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 $916 including rent across Bulgaria.

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,423 including rent across Bulgaria.

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,929 including rent across Bulgaria.

Living costs in Bulgaria vary widely – from $725 in more affordable cities to $1,398 in major hubs, spanning a $673 range across 44 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.69 BGN 19.53

$7.02 BGN 11.72

$17.54 BGN 29.29

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$47.55 BGN 79.4

$29.72 BGN 49.63

$71.3 BGN 119

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.03 BGN 15.08

$7.83 BGN 13.07

$10.84 BGN 18.10

Cappuccino

$2.33 BGN 3.89

$1.20 BGN 2.00

$3.42 BGN 5.71

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

$1.55 BGN 2.60

$1.12 BGN 1.87

$2.35 BGN 3.92

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.08 BGN 1.80

$0.60 BGN 1.00

$1.80 BGN 3.01

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.31 BGN 3.86

$1.16 BGN 1.93

$3.47 BGN 5.80

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.02 BGN 5.04

$2.11 BGN 3.52

$4.23 BGN 7.06

Milk (1 liter)

$1.77 BGN 2.95

$1.38 BGN 2.30

$2.09 BGN 3.48

White Bread (500g)

$1.01 BGN 1.69

$0.64 BGN 1.07

$1.72 BGN 2.87

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.08 BGN 3.47

$1.15 BGN 1.92

$2.87 BGN 4.80

Eggs

$3.39 BGN 5.65

$2.08 BGN 3.47

$4.17 BGN 6.96

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.08 BGN 18.50

$7.05 BGN 11.78

$17.63 BGN 29.44

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.78 BGN 13.00

$4.59 BGN 7.67

$10.33 BGN 17.26

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$12.26 BGN 20.47

$7.11 BGN 11.88

$17.78 BGN 29.69

Apples (1kg)

$1.70 BGN 2.84

$1.11 BGN 1.86

$2.39 BGN 3.99

Banana (1kg)

$2.00 BGN 3.34

$1.29 BGN 2.16

$2.82 BGN 4.71

Oranges (1kg)

$1.82 BGN 3.03

$1.16 BGN 1.94

$2.91 BGN 4.86

Tomato (1kg)

$2.63 BGN 4.39

$1.51 BGN 2.52

$3.64 BGN 6.08

Potato (1kg)

$1.13 BGN 1.89

$0.60 BGN 1.01

$1.81 BGN 3.02

Onion (1kg)

$1.10 BGN 1.83

$0.60 BGN 1.00

$1.80 BGN 3.00

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.06 BGN 1.78

$0.58 BGN 0.97

$1.75 BGN 2.91

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.67 BGN 1.12

$0.48 BGN 0.80

$1.13 BGN 1.88

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.81 BGN 6.37

$3.60 BGN 6.01

$4.20 BGN 7.02

Wine (Bottle)

$7.31 BGN 12.21

$4.85 BGN 8.09

$12.17 BGN 20.32

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.07 BGN 1.79

$0.72 BGN 1.20

$1.48 BGN 2.48

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.71 BGN 2.85

$1.15 BGN 1.92

$2.30 BGN 3.85

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.90 BGN 1.50

$0.56 BGN 0.94

$1.13 BGN 1.88

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$29.65 BGN 49.51

$18.04 BGN 30.12

$35.57 BGN 59.4

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.39 BGN 2.32

$1.07 BGN 1.78

$1.73 BGN 2.89

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.66 BGN 1.11

$0.52 BGN 0.87

$1.02 BGN 1.70

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$12.17 BGN 20.33

$9.27 BGN 15.49

$15.65 BGN 26.14

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.52 BGN 2.53

$1.46 BGN 2.43

$1.64 BGN 2.73

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

$32.3K BGN 54.0K

$29.6K BGN 49.4K

$32.3K BGN 54.0K

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

$27.9K BGN 46.6K

$24.6K BGN 41.1K

$34.0K BGN 56.7K

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

$124 BGN 207

$74.9 BGN 125

$206 BGN 343

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

$17.40 BGN 29.06

$11.61 BGN 19.38

$23.21 BGN 38.76

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$14.71 BGN 24.57

$10.77 BGN 17.98

$23.93 BGN 39.96

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$35.61 BGN 59.5

$20.82 BGN 34.77

$53.5 BGN 89.4

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$15.88 BGN 26.51

$8.82 BGN 14.73

$23.52 BGN 39.28

Cinema Ticket

$8.92 BGN 14.90

$5.95 BGN 9.93

$11.90 BGN 19.87

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

$536 BGN 896

$359 BGN 600

$778 BGN 1,299

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$7,555 BGN 12.6K

$4,097 BGN 6,843

$17.6K BGN 29.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$58.2 BGN 97.2

$29.63 BGN 49.48

$119 BGN 198

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$33.16 BGN 55.4

$17.48 BGN 29.19

$58.3 BGN 97.3

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$95.4 BGN 159

$59.2 BGN 98.8

$148 BGN 247

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$99.5 BGN 166

$49.49 BGN 82.7

$146 BGN 243

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$483 BGN 806

$289 BGN 483

$810 BGN 1,353

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$375 BGN 626

$205 BGN 343

$587 BGN 980

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$885 BGN 1,479

$476 BGN 794

$1,486 BGN 2,482

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$645 BGN 1,077

$359 BGN 600

$1,078 BGN 1,800

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,386 BGN 3,984

$1,345 BGN 2,247

$4,892 BGN 8,170

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,573 BGN 2,627

$1,015 BGN 1,695

$3,217 BGN 5,372

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,166 BGN 1,947

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: April 21, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $309 across Bulgaria. For reference, capital rent is $683 in Sofia, and $118 in Kardzhali.

National average salary: $1,069. With average costs at $916, most workers manage but need to budget carefully.

Expect to spend about $219 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $35 for two.

In Sofia (capital), expect about $1,398 per month, while Kardzhali offers the lowest costs at $725 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall living costs ($916) is 32% below the global median of $1,340.

Average rent ($309) is 50% below the global median of $621.

Dining out ($35) is 27% below the global median of $48.

Public transport ($26) is 21% below the global median of $33.

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	$606	$912	$1,750	$1,972	92.97	69.9
2	Bansko	8000	50	$449	$1,005	$1,180	$2,037	66.32	85.28
3	Blagoevgrad	75079	39	$429	$780	$1,151	$1,697	55.25	146.72
4	Botevgrad	21241	42	$477	$862	$1,336	$1,761	173.56	50.67
5	Burgas	189741	57	$646	$1,147	$1,633	$2,313	216.63	148.09
6	Dimitrovgrad	49061	38	$570	$773	$1,416	$1,519	23.37	74.52
7	Dobrich	89627	43	$568	$860	$1,199	$1,830	121.79	117.02
8	Dupnica	37081	48	$623	$980	$1,363	$2,015	63.5	112.49
9	Elin Pelin	7200	46	$565	$920	$1,262	$1,903	316.44	152.53
10	Gabrovo	59611	41	$488	$801	$1,548	$1,771	249.1	66.62
11	Gorna Oryahovitsa	40000	48	$632	$949	$1,409	$1,942	65.84	120.5
12	Haskovo	76587	43	$530	$876	$1,701	$1,898	20.7	108.6
13	Kardzhali	49421	36	$611	$725	$1,203	$1,629	179.24	84.1
14	Karlovo	23919	40	$471	$782	$1,411	$1,679	121.06	49.81
15	Kazanlak	49032	44	$548	$852	$1,460	$1,794	28.74	123.53
16	Kyustendil	47640	41	$452	$822	$1,370	$1,666	248	143.97
17	Lovech	37297	53	$666	$1,033	$1,676	$2,174	112.45	92.27
18	Montana	44502	42	$570	$848	$1,594	$1,866	243.83	84.67
19	Pazardzhik	76739	49	$644	$962	$1,652	$1,938	63.15	95.92
20	Pernik	78342	44	$442	$874	$1,246	$1,733	68.84	170.59
21	Pleven	111567	41	$616	$825	$1,157	$1,806	111.83	138.58
22	Plovdiv	368983	55	$652	$1,071	$1,667	$2,359	155.96	145.22
23	Pomorie	13919	47	$582	$935	$1,601	$2,015	92.23	98.36
24	Popovo	15878	45	$463	$873	$1,505	$1,772	60.28	142.75
25	Razgrad	35049	41	$537	$828	$1,195	$1,658	193.82	119.03
26	Ruse	159798	47	$537	$922	$1,319	$2,001	69.91	144.02
27	Samokov	25138	51	$587	$997	$1,726	$2,084	30.74	92.64
28	Sandanski	28058	49	$709	$951	$1,406	$2,090	22.55	75.62
29	Shumen	85504	44	$580	$897	$1,574	$1,900	19.31	108.56
30	Silistra	37923	45	$544	$923	$1,523	$1,831	174.3	134.79
31	Sliven	95806	38	$572	$760	$1,290	$1,654	162.28	121.11
32	Smolyan	30507	38	$502	$753	$1,365	$1,662	35.22	59.58
33	Sofia	1286383	70	$737	$1,398	$1,836	$2,951	89.42	190.9
34	Stara Zagora	149266	43	$532	$841	$1,347	$1,782	177.09	88.13
35	Sunny Beach	-	55	$680	$1,093	$1,411	$2,235	114.49	77.47
36	Svishtov	33000	48	$594	$966	$1,490	$2,024	122.87	110.81
37	Targovishte	39578	43	$489	$865	$1,519	$1,900	53.87	100.2
38	Troyan	23422	46	$680	$933	$1,539	$1,938	239.72	88.84
39	Tutrakan	8000	46	$655	$921	$1,273	$1,903	46.69	77.41
40	Varna	348058	61	$695	$1,216	$1,723	$2,491	64.55	173.31
41	Veliko Tarnovo	71150	48	$611	$977	$1,538	$2,109	106.06	146.82
42	Vidin	50977	41	$557	$803	$1,330	$1,832	137.32	66.07
43	Vratsa	60877	47	$510	$929	$1,368	$1,934	61.8	132.75
44	Yambol	76599	42	$582	$844	$1,220	$1,791	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 $725 to $1,398 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.

$2,000 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.