Last update: Oct 2026 6.8M

Cost of Living in Bulgaria

Name: Bulgaria
Address: BG

Across Bulgaria, living costs for one person average $1,172 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $22 a day.

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🇧🇬 Bulgaria

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Bulgaria

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Bulgaria actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Average monthly costs for a single person come to about $1,172 including rent across Bulgaria.

$1,172 /mo

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,793 including rent across Bulgaria.

$1,793 /mo

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,415 including rent across Bulgaria.

$2,415 /mo

Living costs in Bulgaria vary widely – from $554 in the most affordable city to $1,609 in the most expensive one, spanning a $1,055 range across 44 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.26 BGN 19.71

$6.76 BGN 11.83

$19.83 BGN 34.70

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$45.53 BGN 79.7

$28.44 BGN 49.78

$89.0 BGN 156

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.38 BGN 18.17

$8.66 BGN 15.15

$12.41 BGN 21.72

Cappuccino

$2.55 BGN 4.46

$1.16 BGN 2.03

$4.54 BGN 7.94

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

$1.59 BGN 2.79

$1.10 BGN 1.93

$2.74 BGN 4.80

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.21 BGN 2.12

$0.84 BGN 1.46

$2.18 BGN 3.81

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.24 BGN 3.92

$1.11 BGN 1.95

$4.37 BGN 7.65

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.29 BGN 5.76

$1.96 BGN 3.44

$5.49 BGN 9.61

Milk (1 liter)

$1.78 BGN 3.11

$1.34 BGN 2.35

$2.20 BGN 3.85

White Bread (500g)

$1.17 BGN 2.05

$0.71 BGN 1.24

$2.30 BGN 4.02

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.21 BGN 3.86

$1.13 BGN 1.98

$2.94 BGN 5.15

Eggs

$3.53 BGN 6.17

$2.09 BGN 3.67

$5.32 BGN 9.31

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.34 BGN 18.09

$6.88 BGN 12.04

$16.84 BGN 29.47

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.07 BGN 14.12

$4.64 BGN 8.12

$11.36 BGN 19.88

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.17 BGN 23.04

$6.76 BGN 11.83

$20.18 BGN 35.31

Apples (1kg)

$1.76 BGN 3.08

$1.06 BGN 1.85

$2.93 BGN 5.13

Banana (1kg)

$1.96 BGN 3.43

$1.25 BGN 2.19

$2.72 BGN 4.77

Oranges (1kg)

$1.82 BGN 3.18

$1.08 BGN 1.89

$2.83 BGN 4.95

Tomato (1kg)

$2.77 BGN 4.84

$1.62 BGN 2.84

$4.53 BGN 7.92

Potato (1kg)

$1.06 BGN 1.85

$0.54 BGN 0.95

$2.17 BGN 3.80

Onion (1kg)

$1.02 BGN 1.78

$0.56 BGN 0.98

$1.67 BGN 2.93

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.07 BGN 1.87

$0.58 BGN 1.01

$1.74 BGN 3.04

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.72 BGN 1.26

$0.55 BGN 0.96

$1.12 BGN 1.96

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.89 BGN 6.80

$3.42 BGN 5.98

$4.62 BGN 8.08

Wine (Bottle)

$7.03 BGN 12.30

$4.12 BGN 7.22

$11.73 BGN 20.52

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.07 BGN 1.87

$0.68 BGN 1.19

$1.66 BGN 2.90

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.75 BGN 3.06

$1.13 BGN 1.98

$2.89 BGN 5.06

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.87 BGN 1.52

$0.56 BGN 0.97

$1.09 BGN 1.91

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$28.86 BGN 50.5

$17.36 BGN 30.38

$34.76 BGN 60.8

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.48 BGN 2.59

$1.13 BGN 1.98

$2.27 BGN 3.98

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.72 BGN 1.26

$0.55 BGN 0.97

$1.11 BGN 1.93

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$12.13 BGN 21.23

$10.39 BGN 18.18

$17.30 BGN 30.28

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.65 BGN 2.89

$1.37 BGN 2.40

$1.87 BGN 3.26

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

$30.5K BGN 53.4K

$30.5K BGN 53.3K

$30.5K BGN 53.4K

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

$24.2K BGN 42.3K

$22.3K BGN 39.1K

$26.9K BGN 47.0K

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

$129 BGN 226

$74.2 BGN 130

$233 BGN 407

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

$18.28 BGN 31.99

$11.35 BGN 19.87

$27.75 BGN 48.57

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$13.72 BGN 24.00

$8.88 BGN 15.55

$22.69 BGN 39.71

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$35.60 BGN 62.3

$19.95 BGN 34.90

$55.8 BGN 97.7

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$18.00 BGN 31.50

$10.13 BGN 17.73

$27.57 BGN 48.25

Cinema Ticket

$8.61 BGN 15.06

$5.74 BGN 10.05

$11.24 BGN 19.67

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

$587 BGN 1,027

$320 BGN 560

$1,028 BGN 1,799

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,618 BGN 16.8K

$4,699 BGN 8,223

$15.3K BGN 26.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$58.0 BGN 101

$27.65 BGN 48.39

$113 BGN 198

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$33.26 BGN 58.2

$16.96 BGN 29.69

$57.9 BGN 101

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$89.3 BGN 156

$50.9 BGN 89.0

$130 BGN 227

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$88.4 BGN 155

$46.05 BGN 80.6

$144 BGN 252

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$496 BGN 869

$260 BGN 455

$848 BGN 1,483

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$373 BGN 652

$196 BGN 344

$658 BGN 1,152

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$806 BGN 1,410

$375 BGN 656

$1,691 BGN 2,959

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$595 BGN 1,041

$319 BGN 557

$1,138 BGN 1,992

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,170 BGN 3,797

$1,207 BGN 2,112

$4,389 BGN 7,682

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,626 BGN 2,845

$971 BGN 1,700

$3,247 BGN 5,683

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,159 BGN 2,028

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

3.16

2.5

5.7

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

Last update: October 26, 2026

Monthly budget structure

Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.

Bulgaria $1,172

Accommodation & Living

$373 31.8%

Groceries & Markets

$246 21%

Eating Out

$181 15.4%

Monthly Utilities & Internet

$161 13.8%

Clothing & Footwear

$121 10.3%

Sport & Entertainment

$53 4.5%

Getting Around

$37 3.2%

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $336 in Bulgaria. For reference, capital rent is $789 in Sofia, and $143 in Targovishte.

National average salary: $1,044. With average costs at $1,172, the gap is significant. Expats and remote workers with foreign income benefit most.

Expect to spend about $213 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant averages $38 for two.

In Sofia (capital), expect about $1,609 per month, while Targovishte offers the lowest costs at $554 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall cost of living ($1,172) is 14% below the global median of $1,361.

Average rent ($336) is 49% below the global median of $661.

Dinner for two at a restaurant ($38) is 21% below the global median of $48.

Public transport ($25) is 24% below the global median of $33.

Good to know

🕒 Local time

23:01 11:01 PM

🌤 Weather

👥 Population

6,795,803

💱 Currency

Bulgarian Lev BGN лв.

📈 Exchange rate

1 BGN = 0.571 USD

1 BGN = 0.513 EUR

Exchange rates and currency converter

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	44	$627	$916	$1,582	$2,002	92.97	69.9
2	Bansko	8000	46	$506	$964	$1,317	$1,978	66.32	85.28
3	Blagoevgrad	75079	40	$487	$834	$1,217	$1,761	55.25	146.72
4	Botevgrad	21241	37	$494	$774	$1,187	$1,684	173.56	50.67
5	Burgas	189741	60	$680	$1,232	$1,703	$2,419	216.63	148.09
6	Dimitrovgrad	49061	42	$533	$876	$1,276	$1,680	23.37	74.52
7	Dobrich	89627	29	$545	$596	$1,321	$1,372	121.79	117.02
8	Dupnica	37081	42	$517	$841	$1,389	$1,879	63.5	112.49
9	Elin Pelin	7200	46	$585	$980	$1,475	$2,030	316.44	152.53
10	Gabrovo	59611	47	$600	$989	$1,450	$1,954	249.1	66.62
11	Gorna Oryahovitsa	40000	46	$606	$970	$1,460	$2,011	65.84	120.5
12	Haskovo	76587	41	$601	$858	$1,550	$1,942	20.7	108.6
13	Kardzhali	49421	32	$476	$651	$1,149	$1,484	179.24	84.1
14	Karlovo	23919	38	$499	$789	$1,261	$1,771	121.06	49.81
15	Kazanlak	49032	42	$558	$876	$1,489	$1,919	28.74	123.53
16	Kyustendil	47640	39	$452	$801	$1,161	$1,659	248	143.97
17	Lovech	37297	47	$623	$983	$1,546	$2,054	112.45	92.27
18	Montana	44502	40	$574	$829	$1,436	$1,830	243.83	84.67
19	Pazardzhik	76739		$464	$808	$1,129	$1,248	63.15	95.92
20	Pernik	78342	41	$497	$845	$1,194	$1,288	68.84	170.59
21	Pleven	111567	43	$621	$887	$1,520	$1,948	111.83	138.58
22	Plovdiv	368983	59	$695	$1,227	$1,746	$2,522	155.96	145.22
23	Pomorie	13919	44	$558	$941	$1,438	$1,889	92.23	98.36
24	Popovo	15878	44	$544	$873	$1,329	$1,883	60.28	142.75
25	Razgrad	35049	40	$557	$826	$1,344	$1,715	193.82	119.03
26	Ruse	159798	47	$576	$973	$1,428	$1,945	69.91	144.02
27	Samokov	25138	51	$686	$1,040	$1,726	$2,211	30.74	92.64
28	Sandanski	28058	50	$673	$1,044	$1,696	$2,207	22.55	75.62
29	Shumen	85504	44	$600	$913	$1,465	$1,931	19.31	108.56
30	Silistra	37923	42	$527	$879	$1,274	$1,613	174.3	134.79
31	Sliven	95806	37	$544	$774	$1,334	$1,675	162.28	121.11
32	Smolyan	30507	35	$479	$725	$1,243	$1,581	35.22	59.58
33	Sofia	1286383	77	$844	$1,609	$2,183	$3,381	89.42	190.9
34	Stara Zagora	149266	44	$538	$908	$1,431	$1,921	177.09	88.13
35	Sunny Beach	13347	50	$586	$1,040	$1,497	$2,128	114.49	77.47
36	Svishtov	33000	45	$569	$931	$1,462	$1,961	122.87	110.81
37	Targovishte	39578	27	$497	$554	$1,305	$1,702	53.87	100.2
38	Troyan	23422	54	$704	$1,125	$1,812	$2,340	239.72	88.84
39	Tutrakan	8000	46	$593	$967	$1,521	$2,032	46.69	77.41
40	Varna	348058	67	$751	$1,408	$1,934	$3,026	64.55	173.31
41	Veliko Tarnovo	71150	52	$654	$1,067	$1,636	$2,144	106.06	146.82
42	Vidin	50977	38	$549	$789	$1,400	$1,782	137.32	66.07
43	Vratsa	60877	40	$479	$826	$1,188	$1,684	61.8	132.75
44	Yambol	76599	47	$591	$974	$1,487	$2,076	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.

By international standards, Bulgaria is moderately priced. Smaller cities offer better deals, while capitals run higher. Most visitors and residents find costs manageable without extreme budgeting.

As of 2026, living expenses in Bulgaria span $554 to $1,609 monthly. Which city you choose has a big effect on your budget.

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

Outside major cities, $800 covers essentials in Bulgaria just fine. In Sofia and other expensive hubs, expect much tighter budgeting with little room for extras.

Living costs in Bulgaria are average by world standards. Regional cities offer better value than Sofia, and most residents with steady jobs or remote income find things manageable.