Cost of Living in Smolyan - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $520 (excluding rent), and $757 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,428 (excluding rent), and $1,625 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$6.58 BGN 11.05

$4.19 BGN 7.03

$11.96 BGN 20.08

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$38.7 BGN 65

$26.79 BGN 45

$53.6 BGN 90

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.04 BGN 10.15

Cappuccino

$1.35 BGN 2.27

$1.2 BGN 2.01

$3 BGN 5.03

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

$1.36 BGN 2.29

$1.12 BGN 1.88

$1.81 BGN 3.05

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.01 BGN 1.7

$0.58 BGN 0.97

$1.16 BGN 1.95

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.79 BGN 3

$1.07 BGN 1.8

$2.38 BGN 4

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.19 BGN 3.67

$2.04 BGN 3.42

$3.5 BGN 5.88

Milk (1 liter)

$1.73 BGN 2.9

$1.61 BGN 2.71

$2.01 BGN 3.38

White Bread (500g)

$0.9 BGN 1.51

$0.84 BGN 1.41

$1.13 BGN 1.9

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.74 BGN 2.91

$3.47 BGN 5.83

Eggs

$3.52 BGN 5.91

$2.47 BGN 4.14

$5.28 BGN 8.87

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.52 BGN 17.66

$8.76 BGN 14.72

$15.19 BGN 25.51

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.73 BGN 9.63

$10.9 BGN 18.3

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$9.09 BGN 15.26

$6.06 BGN 10.17

$16.96 BGN 28.49

Apples (1kg)

$1.2 BGN 2.01

$0.89 BGN 1.5

$2.58 BGN 4.34

Banana (1kg)

$1.82 BGN 3.06

$2.43 BGN 4.08

Oranges (1kg)

$1.16 BGN 1.94

$2.6 BGN 4.36

Tomato (1kg)

$2.38 BGN 3.99

$1.78 BGN 2.99

$3.56 BGN 5.98

Potato (1kg)

$1.19 BGN 2

$0.72 BGN 1.2

$1.79 BGN 3

Onion (1kg)

$1.41 BGN 2.37

$1.01 BGN 1.69

$1.78 BGN 3

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.14 BGN 1.92

$0.57 BGN 0.96

$1.72 BGN 2.88

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.61 BGN 1.02

$0.6 BGN 1

$1.21 BGN 2.04

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.46 BGN 5.81

$4.04 BGN 6.78

Wine (Bottle)

$5.85 BGN 9.82

$2.92 BGN 4.91

$8.77 BGN 14.73

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$0.6 BGN 1.01

$1.5 BGN 2.53

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.7 BGN 2.85

$1.09 BGN 1.83

$2.72 BGN 4.57

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.91 BGN 1.53

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$34.01 BGN 57.1

$32.53 BGN 54.6

$35.49 BGN 59.6

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.2 BGN 2.02

$0.9 BGN 1.51

$1.8 BGN 3.03

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.52 BGN 0.87

$1.04 BGN 1.75

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$11.62 BGN 19.51

$10.45 BGN 17.56

$29.04 BGN 48.77

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.57 BGN 2.63

$1.5 BGN 2.51

$1.68 BGN 2.82

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

$23.4K BGN 39.3K

$38K BGN 63.8K

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

$24.8K BGN 41.7K

$41.3K BGN 69.4K

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

$116 BGN 195

$87 BGN 146

$148 BGN 248

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

$15.99 BGN 26.86

$14.54 BGN 24.42

$17.45 BGN 29.31

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$9.69 BGN 16.27

$30.28 BGN 50.9

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$22.58 BGN 37.91

$20.53 BGN 34.47

$24.63 BGN 41.37

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$14.84 BGN 24.92

$8.89 BGN 14.92

$14.84 BGN 24.92

Cinema Ticket

$7.28 BGN 12.23

$6.07 BGN 10.19

$9.1 BGN 15.28

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

$320 BGN 537

$233 BGN 391

$465 BGN 781

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$5,410 BGN 9,086

$3,509 BGN 5,893

$5,849 BGN 9,822

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$29.21 BGN 49.05

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$22.1 BGN 37.12

$17.69 BGN 29.7

$26.53 BGN 44.56

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$61.3 BGN 103

$52.5 BGN 88.2

$175 BGN 294

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$65.7 BGN 110

$59.7 BGN 100

$71.6 BGN 120

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$203 BGN 340

$145 BGN 243

$261 BGN 437

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$148 BGN 249

$89.1 BGN 150

$208 BGN 349

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$289 BGN 486

$202 BGN 340

$376 BGN 631

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$254 BGN 427

$180 BGN 302

$329 BGN 553

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,325 BGN 2,226

$914 BGN 1,534

$1,517 BGN 2,548

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,011 BGN 1,698

$791 BGN 1,328

$1,217 BGN 2,044

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$721 BGN 1,210

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.5

2.6

5.7

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🇪🇺 Europe

Cost of Living in Smolyan - Frequently Asked Questions

Smolyan offers a comfortable balance for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want value without sacrificing access to nature. Compared with Sofia or Plovdiv, housing and dining tend to be more affordable, with lower rents and simpler daily expenses, especially outside peak tourist weeks. The appeal is the lifestyle: a mountain town feel, easy access to trails, and a slower pace that helps your budget stretch further. Utilities and internet are typically reasonable, and you’ll find a mix of local eateries and affordable cafés. Long-term stays often unlock savings through monthly rates or negotiated leases. Cost of Living in Smolyan, Bulgaria reflects a practical blend of comfort and savings in a compact, scenic setting. Tip: Start with a short trial stay to gauge seasonality and neighborhood vibes.

Daily life in Smolyan blends mountain-town charm with practical convenience. Housing ranges from compact apartments in the town core to hillside homes with views; for longer stays, negotiate monthly rents or seek smaller studios. Food comes from markets, dairies, and family-run eateries – great for fresh, affordable produce and seasonal recipes. Transport is walkable in the town center, with bus links to nearby villages and ski resorts; a bike or scooter is handy in shoulder seasons. For errands, expect compact stores, weekly markets, and friendly shop owners who can guide you to hidden gems. Smolyan, Bulgaria living cost stays a practical frame for budgeting daily needs. Tip: Take a week to test housing options, markets, and transit patterns before committing.

A practical budgeting framework helps you keep quality of life high without surprises. Start with a monthly plan that separates housing, utilities, groceries, and leisure; in Smolyan you’ll notice seasonal shifts, especially in winter and during festivals. Choose a home with good insulation and reliable heating; evenings in colder months may raise utilities, but sensible options exist. Neighborhood fit matters: central areas are convenient for errands and coworking, hillside quarters add serenity but longer commutes. For savings, shop at local markets, cook at home most days, and book longer stays during shoulder seasons to lock in sensible rates. Tip: Build a seasonal budget buffer and test neighborhoods across different seasons.