Cost of Living in Shumen - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $873 per month with rent, or $528 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,369 per month with rent, or $1,025 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,866 per month with rent, or $1,521 without housing.

Overall, Shumen is about 35% below the global median. Within Europe, costs are well below average (51% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$9.58 BGN 15.94
$6.97 BGN 11.60
$21.60 BGN 35.94
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$29.12 BGN 48.45
$23.30 BGN 38.76
$58.2 BGN 96.9
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.01 BGN 14.98
$9.01 BGN 14.98
$10.81 BGN 17.98
Cappuccino
$1.70 BGN 2.83
$0.84 BGN 1.40
$2.99 BGN 4.97
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.33 BGN 2.21
$0.87 BGN 1.44
$1.74 BGN 2.90
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.65 BGN 1.08
$0.56 BGN 0.94
$1.12 BGN 1.87
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.07 BGN 3.44
$1.20 BGN 1.99
$2.99 BGN 4.97
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.27 BGN 3.78
$2.03 BGN 3.38
$3.42 BGN 5.69
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.62 BGN 2.70
$0.91 BGN 1.52
$2.30 BGN 3.82
White Bread (500g)
$0.90 BGN 1.50
$0.54 BGN 0.90
$1.44 BGN 2.39
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.97 BGN 3.28
$1.12 BGN 1.86
$3.63 BGN 6.04
Eggs
$3.11 BGN 5.18
$1.57 BGN 2.60
$3.76 BGN 6.26
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.30 BGN 15.47
$6.97 BGN 11.60
$17.44 BGN 29.01
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.58 BGN 9.29
$3.44 BGN 5.73
$11.48 BGN 19.10
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.47 BGN 19.08
$5.27 BGN 8.77
$20.51 BGN 34.12
Apples (1kg)
$1.70 BGN 2.83
$0.82 BGN 1.36
$2.91 BGN 4.83
Banana (1kg)
$2.07 BGN 3.45
$1.23 BGN 2.05
$2.93 BGN 4.87
Oranges (1kg)
$1.99 BGN 3.31
$1.04 BGN 1.73
$3.47 BGN 5.77
Tomato (1kg)
$2.27 BGN 3.77
$1.28 BGN 2.12
$3.47 BGN 5.78
Potato (1kg)
$1.50 BGN 2.49
$0.54 BGN 0.90
$3.00 BGN 4.99
Onion (1kg)
$1.31 BGN 2.18
$0.86 BGN 1.43
$2.30 BGN 3.83
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.91 BGN 1.52
$0.63 BGN 1.05
$1.15 BGN 1.91
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.81 BGN 1.34
$0.49 BGN 0.82
$1.23 BGN 2.05
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.65 BGN 6.07
$3.47 BGN 5.77
$4.19 BGN 6.97
Wine (Bottle)
$7.30 BGN 12.14
$4.08 BGN 6.79
$10.52 BGN 17.49
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.02 BGN 1.70
$0.74 BGN 1.23
$1.84 BGN 3.07
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.62 BGN 2.70
$1.03 BGN 1.71
$2.42 BGN 4.03
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.88 BGN 1.47
$0.85 BGN 1.42
$1.14 BGN 1.90
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$26.63 BGN 44.31
$26.63 BGN 44.31
$26.63 BGN 44.31
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.22 BGN 2.03
$0.70 BGN 1.16
$1.74 BGN 2.90
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.33 BGN 0.55
$0.33 BGN 0.55
$0.83 BGN 1.37
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$13.14 BGN 21.86
$12.43 BGN 20.68
$13.85 BGN 23.04
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.49 BGN 2.48
$1.39 BGN 2.30
$1.74 BGN 2.89
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$32.2K BGN 53.6K
$30.0K BGN 49.8K
$32.2K BGN 53.6K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.9K BGN 43.2K
$23.4K BGN 39.0K
$26.9K BGN 44.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$95.3 BGN 158
$67.3 BGN 112
$237 BGN 395
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$16.45 BGN 27.36
$11.68 BGN 19.44
$23.37 BGN 38.87
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$14.04 BGN 23.36
$9.00 BGN 14.97
$38.99 BGN 64.9
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$39.97 BGN 66.5
$26.65 BGN 44.33
$47.38 BGN 78.8
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.66 BGN 19.40
$11.66 BGN 19.40
$11.66 BGN 19.40
Cinema Ticket
$7.25 BGN 12.06
$6.04 BGN 10.05
$9.66 BGN 16.08
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$232 BGN 386
$174 BGN 289
$580 BGN 965
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$10.6K BGN 17.6K
$10.6K BGN 17.6K
$10.6K BGN 17.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$54.9 BGN 91.4
$23.54 BGN 39.17
$94.2 BGN 157
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$42.37 BGN 70.5
$17.95 BGN 29.86
$89.7 BGN 149
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$80.7 BGN 134
$52.1 BGN 86.7
$162 BGN 270
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$72.0 BGN 120
$47.33 BGN 78.7
$207 BGN 344
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$281 BGN 468
$239 BGN 398
$359 BGN 597
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$189 BGN 314
$174 BGN 290
$261 BGN 435
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$502 BGN 835
$414 BGN 688
$591 BGN 983
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$331 BGN 550
$301 BGN 500
$361 BGN 600
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,308 BGN 2,176
$842 BGN 1,400
$1,804 BGN 3,002
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,031 BGN 1,716
$531 BGN 883
$1,384 BGN 2,302
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,056 BGN 1,756
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.57
3
5.7

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $281, dropping to $189 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 27% of the average salary ($1,056) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,056. With monthly costs around $873, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,309.

Groceries cost around $219 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $29.00 – well below the European average of $75.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $26.63 – among the cheapest in Europe (average $48.00).

Cost Highlights

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

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

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

Shumen Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
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 $873 monthly with rent, or $528 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 $873 per month with rent, or $528 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 $1,056 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 Shumen's biggest advantages – 1-bedroom apartments range from $189 to $281 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 $232 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 $39.97 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 $873, 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 $873. 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 $873 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 $873 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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