Situated on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, is Burgas, known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural scene, and laid-back lifestyle.
Although one of the country’s largest cities, Burgas is still small enough to feel friendly and offers a unique blend of urban living with the charm of a coastal town.
Often people moving to the Black Sea coast will be torn between Varna and Burgas. Despite both being resorts, they are quite different for long-term residents, and from the expats I have spoken to there, the majority would choose Burgas to call home.
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It is slightly smaller than Varna but will all the amenities, it is not so touristy, and has more of a feeling of community. But we are all different, so here we will look at the pros and cons of moving to Burgas so that you can make up your own mind.
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Bulgaria. In this guide, we give a generalistic view of the pros and cons of living in Bulgaria. Each region of Bulgaria is special and unique but some aspects of daily life are the same countrywide.
Burgas is famed for its stunning Black Sea coastline, offering residents easy access to some of Bulgaria’s best beaches. The city’s main beach, located within the Sea Garden (Morska Gradina), is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Whether you enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or water sports, living in Burgas means you’re never far from the sea. The coastline also boasts several picturesque seaside towns, such as Sunny Beach (much like Blackpool), Nessebar (a stunningly beautiful old town), and Sozopol (a beautiful ancient town with cobbled streets), which are perfect for weekend getaways.
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One of the most appealing aspects of living in Burgas for many people is the affordable cost of living. Compared to Western Europe, prices for housing, groceries, dining, and entertainment are significantly lower.
Although as with anywhere along the Black Sea, watch out for ‘tourist’ prices. Restaurants will often have 2 menus, one for locals and one for visitors, with significantly different prices. However, whether you're renting an apartment in the city center or purchasing a property in a nearby village, you'll find that your money goes much further here.
This affordability makes Burgas an attractive option for retirees, digital nomads, and families looking for a high quality of life on the coast.
You may also like to read: Applying for Mortgages and Finance in Bulgaria. Whilst property here is very affordable compared with the UK and Europe, many people choose to finance their move here. Discover the financial services that could make your dream a reality.
Burgas has a rich cultural life, with numerous events, festivals, and performances taking place throughout the year. The nightlife in Burgas is nowhere near as frenetic as Varna, which can be a blessing depending upon your preferences.
The city is home to several museums, art galleries, and theaters, offering plenty of opportunities for cultural enrichment. The Burgas Opera House and the annual Spirit of Burgas music festival are just two examples of the city's vibrant arts scene.
Additionally, the Sea Garden, a large park that stretches along the coast, is a hub of cultural activity, with open-air concerts, art installations, and festivals.
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Burgas has a strong expat community, making it easier for newcomers to integrate and find support. The city is very popular among retirees and digital nomads, attracted by the lower cost of living, pleasant climate, and relaxed lifestyle.
You will find several online communities for expats in Burgas which can be a wealth of local knowledge and are usually well worth joining. English is widely spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas, which makes life a lot easier when you first move here.
You may also like to read: Is Moving to Bulgaria a Good Idea? Having lived here for 8 years now, this is my perspective of what life is like here and whether making to the move to Bulgaria is a good idea.
For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Burgas is an ideal location. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the stunning Black Sea coastline, the Strandzha Mountain range, and several nature reserves.
Lake Burgas, the largest natural lake in Bulgaria, is a haven for birdwatchers and a popular spot for fishing and boating. The nearby Ropotamo Nature Reserve offers hiking trails, boat trips, and opportunities to explore the unique flora and fauna of the region.
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Burgas enjoys a moderate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The coastal location means that summers are not as hot as in other parts of Bulgaria, with the sea breeze providing a welcome cooling effect.
Winters are generally mild, with occasional snowfall, but nothing too severe. The pleasant weather allows for outdoor activities year-round, making it an appealing destination for those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.
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Burgas is strategically located on the Black Sea coast, making it a convenient base for exploring both Bulgaria and neighboring countries. The city is well-connected by road, rail, and air, with Burgas International Airport offering flights to all the major European cities.
You may also like to read: Buying Property in Bulgaria: A Simple How to Guide. Whilst Brexit has certainly made moving overseas more difficult it is nowhere near as difficult as you might imagine. Here we explain the process of buying your own slice of heaven here in Bulgaria.
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among younger Bulgarians, Bulgarian is the official language, and many older residents, especially out of the city, are unlikely to speak English.
In the villages surrounding Burgas, you will find knowing some Bulgarian phrases indispensable. And don’t forget that you’ll have to learn a whole new alphabet too, the Cyrillic alphabet can be particularly challenging for newcomers.
For those planning to live in Burgas long-term, learning Bulgarian is highly recommended. Navigating day-to-day life, such as shopping in local markets or dealing with government offices, will require at least a basic understanding of the language.
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Burgas, like other coastal cities in Bulgaria, experiences a significant influx of tourists during the summer months. While this boosts the local economy, it also means that the city can become crowded, particularly in the center and along the beaches.
Like any coastal resort in the world, the increased demand for services, such as restaurants, taxis, and accommodations, can be frustrating for residents. It is also worth bearing in mind that especially within the tourist areas, prices for some goods and services may rise during the summer.
That said, you will soon learn the shops to avoid and the ones where you will still get the local prices.
The job market in Burgas, while growing, can be limited for non-Bulgarians, particularly for those who do not speak the language. Most opportunities for foreigners are in sectors like tourism, teaching English, or working for international companies.
For digital nomads or those who can work remotely, this may not be an issue, but others might find it challenging to secure employment in the local job market.
If you have skills such as an electrician or builder then it is often easy to find work amongst the expat community.
This is not specific to Burgas, bureaucracy is challenging no matter where you choose to live in Bulgaria. If you can, always have a local with you, or someone who knows the processes or you will be making numerous trips over several days for the simplest admin task.
You may also like to read: Finding a Trusted Real Estate Broker in Bulgaria. It is essential that you employ the services of a trusted broker to guide you through the process of getting a home as they will be able to assist you every step of the way.
While Burgas generally enjoys a pleasant climate, the winter months can bring colder temperatures and strong coastal winds. The city experiences occasional snowfall, and the wind can make winter days feel particularly chilly. For those accustomed to warmer climates, the winter weather in Burgas may be a downside.
However, compared to the UK and other parts of Bulgaria, Burgas has relatively mild winters, with fewer extreme weather events.
Again, not exclusive to Burgas, but in general you will find that things like public transport may not be as frequent or as punctual as you are used to. This will be particularly true in the villages around Burgas, but on the whole, public transport is good.
It is not uncommon to have power or water outages, especially during the winter, but they are usually for a few hours and are mostly experienced in the villages. Internet services are usually fast, cheap, and reliable but in some villages, you may experience outages, especially if there are storms or snowfall.
Burgas is a modern, multi-cultural city but you may find the outlying villages less multi-cultural. Bulgaria is often said to be 50 years behind the rest of Europe so things like smoking are very common whereas it is less so in the UK for example.
Political correctness, or the lack thereof is also something that some expats struggle with here, it is just something to be aware of. So, is Burgas a good place to live?
Burgas certainly has much going for it being a modern city with beautiful beaches, affordable cost of living, and a rich cultural scene.
The city’s pleasant climate, growing expat community, and access to outdoor activities make it an attractive destination for a wide range of people.
It is no wonder that this region attracts expats from all over the world. Nowhere in the world is perfect, but many expats agree that Burgas is a wonderful place to live.
The great thing about thinking of moving to the Black Sea area is that there are plenty of rentals so that you can live in the area before committing to buy.
Be sure to check out the area you would like to live in during both the winter and summer months, the same place can be very different as the seasons change.
Sofia vs. Burgas – which one is better for you? Discover the pros and cons of moving to Sofia to help you decide.
Good luck with your move to Bulgaria!
Check out some amazing properties for sale and rent in Burgas and the surrounding area here and The Pros and Cons of Moving to Stara Zagora
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