Last update: Oct 2026 Bulgaria 95.8K

Cost of Living in Sliven

For one person, living costs in Sliven are estimated at $774 a month, including rent and utilities – 33% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Sliven

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

Living costs for one person come to about $774 monthly including rent, or $547 excluding housing.

$774 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,228 with rent, or $942 without housing.

$1,228 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,681 including rent, or $1,337 for daily expenses alone.

$1,681 /mo

Sliven sits 40–43% below the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are well below average (56% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$11.63 BGN 20.24
$8.72 BGN 15.17
$28.43 BGN 49.47
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$33.58 BGN 58.4
$22.38 BGN 38.93
$87.6 BGN 152
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.13 BGN 17.63
$8.82 BGN 15.35
$11.27 BGN 19.61
Cappuccino
$1.85 BGN 3.23
$1.44 BGN 2.50
$4.07 BGN 7.09
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.23 BGN 2.15
$1.10 BGN 1.91
$2.73 BGN 4.75
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.93 BGN 1.63
$0.71 BGN 1.24
$2.34 BGN 4.07
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.73 BGN 3.01
$1.15 BGN 2.01
$4.51 BGN 7.84
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.25 BGN 3.91
$1.97 BGN 3.43
$4.40 BGN 7.66
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.52 BGN 2.64
$1.45 BGN 2.52
$2.37 BGN 4.12
White Bread (500g)
$0.81 BGN 1.41
$0.81 BGN 1.41
$1.80 BGN 3.14
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.66 BGN 4.64
$2.03 BGN 3.53
$3.29 BGN 5.73
Eggs
$2.11 BGN 3.67
$2.11 BGN 3.67
$4.00 BGN 6.96
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.97 BGN 13.86
$7.97 BGN 13.86
$19.94 BGN 34.69
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.54 BGN 9.64
$5.54 BGN 9.64
$11.66 BGN 20.29
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$6.72 BGN 11.69
$6.72 BGN 11.69
$23.36 BGN 40.65
Apples (1kg)
$1.45 BGN 2.53
$1.16 BGN 2.01
$2.89 BGN 5.04
Banana (1kg)
$1.60 BGN 2.78
$1.60 BGN 2.78
$2.79 BGN 4.86
Oranges (1kg)
$1.39 BGN 2.42
$1.39 BGN 2.42
$3.33 BGN 5.79
Tomato (1kg)
$2.18 BGN 3.79
$2.01 BGN 3.50
$4.01 BGN 6.98
Potato (1kg)
$0.50 BGN 0.88
$0.50 BGN 0.88
$2.34 BGN 4.07
Onion (1kg)
$0.83 BGN 1.44
$0.82 BGN 1.42
$1.64 BGN 2.86
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.06 BGN 1.84
$0.87 BGN 1.52
$1.16 BGN 2.01
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.50 BGN 0.86
$0.50 BGN 0.86
$1.18 BGN 2.05
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.55 BGN 6.18
$3.55 BGN 6.18
$4.57 BGN 7.96
Wine (Bottle)
$6.08 BGN 10.58
$5.21 BGN 9.06
$12.74 BGN 22.17
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.05 BGN 1.82
$0.79 BGN 1.38
$1.70 BGN 2.95
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.22 BGN 2.13
$1.11 BGN 1.94
$2.62 BGN 4.56
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.66 BGN 1.14
$0.66 BGN 1.14
$0.66 BGN 1.14
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$35.36 BGN 61.5
$18.98 BGN 33.02
$51.8 BGN 90.1
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.11 BGN 1.93
$1.11 BGN 1.93
$2.82 BGN 4.90
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.58 BGN 1.00
$0.58 BGN 1.00
$1.02 BGN 1.77
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$8.31 BGN 14.46
$8.31 BGN 14.46
$15.62 BGN 27.18
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.53 BGN 2.66
$1.40 BGN 2.43
$1.89 BGN 3.28
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$30.5K BGN 53.0K
$29.5K BGN 51.4K
$30.5K BGN 53.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$21.9K BGN 38.1K
$21.9K BGN 38.1K
$29.6K BGN 51.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$84.8 BGN 148
$84.8 BGN 148
$240 BGN 418
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$20.02 BGN 34.83
$16.79 BGN 29.21
$27.97 BGN 48.67
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$9.07 BGN 15.79
$8.51 BGN 14.80
$22.71 BGN 39.51
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$23.19 BGN 40.35
$20.31 BGN 35.34
$26.06 BGN 45.35
Cinema Ticket
$5.62 BGN 9.79
$5.62 BGN 9.79
$9.91 BGN 17.24
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$500 BGN 869
$365 BGN 635
$880 BGN 1,530
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$6,332 BGN 11.0K
$4,699 BGN 8,176
$7,770 BGN 13.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$56.2 BGN 97.8
$32.97 BGN 57.4
$112 BGN 195
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$22.74 BGN 39.57
$17.06 BGN 29.68
$44.50 BGN 77.4
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$67.2 BGN 117
$54.8 BGN 95.4
$112 BGN 195
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$62.1 BGN 108
$49.15 BGN 85.5
$136 BGN 236
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$230 BGN 401
$202 BGN 351
$259 BGN 451
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$142 BGN 248
$142 BGN 247
$142 BGN 248
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$328 BGN 570
$313 BGN 545
$342 BGN 595
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$259 BGN 451
$230 BGN 401
$288 BGN 501
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,121 BGN 1,951
$742 BGN 1,290
$1,368 BGN 2,381
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$918 BGN 1,596
$625 BGN 1,087
$1,220 BGN 2,123
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,335 BGN 2,323
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
2.85
2.3
3.5

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

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Sliven $774
Groceries & Markets
$181
Eating Out
$168
Accommodation & Living
$142
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$114
Clothing & Footwear
$94
Getting Around
$42
Sport & Entertainment
$34

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $230 for a central one-bedroom, or $142 outside the center. At 17% of the average salary ($1,335), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,335, while typical expenses reach $774. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $181 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $34.00 for two – well below the European average of $73.0.

Public transport is priced at around $35.36 per month – roughly in line with the European average of $49.00.

Cost Highlights

3-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 99% of cities in Europe

3-bedroom apartment, city center is cheaper than 99% of cities in Europe

1-bedroom apartment, outside city center is cheaper than 99% of cities in Europe

Good to know
🕒 Local time
18:40 6:40 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
95,806
💱 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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Sliven Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Sliven - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sliven stack up in overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Sliven offers solid value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who don’t chase trendier hubs. You’ll find affordable housing options relative to larger Bulgarian cities, a welcoming mix of markets, cafes, and services, and easy access to nature and day trips. The pace is gentler, so long stays feel doable without sacrificing basic comforts like reliable internet and a workable workspace. The overall picture is favorable for longer stays if you prioritize neighborhood choice and seasonal activities rather than high-end amenities. Cost of Living in Sliven, Bulgaria gives you a practical yardstick for planning. Tip: Map a few nearby neighborhoods to compare rents and vibe.
What does daily life look like in Sliven in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Daily life in Sliven centers on practical routines and simple pleasures: easy-to-navigate neighborhoods, fresh markets, and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi for work sessions. Housing search tends to favor central or transit-adjacent districts, where leases feel predictable and walking helps keep costs down. Grocery runs are buoyed by local markets offering seasonal produce, while dining options range from casual eateries to affordable bakeries. Public transport is workable, and walking remains pleasant in many parts of town. Sliven, Bulgaria living cost is approachable if you plan errands around market days and library hours. Tip: schedule a weekly shopping and errands loop to save time.
What considerations shape quality of life, budgeting frameworks, and neighborhood fit in Sliven?
Think of Sliven as a place to craft a steady routine that matches work and leisure. Build a simple budgeting framework focused on essentials, flexible spending, and a cushion for surprises, with emphasis on housing, food, and transit. Seasonality adds texture – summer markets and outdoor events, quieter winters that invite indoor coworking and cultural activities – so plan accordingly. For neighborhood fit, prioritize proximity to coworking spaces, grocery stores, and a calm residential vibe that suits long stays. Tip: choose a base you can comfortably walk from most days to keep transport time and costs predictable.
What makes Sliven a budget-friendly city to live in?
Compared to most cities worldwide, Sliven is just cheap – all-in costs average $774 monthly. Both housing and daily necessities sit below the international median, which explains its popularity with budget travelers, nomads, and locals on modest incomes.
How affordable is daily life in Sliven?
Your money goes further in Sliven than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $774 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
How much should you earn to live well in Sliven?
Earning $1,162 monthly in Sliven means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the price of renting a flat in Sliven?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Sliven range from $142 to $230, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
What does commuting cost in Sliven?
A monthly transit pass in Sliven goes for roughly $35.36, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Sliven?
Childcare averages $500 monthly at a private kindergarten in Sliven. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $1,000 enough to live comfortably in Sliven?
$1,000 stretches far in Sliven – all-in monthly costs average only $774. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What is quality of life like in Sliven?
Living in Sliven means access to low crime rates, clean air, café culture at about $774 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Sliven?
Monthly expenses in Sliven run around $774, so putting money aside takes more than $1,162 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Can you backpack through Sliven cheaply?
Budget travelers love Sliven – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $774 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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