📌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.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$32.2KBGN 53.6K
$30.0KBGN 49.8K
$32.2KBGN 53.6K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.9KBGN 43.2K
$23.4KBGN 39.0K
$26.9KBGN 44.8K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$95.3BGN 158
$67.3BGN 112
$237BGN 395
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$16.45BGN 27.36
$11.68BGN 19.44
$23.37BGN 38.87
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$14.04BGN 23.36
$9.00BGN 14.97
$38.99BGN 64.9
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$39.97BGN 66.5
$26.65BGN 44.33
$47.38BGN 78.8
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.66BGN 19.40
$11.66BGN 19.40
$11.66BGN 19.40
Cinema Ticket
$7.25BGN 12.06
$6.04BGN 10.05
$9.66BGN 16.08
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$232BGN 386
$174BGN 289
$580BGN 965
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$10.6KBGN 17.6K
$10.6KBGN 17.6K
$10.6KBGN 17.6K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$54.9BGN 91.4
$23.54BGN 39.17
$94.2BGN 157
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$42.37BGN 70.5
$17.95BGN 29.86
$89.7BGN 149
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$80.7BGN 134
$52.1BGN 86.7
$162BGN 270
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$72.0BGN 120
$47.33BGN 78.7
$207BGN 344
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$281BGN 468
$239BGN 398
$359BGN 597
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$189BGN 314
$174BGN 290
$261BGN 435
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$502BGN 835
$414BGN 688
$591BGN 983
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$331BGN 550
$301BGN 500
$361BGN 600
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$1,308BGN 2,176
$842BGN 1,400
$1,804BGN 3,002
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,031BGN 1,716
$531BGN 883
$1,384BGN 2,302
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$1,056BGN 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
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Low risk of other local infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tick-borne encephalitis, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and Sleeping sickness
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
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.