Bulgaria attracts expats with its affordable prices, developed social sphere, rich culture and picturesque landscapes. Learn more about rental prices, food, utilities and transport, as well as the monthly budget in Bulgaria in 2025

Since January 1, 2025, Bulgaria has become a full member of the Schengen zone. From now on, to travel to the state from EU countries, you do not need to have any documents and go through border control. The permitted period of stay in the state is 90 days, and it will also be easier for EU citizens to obtain a residence permit here.

Thanks to this, Bulgaria has every chance of becoming a promising destination for the relocation of digital nomads, pensioners, travelers and other categories of expats from different countries, including citizens of Nepal, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan. An important component of life in the new state is its cost.

We will tell you about prices in Bulgaria in 2025 below.

Is it expensive to live in Bulgaria?

Life in Bulgaria is quite affordable and much cheaper compared to Western European countries. Sofia is the most expensive city in Bulgaria, but still remains one of the most affordable capitals in Europe. Prices here are lower than in Budapest, Prague, Sofia, but slightly higher than in Belgrade.

Living in rural areas and small towns is cheaper than in megacities.

Sofia is significantly more expensive than any of the regions of the country, but since the largest number of opportunities and infrastructure is concentrated here, most expats settle in the capital.

*The official currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), but for a more convenient comparison, prices in this article are given in euros.

A family of two should expect to spend about €1,500 per month to live in large cities in Bulgaria. This includes expenses such as rent, utilities, food and some entertainment. For those who settle in small towns or rural areas, the costs will be even lower.

Property prices in Bulgaria

- Cost of renting housing in Bulgaria

Renting a good two-room apartment in a nice area of ​​Sofia will cost you about 920 euros, and a 3-room apartment - 1200 euros.

In other cities in Bulgaria, the prices are as follows: Plovdiv - 450-700 euros, Varna - 500-700 euros, Burgas - 460-900 euros, Veliko Tarnovo - 460-800 euros, Blagoevgrad - 350 - 560 euros.

- Prices for buying housing in Bulgaria

Private houses are most often sold in rural areas. Usually far from the sea, their price ranges from 10 to 40 thousand euros. The cheaper the house, the further it is located from the city and the sea. Many of them need cosmetic or major repairs.

Apartments are not so expensive. The average cost of apartments is 70 thousand euros. You can find options for 30 or 40 thousand, but they are located far from big cities and the sea. Premium apartments cost from 100 thousand euros and more.

- Buying land for development

Local realtors offer the sale of land for further development. The price of one square meter depends on the location, and ranges from 30 euros in the most remote places to 1200 euros near the capital. After buying a land plot, construction should begin in the near future.

Cost of utilities in Bulgaria

As in other countries, residents of Bulgaria are obliged to pay utility services in accordance with the declared tariffs. Let's take for example a standard apartment in the city, with an area of ​​​​70-80 square meters. In such housing, a foreigner needs to pay for the following utilities:

- Heating – it is not cheap in Bulgaria, but, fortunately, the winter is mild and the climate is also mild, so you will not pay for heating for a long time. There are two types of heating: central and local (boiler). Most often, in an apartment building there is a common heating boiler, and tenants pay for heating together. The average payment for heating is 50-100 euros.

- The cost of electricity depends on the city in which you live. Since in many European countries electricity is sold at a reduced price at night, people try to use boilers and washing machines at night. On average, this comes out to about 25-40 euros per month.

- Water supply – in Bulgaria, both hot and cold water is supplied only by meter, so the payment depends on the volume you use, on average 10 euros per month.

In addition, add the cost of maintaining the house (about 5 euros per month) and real estate tax (about 0.2% of the apartment price annually).

Food prices in Bulgaria

A family of three should expect to spend between 300 and 400 euros on food per month. This amount includes a basic set of products, including fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products and cereals.

Bulgarians usually buy their food in supermarkets. There are also open markets where you can buy local seasonal fruits.

The average prices for basic products are as follows: 1 liter of milk - 0.80 euros, 1 kg of bread - 1 euro, 1 kg of rice - 2 euros, 1 kg of chicken breast - 5 euros, 1 kg of local cheese - 6 euros, 1 kg of tomatoes - 1.50 euros, 1 kg of apples - 1.50 euros.

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Cost of eating out and entertainment in Bulgaria

On average, a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant in Bulgaria will cost you around €20 to €40. If you are watching your budget, choose a budget restaurant where you can enjoy a meal for around €10. Fast food is around €4-6.

A gym membership is around €20.

Bowling is around €3 per person.

Transport prices in Bulgaria

Public transport in Bulgaria is convenient, cheap and efficient.

A single ticket for local transport usually costs around €0.70. Whether you are travelling in Sofia, Varna or Plovdiv, it is an affordable and convenient way to explore the city. And don’t forget about trams – they are not just a mode of transport, but a great way to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

If you’re looking for adventure, hop on one of Bulgaria’s scenic trains. One-way train tickets typically cost between €5 and €10.

If you need to get around the city quickly, a taxi is a reliable option. A standard 5km journey in Sofia will cost you around €5-7.

Cost of Education in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian education system emphasizes compulsory primary and secondary education, with public schools offering this service free of charge to Bulgarian citizens and legal residents. If you opt for a private school, tuition fees can range from €1,000 to €4,000 per year.

Bulgarian universities are known for their affordability, with tuition fees typically ranging from €1,000 to €5,000 per academic year.

Healthcare Costs in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s healthcare system is funded by mandatory health insurance contributions, which typically amount to around 8% of an employee’s salary, with both employers and employees sharing the costs. To supplement their coverage, many residents and expats invest in private health insurance.

Quality healthcare in Bulgaria is relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. A standard visit to the doctor can cost you around €20-30

Bulgaria is a popular destination for expats to move to, as the country offers good career prospects, a developed social sphere, a high quality of life for a relatively low cost.

Let’s remind you! Moving to Bulgaria attracts foreigners because of its affordable cost of living, beautiful nature, rich culture and friendly locals. We have already told you about the pros and cons of living in Bulgaria and what are the real estate prices here.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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