Estimating the cost of living in Bulgaria: a detailed guide
15.04.2024
Is it expensive to live in Bulgaria? Depends on what to compare with and which side to look at. Among the countries of the European Union, Bulgaria is considered the most budget-friendly country to live in. If you add to this ancient architecture, a mild climate, the presence of snowy peaks and a warm sea, it becomes clear why this small country drowning in greenery is so drawn 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.
The standard of living in Bulgaria and factors affecting it
Bulgaria is in 43rd place in the quality of life index among other countries in the world. There is a good ecology, a large number of green areas, park areas and few industrial plants.
The cost of living in Bulgaria is much lower compared to the USA, Great Britain and Western European countries. However, medicines are paid here. Insurance policies are provided to permanent residents. If you do not have an insurance policy or your illness is not included in the list of insured persons, you will have to pay for an appointment with a specialist. Therefore, when calculating Cost of living in Bulgaria, you should not forget to pay for medical services.
The skills and level of training of the doctors here are quite good. Besides, Bulgaria is famous for its therapeutic and preventive resorts, with therapeutic mud and mineral springs.
Diplomas obtained at Bulgarian universities are cited in all EU countries. For permanent residents of the country education is free, but foreign students will have to pay for their education.
The crime rate in the country is quite low, and Bulgarians say they feel safe here. But in tourist cities during the season the level of thefts and currency exchange scams increases.
In general, the standard of living in Bulgaria and its quality is 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 cost of living in Bulgaria. Since there is actually no central heating, the heating of the apartment and its method falls on the owner's shoulders. But even in those houses where there is central heating, this is more of a minus than a plus. And many Bulgarians tend to abandon it. It is very expensive, and the payment is usually collected not in season, but all year round. Therefore, the residents prefer to warm themselves and thus there is an opportunity to save money.
The winter here is not very cold. And although electricity is not cheap enough, Bulgarians prefer to heat with air conditioners, oil or infrared heaters.

How much does it cost to live in Bulgaria in a rented apartment
The official currency here is the Bulgarian heart, which is equal to 0.51 Euro, 0.56 US Dollar or 0.49 NIS. When calculating the cost of living in Bulgaria in US dollars, euros, shekels or Bulgarian levs, remember that this amount will be different in different regions of the country. And if the price of living in Bulgaria and the price tag on products change insignificantly, then the living conditions change in a big way.
For example, the cost of living in Sofia Bulgaria will cost you from three hundred dollars per month. For two rooms you will have to pay from 500 euros, for three - from eight hundred. In Varna you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for 400 euros, in Burgas - for 400 euros. The cheapest place to live in Bulgaria - Sunny Beach. The cost of living in sunny Bulgaria is about 300 euros
The price depends on the condition of the housing, the area in which it is located and the rental period which is one year. Go for a shorter-term rental reluctantly, and you'll have to pay a lot more.
The first payment will include a deposit equal to the cost of the rent for the month. It is a one-time charge. and payment for broker services. The amount will depend on the city and the rates of the office you choose. Of course, to make these payments in the column of their living expenses in Bulgaria per month is not worth it, if you do not expect to change housing every month.
If there are no violations of the lease and there is no substantial 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 supplying water, electricity, support tax, and if you have central heating, this is not included in the price, but is paid independently.
What does the cost of living in Bulgaria include in 2024?
Transportation - This can be personal transportation, public transportation, or taxis. 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 $1.57. Mandatory car insurance per month will cost from $25. You can save money by taking out a year's worth of insurance at once. There are also toll roads in the country, so you will need a vignette. Its cost per month will be about 15 dollars.
The average cost of living in Bulgaria per month for a family of two will cost 1000 euros. Additional expenses for leisure, entertainment, travel, 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 for a month with your own accommodation. Even if you found a not very expensive apartment somewhere on the outskirts, having your own apartment in the center is still cheaper and much better.
For example, after 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 an average of 655,000. Here you will find a catalog with elite and inexpensive real estate. Apartments with a sea view, studio apartments on the beach, houses and townhouses, houses in the secondary market.
In general, the cost of living in Bulgaria is quite reasonable and much less than in other EU countries.
Dira Bulgarit was established with the aim of helping the Israeli investor find the most worthwhile properties throughout Bulgaria. On our site you will find hundreds of properties - from studio apartments in resorts to luxury apartments of three and four rooms in modern projects built to the highest standards. Our team of experts is waiting for you, contact us today and we will answer any question you might have so that you can find the most profitable real estate investments for you in Bulgaria.