.95

$1.15 BGN 1.91

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$29.66 BGN 49.34

$18.05 BGN 30.02

$35.59 BGN 59.2

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.44 BGN 2.39

$1.10 BGN 1.83

$1.79 BGN 2.98

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.68 BGN 1.13

$0.53 BGN 0.88

$1.04 BGN 1.74

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$12.31 BGN 20.48

$9.38 BGN 15.60

$15.83 BGN 26.33

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.56 BGN 2.60

$1.50 BGN 2.50

$1.69 BGN 2.81

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$31.9K BGN 53.1K

$29.2K BGN 48.5K

$31.9K BGN 53.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$27.8K BGN 46.3K

$24.5K BGN 40.8K

$33.9K BGN 56.4K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$126 BGN 210

$76.1 BGN 127

$209 BGN 347

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$17.79 BGN 29.60

$11.87 BGN 19.75

$23.74 BGN 39.49

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$14.75 BGN 24.54

$10.80 BGN 17.96

$23.99 BGN 39.91

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$34.85 BGN 58.0

$20.38 BGN 33.90

$52.4 BGN 87.2

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$15.61 BGN 25.97

$8.67 BGN 14.43

$23.13 BGN 38.48

Cinema Ticket

$8.97 BGN 14.91

$5.98 BGN 9.94

$11.95 BGN 19.89

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

$536 BGN 891

$359 BGN 596

$777 BGN 1,292

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$7,636 BGN 12.7K

$4,141 BGN 6,889

$17.7K BGN 29.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$57.3 BGN 95.3

$29.17 BGN 48.52

$117 BGN 194

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$32.95 BGN 54.8

$17.37 BGN 28.89

$57.9 BGN 96.3

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$95.8 BGN 159

$59.4 BGN 98.8

$148 BGN 247

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$102 BGN 169

$50.6 BGN 84.1

$149 BGN 247

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$489 BGN 814

$293 BGN 488

$821 BGN 1,366

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$382 BGN 636

$210 BGN 349

$599 BGN 996

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$869 BGN 1,446

$467 BGN 777

$1,459 BGN 2,427

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$637 BGN 1,059

$355 BGN 590

$1,063 BGN 1,769

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,406 BGN 4,003

$1,248 BGN 2,075

$4,696 BGN 7,812

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,671 BGN 2,780

$954 BGN 1,588

$3,497 BGN 5,818

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,162 BGN 1,932

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

3.92

2.8

5.7

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: May 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $310 across Bulgaria. For reference, capital rent is $696 in Sofia, and $117 in Kardzhali.

National average salary: $1,079. With average costs at $914, most workers manage but need to budget carefully.

Expect to spend about $218 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $35.00 for two.

In Sofia (capital), expect about $1,373 per month, while Kardzhali offers the lowest costs at $714 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($914) is 32% below the global median of $1,340.

Average rent ($310) is 51% below the global median of $627.

Dining out ($35.00) is 27% below the global median of $48.00.

Public transport ($26.00) is 21% below the global median of $33.00.

By City in Bulgaria

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Asenovgrad	54778	46	$649	$899	$1,387	$1,960	92.97	69.9
2	Bansko	8000	50	$492	$1,025	$1,372	$2,019	66.32	85.28
3	Blagoevgrad	75079	39	$505	$773	$1,426	$1,679	55.25	146.72
4	Botevgrad	21241	42	$609	$831	$1,521	$1,759	173.56	50.67
5	Burgas	189741	57	$620	$1,134	$1,676	$2,294	216.63	148.09
6	Dimitrovgrad	49061	38	$532	$772	$1,398	$1,529	23.37	74.52
7	Dobrich	89627	43	$497	$851	$1,271	$1,823	121.79	117.02
8	Dupnica	37081	48	$633	$965	$1,407	$2,059	63.5	112.49
9	Elin Pelin	7200	46	$509	$897	$1,617	$1,893	316.44	152.53
10	Gabrovo	59611	41	$607	$832	$1,398	$1,763	249.1	66.62
11	Gorna Oryahovitsa	40000	48	$701	$966	$1,471	$1,936	65.84	120.5
12	Haskovo	76587	43	$611	$864	$1,382	$1,941	20.7	108.6
13	Kardzhali	49421	36	$530	$714	$1,351	$1,573	179.24	84.1
14	Karlovo	23919	40	$455	$791	$1,349	$1,718	121.06	49.81
15	Kazanlak	49032	44	$498	$859	$1,146	$1,803	28.74	123.53
16	Kyustendil	47640	41	$509	$816	$1,243	$1,715	248	143.97
17	Lovech	37297	53	$700	$1,055	$1,566	$2,148	112.45	92.27
18	Montana	44502	42	$515	$842	$1,621	$1,805	243.83	84.67
19	Pazardzhik	76739	49	$575	$968	$1,608	$1,965	63.15	95.92
20	Pernik	78342	44	$576	$883	$1,186	$1,723	68.84	170.59
21	Pleven	111567	41	$479	$820	$1,469	$1,755	111.83	138.58
22	Plovdiv	368983	55	$640	$1,102	$1,491	$2,321	155.96	145.22
23	Pomorie	13919	47	$664	$943	$1,770	$2,042	92.23	98.36
24	Popovo	15878	44	$506	$891	$1,372	$1,803	60.28	142.75
25	Razgrad	35049	41	$496	$802	$1,471	$1,697	193.82	119.03
26	Ruse	159798	47	$648	$919	$1,364	$1,982	69.91	144.02
27	Samokov	25138	51	$747	$996	$1,799	$2,092	30.74	92.64
28	Sandanski	28058	48	$634	$973	$1,869	$2,072	22.55	75.62
29	Shumen	85504	44	$528	$873	$1,521	$1,866	19.31	108.56
30	Silistra	37923	45	$655	$922	$1,424	$1,792	174.3	134.79
31	Sliven	95806	38	$545	$761	$1,300	$1,653	162.28	121.11
32	Smolyan	30507	38	$479	$753	$1,132	$1,682	35.22	59.58
33	Sofia	1286383	70	$789	$1,373	$1,870	$2,892	89.42	190.9
34	Stara Zagora	149266	43	$553	$864	$1,408	$1,796	177.09	88.13
35	Sunny Beach	-	55	$550	$1,094	$1,551	$2,276	114.49	77.47
36	Svishtov	33000	48	$534	$955	$1,433	$2,002	122.87	110.81
37	Targovishte	39578	43	$644	$856	$1,421	$1,850	53.87	100.2
38	Troyan	23422	46	$630	$939	$1,401	$1,937	239.72	88.84
39	Tutrakan	8000	46	$632	$910	$1,248	$1,904	46.69	77.41
40	Varna	348058	61	$772	$1,189	$1,776	$2,489	64.55	173.31
41	Veliko Tarnovo	71150	48	$532	$952	$1,356	$2,118	106.06	146.82
42	Vidin	50977	41	$589	$808	$1,219	$1,834	137.32	66.07
43	Vratsa	60877	47	$542	$915	$1,357	$1,909	61.8	132.75
44	Yambol	76599	42	$537	$854	$1,477	$1,738	257.02	91.94

Bulgaria Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in Bulgaria - Frequently Asked Questions

Bulgaria tends to offer a strong value proposition for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Rents are typically more affordable than in Western Europe, and you can find clean, well-connected neighborhoods outside peak tourist zones at reasonable prices. Food, transit, and services generally stay budget-friendly, with plenty of local options that let you stretch a monthly budget without sacrificing comfort. The Cost of Living in Bulgaria varies by city and neighborhood, but steady infrastructure development supports longer stays and steady wifi in many shared spaces. Seasonal tourism can push prices up briefly in coastal towns, while inland towns stay steadier. Tip: choose neighborhoods with good transit links and short commutes to save time and money.

Daily life centers on practical choices: search housing near reliable transit, test a few groceries from local markets, and mix work-friendly cafes with occasional coworking spaces. In Sofia, Varna, and Plovdiv you will find affordable transit passes and a growing scene for digital nomads, while smaller towns offer quieter routines and tighter budgets. Bulgaria living cost can shift with the season, especially along the coast when tourism peaks. Tip: look for longer leases to lock in steady monthly rates and negotiate utility inclusions to prevent surprises.

Quality of life in Bulgaria combines vibrant history, friendly neighborhoods, and slower tempos that suit you as a remote worker. Build a simple budgeting framework around housing, groceries, utilities, and local leisure. Expect modest but steady costs that rise with coastal seasons and tourism, so plan a monthly buffer for peak months. For neighborhood fit, look for walkable cores with easy transit access, parks, and nearby markets rather than purely tourist areas. Practical savings come from shared accommodation, cooking at home, and taking advantage of municipal events or free cultural offerings. Tip: create a monthly baseline, then add a seasonal adjustment and a small reserve for unexpected repairs or travel.

As a lower-cost destination, Bulgaria attracts expats, retirees, and long-term visitors on fixed budgets. Smaller cities are especially wallet-friendly, while bigger centers charge more but remain competitive globally.

As of 2026, living expenses in Bulgaria span $714 to $1,373 monthly. Capitals and tourist hotspots sit at the top end; provincial towns offer substantially cheaper living.

Outside the capital and tourist areas, costs in Bulgaria drop fast. Kardzhali is one of the best budget options – lower costs without giving up access to essential services and everyday amenities.

$800 a month goes far in Bulgaria, especially outside the big cities. It's a realistic single-person budget that covers housing, food, transport, and leisure comfortably.

Living in Bulgaria is cheap by global standards. Regional cities offer the best value, with the capital Sofia sitting higher. Low living costs are one of the country's main draws for expats, retirees, and anyone stretching a budget.