Last update: Oct 2026 6.8M

Cost of Living in Bulgaria

Name: Bulgaria
Address: BG

Across Bulgaria, living costs for one person average $1,168 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 $1,168 including rent across Bulgaria.

$1,168 /mo

Estimated average monthly cost for a couple: $1,779 including rent across Bulgaria.

$1,779 /mo

Average monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,391 including rent across Bulgaria.

$2,391 /mo

Living costs in Bulgaria vary widely – from $559 in the most affordable city to $1,585 in the most expensive one, spanning a $1,026 range across 44 cities.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$11.51 BGN 20.15

$6.91 BGN 12.10

$20.27 BGN 35.47

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$46.07 BGN 80.6

$28.76 BGN 50.3

$90.0 BGN 158

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.27 BGN 17.97

$8.56 BGN 14.99

$12.29 BGN 21.50

Cappuccino

$2.48 BGN 4.35

$1.11 BGN 1.95

$4.38 BGN 7.67

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

$1.59 BGN 2.78

$1.09 BGN 1.91

$2.78 BGN 4.87

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.23 BGN 2.16

$0.86 BGN 1.51

$2.30 BGN 4.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2.27 BGN 3.98

$1.13 BGN 1.98

$4.45 BGN 7.78

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.28 BGN 5.73

$1.95 BGN 3.41

$4.96 BGN 8.68

Milk (1 liter)

$1.78 BGN 3.12

$1.33 BGN 2.32

$2.22 BGN 3.88

White Bread (500g)

$1.10 BGN 1.93

$0.68 BGN 1.19

$2.08 BGN 3.63

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.22 BGN 3.88

$1.13 BGN 1.98

$2.84 BGN 4.98

Eggs

$3.53 BGN 6.18

$2.10 BGN 3.67

$5.47 BGN 9.57

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.30 BGN 18.02

$6.90 BGN 12.07

$16.88 BGN 29.54

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.98 BGN 13.96

$4.68 BGN 8.18

$11.43 BGN 20.00

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.28 BGN 23.25

$6.74 BGN 11.79

$20.10 BGN 35.18

Apples (1kg)

$1.74 BGN 3.05

$0.99 BGN 1.74

$2.87 BGN 5.03

Banana (1kg)

$1.98 BGN 3.47

$1.18 BGN 2.07

$2.83 BGN 4.95

Oranges (1kg)

$1.82 BGN 3.19

$1.07 BGN 1.88

$2.82 BGN 4.93

Tomato (1kg)

$2.72 BGN 4.76

$1.59 BGN 2.78

$4.45 BGN 7.79

Potato (1kg)

$1.07 BGN 1.87

$0.56 BGN 0.98

$2.19 BGN 3.84

Onion (1kg)

$1.06 BGN 1.86

$0.58 BGN 1.01

$1.74 BGN 3.05

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.04 BGN 1.82

$0.56 BGN 0.99

$1.69 BGN 2.96

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.70 BGN 1.22

$0.53 BGN 0.93

$1.09 BGN 1.90

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.84 BGN 6.72

$3.39 BGN 5.93

$4.64 BGN 8.12

Wine (Bottle)

$6.88 BGN 12.04

$4.04 BGN 7.08

$11.48 BGN 20.09

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.09 BGN 1.91

$0.70 BGN 1.22

$1.70 BGN 2.97

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.71 BGN 2.99

$1.13 BGN 1.98

$2.84 BGN 4.97

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.89 BGN 1.55

$0.56 BGN 0.98

$1.11 BGN 1.93

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$28.14 BGN 49.25

$16.93 BGN 29.62

$33.93 BGN 59.4

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.71 BGN 2.99

$1.16 BGN 2.03

$2.27 BGN 3.98

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.90 BGN 1.58

$0.66 BGN 1.16

$1.19 BGN 2.09

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$13.17 BGN 23.05

$10.44 BGN 18.26

$16.46 BGN 28.80

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.63 BGN 2.86

$1.35 BGN 2.35

$1.83 BGN 3.20

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

$30.6K BGN 53.6K

$30.6K BGN 53.5K

$30.6K BGN 53.6K

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

$24.3K BGN 42.5K

$22.4K BGN 39.3K

$27.0K BGN 47.3K

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

$128 BGN 224

$73.8 BGN 129

$232 BGN 405

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

$18.77 BGN 32.85

$11.65 BGN 20.39

$28.46 BGN 49.80

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$13.49 BGN 23.61

$8.43 BGN 14.75

$21.94 BGN 38.40

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$35.81 BGN 62.7

$20.03 BGN 35.06

$56.0 BGN 98.1

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$18.28 BGN 31.99

$10.38 BGN 18.16

$28.23 BGN 49.40

Cinema Ticket

$8.45 BGN 14.79

$5.64 BGN 9.86

$11.02 BGN 19.29

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

$573 BGN 1,003

$316 BGN 552

$1,013 BGN 1,772

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$11.7K BGN 20.5K

$7,722 BGN 13.5K

$22.5K BGN 39.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$58.7 BGN 103

$28.16 BGN 49.29

$115 BGN 202

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$33.16 BGN 58.0

$17.07 BGN 29.88

$58.3 BGN 102

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$89.3 BGN 156

$50.8 BGN 89.0

$130 BGN 227

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$87.1 BGN 152

$45.06 BGN 78.9

$141 BGN 246

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$476 BGN 833

$253 BGN 443

$825 BGN 1,445

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$370 BGN 647

$199 BGN 348

$612 BGN 1,071

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$819 BGN 1,433

$379 BGN 664

$1,712 BGN 2,996

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$568 BGN 993

$293 BGN 513

$1,103 BGN 1,930

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,283 BGN 3,995

$1,251 BGN 2,190

$4,551 BGN 7,964

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,641 BGN 2,872

$978 BGN 1,711

$3,269 BGN 5,721

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,120 BGN 1,959

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 31, 2026

Monthly budget structure

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

Bulgaria $1,168

Accommodation & Living

$370 31.7%

Groceries & Markets

$244 20.9%

Eating Out

$182 15.6%

Monthly Utilities & Internet

$160 13.7%

Clothing & Footwear

$121 10.3%

Sport & Entertainment

$53 4.5%

Getting Around

$38 3.3%

Cost Breakdown

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $338 in Bulgaria. For reference, capital rent is $769 in Sofia, and $145 in Targovishte.

National average salary: $1,040. With average costs at $1,168, it doesn’t cover a typical monthly budget. 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 $1,585 per month, while Targovishte offers the lowest costs at $559 – which city you pick has a tangible effect on the budget.

Cost Highlights

Overall cost of living ($1,168) is 14% below the global median of $1,352.

Average rent ($338) is 49% below the global median of $664.

Dinner for two at a restaurant ($38) is 19% below the global median of $47.

Public transport ($24) is 27% below the global median of $33.

Good to know

🕒 Local time

19:59 7:59 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	$622	$917	$1,576	$2,002	92.97	69.9
2	Bansko	8000	46	$512	$968	$1,331	$1,989	66.32	85.28
3	Blagoevgrad	75079	40	$503	$827	$1,248	$1,787	55.25	146.72
4	Botevgrad	21241	37	$495	$775	$1,188	$1,677	173.56	50.67
5	Burgas	189741	59	$684	$1,243	$1,714	$2,449	216.63	148.09
6	Dimitrovgrad	49061	39	$518	$800	$1,250	$1,597	23.37	74.52
7	Dobrich	89627	29	$556	$608	$1,344	$1,396	121.79	117.02
8	Dupnica	37081	42	$520	$867	$1,388	$1,889	63.5	112.49
9	Elin Pelin	7200	45	$588	$951	$1,485	$1,985	316.44	152.53
10	Gabrovo	59611	47	$600	$987	$1,446	$1,958	249.1	66.62
11	Gorna Oryahovitsa	40000	46	$604	$965	$1,459	$1,960	65.84	120.5
12	Haskovo	76587	40	$580	$832	$1,502	$1,889	20.7	108.6
13	Kardzhali	49421	32	$496	$672	$1,190	$1,523	179.24	84.1
14	Karlovo	23919	38	$496	$786	$1,253	$1,758	121.06	49.81
15	Kazanlak	49032	42	$549	$873	$1,444	$1,874	28.74	123.53
16	Kyustendil	47640	39	$454	$803	$1,165	$1,662	248	143.97
17	Lovech	37297	47	$622	$987	$1,549	$2,046	112.45	92.27
18	Montana	44502	40	$579	$838	$1,456	$1,857	243.83	84.67
19	Pazardzhik	76739		$463	$813	$1,131	$1,252	63.15	95.92
20	Pernik	78342	46	$600	$955	$1,427	$1,521	68.84	170.59
21	Pleven	111567	43	$620	$886	$1,519	$1,939	111.83	138.58
22	Plovdiv	368983	59	$708	$1,234	$1,777	$2,542	155.96	145.22
23	Pomorie	13919	44	$560	$914	$1,437	$1,923	92.23	98.36
24	Popovo	15878	44	$543	$916	$1,332	$1,848	60.28	142.75
25	Razgrad	35049	40	$558	$826	$1,346	$1,716	193.82	119.03
26	Ruse	159798	48	$606	$1,009	$1,492	$2,004	69.91	144.02
27	Samokov	25138	50	$680	$1,052	$1,712	$2,229	30.74	92.64
28	Sandanski	28058	50	$672	$1,039	$1,687	$2,195	22.55	75.62
29	Shumen	85504	44	$600	$907	$1,460	$1,922	19.31	108.56
30	Silistra	37923	42	$522	$873	$1,260	$1,602	174.3	134.79
31	Sliven	95806	36	$527	$757	$1,314	$1,653	162.28	121.11
32	Smolyan	30507	35	$482	$723	$1,251	$1,589	35.22	59.58
33	Sofia	1286383	76	$835	$1,585	$2,169	$3,387	89.42	190.9
34	Stara Zagora	149266	44	$536	$909	$1,428	$1,923	177.09	88.13
35	Sunny Beach	13347	49	$589	$1,032	$1,469	$2,084	114.49	77.47
36	Svishtov	33000	44	$567	$928	$1,457	$1,961	122.87	110.81
37	Targovishte	39578	27	$502	$559	$1,317	$1,711	53.87	100.2
38	Troyan	23422	54	$706	$1,115	$1,812	$2,372	239.72	88.84
39	Tutrakan	8000	45	$584	$946	$1,471	$1,981	46.69	77.41
40	Varna	348058	67	$750	$1,399	$1,926	$2,994	64.55	173.31
41	Veliko Tarnovo	71150	51	$657	$1,071	$1,639	$2,155	106.06	146.82
42	Vidin	50977	38	$547	$793	$1,391	$1,784	137.32	66.07
43	Vratsa	60877	40	$480	$827	$1,191	$1,688	61.8	132.75
44	Yambol	76599	46	$575	$962	$1,448	$2,041	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 $559 to $1,585 monthly. Which city you choose has a big effect on your budget.

Outside the capital, costs in Bulgaria drop noticeably. Targovishte is one of the best budget options.

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.