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Assessing the cost of living in Bulgaria: a detailed guide

  1. Real Estate in Bulgaria
  2. / Assessing the cost of living in Bulgaria: a detailed guide
BUY APARTMENT
04.03.2024
Author of the article:
Yana Minchenko

Is it expensive to live in Bulgaria? It depends on what to compare it with and from which side to look. Among the EU countries Bulgaria is considered the most budget-friendly country to live in. If you add to this ancient architecture, mild climate, the presence of snow-capped peaks and warm sea, it becomes clear why this small country drowning in greenery is so stretched not only by tourists, but also by citizens who want to settle here forever. Often come here to live from Israel, Germany and the United States. 

Standard of living in Bulgaria and factors influencing it

Bulgaria is on the 43rd place on the quality of life index among other countries in the world. There is a good ecology, a large number of green spaces, park areas and few industrial enterprises. 

 

The cost of living in Bulgaria is much lower compared to the USA, Great Britain and Western European countries. However, medicine here is paid. Insurance policies are provided for permanent residents. If you do not have an insurance policy or your illness is not included in the list of insured cases, you will have to pay for a specialist's appointment. Therefore, when calculating the costs of living in Bulgaria, you should not forget about paying for medical services.  

 

The qualification and level of training of doctors here is quite good. Besides, Bulgaria is famous for its therapeutic and preventive resorts, therapeutic muds and mineral springs. 

 

Diplomas obtained in Bulgarian universities are quoted in all EU countries. For permanent residents of the country the education is free, but foreign students will have to pay for their education. 

 

The crime rate in the country is quite low, and residents of Bulgaria note that they feel safe here. But in tourist cities during the season the level of theft and currency exchange fraud increases. 

 

In general, the standard of living cost in Bulgaria and its quality are at a good enough level.

How much does it cost to live in Bulgaria? Dependence on the season

During the winter months, heating costs are added to the standard living costs in Bulgaria. Since there is practically no central heating, the heating of the dwelling and its method falls on the shoulders of the owner. But even in those houses where there is central heating, it is more of a minus than a plus. And many Bulgarians tend to abandon it. It is very expensive, and the fee is usually charged not in season, but all year round. Therefore, residents prefer to heat themselves, and thus there is an opportunity to save money. 

 

Winters here are not very cold. And although electricity is not cheap enough, Bulgarians prefer to heat with air conditioners, oil or infrared heaters. In some old houses you can find stove heating and even burzhuyki.  

How much it costs to live in Bulgaria on a rented apartment

The official currency here is the Bulgarian lev, which is equal to 0.51 euros or 0.56 US dollars. When calculating the cost of living in Bulgaria in US dollars, euros or national levs, it should be remembered that this amount will differ in different regions of the country. And if the price of living in Bulgaria and tag on products will fluctuate insignificantly, then living conditions fluctuate in a large range.

 

For example, cost of living in Sofia Bulgaria will cost you from three hundred dollars a month. For two rooms you will have to pay from 500euro, for three - from eight hundred. In Varna you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for 400 euro, in Burgas - for 400 euro. The cheapest place to live in Bulgaria - Sunny Beach. Cost of living in sunny beach bulgaria about 300 euro

 

The price depends on the condition of housing, the area in which it is located and the rental period, which is one year. For a shorter term rent reluctantly, and you will have to pay much more.   

 

The first payment will include a deposit equal to the cost of rent for the month. It is charged one-time. And payment for the services of a realtor. The amount will depend on the city and the rates of the firm you choose. Of course, to make these payments in the column of their expenses cost of living in Bulgaria per month is not worth it, if you do not expect every month to change housing.  

 

If there are no violations of the rental contract and no material damage to the apartment, the deposit will be returned to you after the end of the contract.

 

When calculating the cost of living in Bulgaria, or more precisely, the rent, take into account not only the cost of the rent itself. But also the cost of water supply, electricity, support tax, and if you have central heating, it is not included in the price, but is paid independently.

What does the cost of living in Bulgaria in 2024 include?

The average cost of living in Bulgaria will consist of expenses for:

  • food;

  • rent;

  • health insurance. From $88;

  • cell phone service. From $5.55 per phone number;

  • means of transportation.

 

Of means of transportation - it can be personal transportation, public transportation or cabs. A thirty-day pass for any type of public transportation will cost $27.75 to $33.30. A liter of A-95 gasoline will cost $1.53, and diesel fuel $1.57. Mandatory car insurance per month will cost from 25 dollars. You can save money by taking out insurance for a year at once. There are also toll roads in the country, so you will need a vignette. Its cost for a month will be about 15 dollars. 

 

The average cost of living in Bulgaria per month for a family of two will cost 1000 euro. Additional expenses for leisure, entertainment, traveling, clothing and other services in the form of spas, hairdressers and gyms will depend on personal preferences and, of course, your capabilities. 

 

You can significantly reduce the cost of living in Bulgaria per month with your own accommodation. Even if you have found a not very expensive apartment somewhere on the outskirts, having your own in the center is still cheaper and much better. 

 

In the catalog of real estate agency Bulgarian Resales you can find housing for every taste and size of wallet. In a new building and on the secondary market.

 

For example, having from 21500 dollars, you can invest in a new building. In Sunny Beach for 13 thousand you can take a studio in a complex with a swimming pool. Real estate in Burgas will cost on average from 655 thousand. Here you will find a catalog with both elite real estate and inexpensive. Apartments with sea view, studios on the coast, houses and townhouses, houses on the secondary market

 

In general, the cost of living prices in bulgaria people are quite affordable and much less than in other EU countries.

Types of real estate
CEPI - European Association of Real Estate Professions