Cost of Living in Smolyan - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $497 (excluding rent), and $775 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,264 (excluding rent), and $1,637 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.51 BGN 10.98
$4.14 BGN 6.99
$11.84 BGN 19.97
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$37.85 BGN 63.9
$26.21 BGN 44.21
$52.4 BGN 88.4
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.79 BGN 9.77
$5.79 BGN 9.77
$5.79 BGN 9.77
Cappuccino
$1.36 BGN 2.3
$1.21 BGN 2.04
$3.02 BGN 5.09
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.31 BGN 2.21
$1.07 BGN 1.81
$1.74 BGN 2.94
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1 BGN 1.69
$0.57 BGN 0.97
$1.15 BGN 1.94
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.82 BGN 3.07
$1.09 BGN 1.84
$2.43 BGN 4.09
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.19 BGN 3.69
$2.04 BGN 3.44
$3.5 BGN 5.91
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.73 BGN 2.92
$1.61 BGN 2.72
$2.02 BGN 3.4
White Bread (500g)
$0.9 BGN 1.52
$0.84 BGN 1.42
$1.13 BGN 1.9
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.8 BGN 3.04
$1.8 BGN 3.04
$3.6 BGN 6.08
Eggs
$3.44 BGN 5.81
$2.41 BGN 4.07
$5.17 BGN 8.71
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.51 BGN 17.72
$8.75 BGN 14.77
$15.17 BGN 25.6
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.83 BGN 9.84
$5.83 BGN 9.84
$11.08 BGN 18.7
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.99 BGN 15.16
$5.99 BGN 10.11
$16.78 BGN 28.3
Apples (1kg)
$1.2 BGN 2.03
$0.9 BGN 1.51
$2.59 BGN 4.36
Banana (1kg)
$1.72 BGN 2.9
$1.72 BGN 2.9
$2.29 BGN 3.87
Oranges (1kg)
$1.21 BGN 2.04
$1.21 BGN 2.04
$2.72 BGN 4.58
Tomato (1kg)
$2.34 BGN 3.95
$1.75 BGN 2.96
$3.51 BGN 5.92
Potato (1kg)
$1.16 BGN 1.95
$0.7 BGN 1.17
$1.73 BGN 2.92
Onion (1kg)
$1.38 BGN 2.33
$0.99 BGN 1.66
$1.74 BGN 2.94
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.2 BGN 2.03
$0.6 BGN 1.02
$1.81 BGN 3.05
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.62 BGN 1.04
$0.61 BGN 1.03
$1.24 BGN 2.09
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.62 BGN 6.1
$3.62 BGN 6.1
$4.22 BGN 7.12
Wine (Bottle)
$5.98 BGN 10.08
$2.99 BGN 5.04
$8.97 BGN 15.13
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.61 BGN 1.02
$0.61 BGN 1.02
$1.51 BGN 2.54
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.6 BGN 2.7
$1.03 BGN 1.74
$2.57 BGN 4.34
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.9 BGN 1.52
$0.9 BGN 1.52
$0.9 BGN 1.52
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$34.18 BGN 57.7
$32.7 BGN 55.2
$35.67 BGN 60.2
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.17 BGN 1.97
$0.87 BGN 1.47
$1.75 BGN 2.95
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.55 BGN 0.94
$0.55 BGN 0.94
$1.11 BGN 1.87
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$11.65 BGN 19.65
$10.49 BGN 17.69
$29.13 BGN 49.13
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.5 BGN 2.53
$1.43 BGN 2.41
$1.61 BGN 2.71
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.3K BGN 39.3K
$23.3K BGN 39.3K
$37.8K BGN 63.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.3K BGN 41K
$24.3K BGN 41K
$40.5K BGN 68.3K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$117 BGN 198
$87.9 BGN 148
$149 BGN 252
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$15.92 BGN 26.86
$14.48 BGN 24.42
$17.37 BGN 29.31
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$9.21 BGN 15.53
$9.21 BGN 15.53
$28.77 BGN 48.54
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$22.95 BGN 38.71
$20.87 BGN 35.2
$25.04 BGN 42.24
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$14.69 BGN 24.77
$8.79 BGN 14.83
$14.69 BGN 24.77
Cinema Ticket
$7.28 BGN 12.28
$6.07 BGN 10.24
$9.1 BGN 15.35
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$337 BGN 569
$245 BGN 414
$491 BGN 828
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,875 BGN 9,910
$3,811 BGN 6,428
$6,351 BGN 10.7K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$29.82 BGN 50.3
$29.82 BGN 50.3
$29.82 BGN 50.3
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$22.23 BGN 37.5
$17.79 BGN 30.01
$26.68 BGN 45.01
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$61.5 BGN 104
$52.7 BGN 88.9
$176 BGN 296
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$64.5 BGN 109
$58.7 BGN 98.9
$70.4 BGN 119
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$211 BGN 355
$150 BGN 254
$271 BGN 457
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$149 BGN 252
$89.7 BGN 151
$209 BGN 353
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$292 BGN 493
$205 BGN 345
$380 BGN 641
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$248 BGN 419
$175 BGN 296
$321 BGN 542
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,287 BGN 2,171
$819 BGN 1,382
$1,404 BGN 2,368
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$990 BGN 1,670
$699 BGN 1,179
$1,165 BGN 1,965
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$714 BGN 1,204
-
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.
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Cost of Living in Smolyan - Frequently Asked Questions
How does affordability in Smolyan compare to other Bulgarian cities for travelers and expats?
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.
What does daily life look like in Smolyan for housing, food, transport, and errands?
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.
What budgeting approach and seasonal patterns help maintain quality of life in Smolyan?
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.
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