Last update: Oct 2026 Bulgaria 85.5K

Cost of Living in Shumen

For one person, living costs in Shumen are estimated at $906 a month, including rent and utilities – 22% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Shumen

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

A single person spends around $906 per month with rent, or $597 for everyday expenses alone.

$906 /mo

A couple spends around $1,409 per month with rent, or $1,025 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,409 /mo

A family of three spends around $1,912 per month with rent, or $1,453 without housing.

$1,912 /mo

Overall, Shumen is about 33% below the global median. Within Europe, costs are well below average (48% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Shumen? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$9.24 BGN 16.07
$6.72 BGN 11.68
$12.31 BGN 21.42
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$33.55 BGN 58.4
$22.32 BGN 38.83
$45.80 BGN 79.7
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.87 BGN 15.44
$8.51 BGN 14.80
$10.20 BGN 17.74
Cappuccino
$1.73 BGN 3.01
$1.09 BGN 1.90
$3.39 BGN 5.90
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.48 BGN 2.58
$1.14 BGN 1.98
$2.83 BGN 4.93
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.00 BGN 1.75
$0.84 BGN 1.46
$2.72 BGN 4.73
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.92 BGN 5.08
$1.69 BGN 2.94
$4.57 BGN 7.95
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.83 BGN 4.93
$2.22 BGN 3.85
$3.33 BGN 5.79
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.81 BGN 3.15
$1.26 BGN 2.19
$2.30 BGN 4.00
White Bread (500g)
$1.03 BGN 1.79
$0.52 BGN 0.90
$1.40 BGN 2.44
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.43 BGN 4.22
$1.02 BGN 1.78
$3.33 BGN 5.80
Eggs
$2.88 BGN 5.02
$1.53 BGN 2.67
$3.50 BGN 6.08
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.90 BGN 15.49
$6.67 BGN 11.60
$16.68 BGN 29.02
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.08 BGN 8.85
$3.48 BGN 6.06
$8.14 BGN 14.17
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.75 BGN 15.23
$4.99 BGN 8.69
$19.44 BGN 33.83
Apples (1kg)
$1.50 BGN 2.62
$0.55 BGN 0.96
$2.77 BGN 4.81
Banana (1kg)
$2.06 BGN 3.58
$1.17 BGN 2.03
$2.34 BGN 4.07
Oranges (1kg)
$2.18 BGN 3.80
$1.05 BGN 1.83
$2.91 BGN 5.06
Tomato (1kg)
$2.27 BGN 3.95
$1.67 BGN 2.91
$3.46 BGN 6.03
Potato (1kg)
$2.04 BGN 3.54
$0.47 BGN 0.83
$2.82 BGN 4.90
Onion (1kg)
$1.31 BGN 2.28
$0.23 BGN 0.41
$2.31 BGN 4.03
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.83 BGN 1.44
$0.67 BGN 1.17
$0.90 BGN 1.56
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.75 BGN 1.30
$0.44 BGN 0.77
$1.09 BGN 1.90
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.68 BGN 6.41
$3.40 BGN 5.92
$3.96 BGN 6.89
Wine (Bottle)
$7.18 BGN 12.50
$4.02 BGN 6.99
$10.36 BGN 18.02
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.95 BGN 1.66
$0.57 BGN 0.99
$1.73 BGN 3.01
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.40 BGN 2.44
$0.94 BGN 1.64
$1.66 BGN 2.89
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.94 BGN 1.64
$0.89 BGN 1.55
$1.18 BGN 2.06
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$25.92 BGN 45.10
$17.28 BGN 30.07
$25.93 BGN 45.12
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.75 BGN 3.04
$0.76 BGN 1.32
$1.75 BGN 3.04
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.48 BGN 0.84
$0.32 BGN 0.56
$0.98 BGN 1.70
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.52 BGN 2.64
$1.32 BGN 2.30
$1.79 BGN 3.11
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$30.3K BGN 52.8K
$29.7K BGN 51.7K
$30.9K BGN 53.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$22.2K BGN 38.6K
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$133 BGN 231
$68.9 BGN 120
$230 BGN 400
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.28 BGN 30.07
$11.23 BGN 19.55
$22.47 BGN 39.10
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$17.28 BGN 30.06
$8.64 BGN 15.03
$37.46 BGN 65.2
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$38.57 BGN 67.1
$25.72 BGN 44.75
$45.72 BGN 79.6
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.34 BGN 19.72
$11.34 BGN 19.72
$11.34 BGN 19.72
Cinema Ticket
$6.79 BGN 11.82
$5.67 BGN 9.86
$6.80 BGN 11.83
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$570 BGN 991
-
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$10.2K BGN 17.8K
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$48.34 BGN 84.1
$22.73 BGN 39.55
$73.9 BGN 129
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$51.3 BGN 89.2
$17.31 BGN 30.12
$86.6 BGN 151
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$94.1 BGN 164
$46.39 BGN 80.7
$162 BGN 283
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$60.2 BGN 105
$44.79 BGN 77.9
$196 BGN 341
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$262 BGN 455
$226 BGN 394
$339 BGN 590
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$176 BGN 306
$142 BGN 247
$255 BGN 444
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$430 BGN 748
$344 BGN 598
$573 BGN 997
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$326 BGN 567
$284 BGN 493
$340 BGN 592
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,263 BGN 2,197
$813 BGN 1,414
$1,742 BGN 3,031
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$986 BGN 1,716
$507 BGN 883
$1,323 BGN 2,303
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,004 BGN 1,747
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.25
2.8
4.8

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

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Shumen $906
Groceries & Markets
$211
Accommodation & Living
$176
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$167
Eating Out
$151
Clothing & Footwear
$114
Sport & Entertainment
$52
Getting Around
$34

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $262, dropping to $176 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 26% of the average salary ($1,004) – close to the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,004. With monthly costs around $906, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,359.

Groceries cost around $211 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $34.00 – well below the European average of $73.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $25.92 – among the cheapest in Europe (average $49.00).

Cost Highlights

1-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 98% of cities in Europe

1-bedroom apartment, city center is cheaper than 97% of cities in Europe

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 96% of cities in Europe

Good to know
🕒 Local time
14:11 2:11 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
85,504
💱 Currency
Bulgarian Lev BGN лв.
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to BGN – Bulgarian Lev Converter

Bulgarian Lev exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 1.74 BGN (1 BGN = 0.575 USD). 1 EUR = 1.96 BGN (1 BGN = 0.511 EUR).

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Shumen Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Shumen - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shumen, Bulgaria affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to get the best value?
In general, Cost of Living in Shumen, Bulgaria remains approachable for a city of its size. You will find affordable housing relative to bigger cities, friendly local markets, and inexpensive dining options that suit a variable schedule. The value tends to favor those who want space, a quieter pace, and a real neighborhood feel over glossy megacenters. Expats often rent comfortable apartments in older buildings, while digital nomads appreciate reliable Wi-Fi cafés and short commutes. Seasonal peaks can nudge prices, but long stays stay sensible. Tip: plan one neighborhood to live in, then test two or three before signing.
What does daily life look like in Shumen for housing, food, transport, and errands, and where might you feel most at home?
Daily life in Shumen centers on practical, human-scale choices. When housing, search for comfortable apartments in quiet residential streets near the city center, but check insulation and heating costs. For food, markets and bakeries offer fresh, affordable options, balanced with casual cafes for work breaks. Transport relies on a compact bus network and walkable streets; a bicycle is a breeze in good weather. For work or study, several cafes double as informal workspaces, and you can arrange occasional co-working with locals. Errands are straightforward in the town center. Shumen, Bulgaria living cost feels balanced. Tip: scout two or three neighborhoods at different times to feel the vibe.
What practices help maximize quality of life and manage budget in Shumen, including seasonal shifts and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Shumen rewards planning, pace, and local connection. Use a simple budgeting frame that covers essentials first, sets aside flexible experiences, and keeps a small buffer for seasonal changes in heating and transport. Neighborhood fit matters: central historic streets offer walkable access to services and culture, while newer residential areas help with space and quieter evenings. Save strategies include cooking with local produce, shopping at markets, and leaning on public transport or shared rides. Build a routine that aligns errands, work time, and social activities to a natural weekly rhythm. Tip: keep a monthly review of expenses and adjust as seasons shift.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Shumen?
All in, Shumen runs about $906 monthly with rent, or $597 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
What are the monthly living expenses in Shumen as of 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Shumen should plan on about $906 per month with rent, or $597 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
What is the average net income after taxes in Shumen?
After taxes, the average worker in Shumen takes home about $1,004 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
Is Shumen a good place to find cheap rent?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Shumen – 1-bedroom apartments range from $176 to $262 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
How expensive is preschool in Shumen per month?
Private kindergarten in Shumen costs about $570 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Shumen?
A gym membership in Shumen runs about $38.57 per month – affordable by regional standards. Most gyms include basic equipment, group classes, and locker rooms. Boutique studios and personal training cost more, but the baseline is budget-friendly.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Shumen?
$1,200 a month in Shumen? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $906, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
What are the pros and cons of living in Shumen?
Quality of life in Shumen is genuinely good – highlights include low crime rates, wellness scene, café culture, and monthly costs hover around $906. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
Is Shumen budget-friendly for long-term stays?
Shumen is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $906 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
How much does a backpacker need per day in Shumen?
Shumen is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $906 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.

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