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The cost of living in Bulgaria remains relatively affordable compared to many European countries.
- Average property prices range from €1100 (£915) to €2250 (£1870) per square meter
- A family of 4 would need €2000 (£1660) excluding rent for living costs per month
- A single person would need €600 (£499) excluding rent for living costs per month
Although prices are steadily rising, and with the introduction of the Euro may rise even further, the affordability of living in Bulgaria is a major attraction for many people. Here we look at 10 popular destinations for expats to live, revealing average property prices and how much money it on average costs to live per month within that city.
Whether you’re into beaches or mountain views, this expat settlement guide reveals Bulgaria’s top lifestyle destinations.
Note that these are city prices, choose a village further out of the city, especially where you can grow your own produce, and life becomes even more affordable.
Wondering what your monthly expenses would look like? Here's how much it costs to live in Bulgaria.
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Bulgaria. Bulgaria is a wonderful country to call home, but as with anywhere you choose to live in the world, there are things you need to be aware of. Here we look at the pros and cons of living in Bulgaria.
Sofia
As the capital city, Sofia is the most expensive city in Bulgaria. It has the highest property prices and living costs but equally has the highest wages too.
- Average property prices range from €1,500 (£1,248) to €3,000 (£2,500) per square meter
- A family of 4 would need €2,258 (£1,903) excluding rent for living costs per month
- A single person would need €643 (£542) excluding rent for living costs per month
View properties for sale and rent in Sofia at Realistimo.com.
Varna
Known as the "Sea Capital," Varna is a major port city and popular tourist destination on the Black Sea coast.
- Average property prices range from €1,250 (£1,040) to €2,050 (£1,700) per square meter
- A family of 4 would need €2,090 (£1,740) excluding rent for living costs per month
- A single person would need €600 (£500) excluding rent for living costs per month
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Varna. In this guide, we take a look at the pros and cons of living in Varna.
Burgas
Another coastal city, Burgas is known for its tourism and cultural significance and is considered one of the most desirable places to live in Bulgaria.
- Average property prices range from €1,250 (£1,040) to €1,900 (£1,580) per square meter
- A family of 4 would need €2,017 (£1,700) excluding rent for living costs per month
- A single person would need €609 (£475) excluding rent for living costs per month
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Burgas. In this guide, we look at the advantages and disadvantages of moving to Burgas.
Plovdiv
As one of the oldest cities in Europe and a cultural hub, Plovdiv is a vibrant city and very popular with expats.
- Average property prices range from €1,250 (£1,040) to €1,750 (£1,456) per square meter
- A family of 4 would need €1,971 (£1,661) excluding rent for living costs per month
- A single person would need €700 (£582) excluding rent for living costs per month
Check out the latest listings of property for sale and rent in the Plodiv area at Realistimo.com.
Stara Zagora
A city with a mix of industrial and cultural importance, Stara Zagora offers more affordable living and is becoming a popular place for expats to live.
- Average property prices range from €900 (£750) to €1,200 (£1,010) per square meter
- A family of 4 would need €1,645 (£1,387) excluding rent for living costs per month
- A single person would need €559 (£471) excluding rent for living costs per month
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Stara Zagora. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of living in the Municipality of Stara Zagora.
Ruse
Situated on the Danube River, Ruse has lower living costs compared to the major coastal and inland cities but still offers all the amenities you could want.
- Average property prices are between €850 (£707) and €1,000 (£841) per square meter
- A family of 4 would need €1,663 (£1,402) excluding rent for living costs per month
- A single person would need €600 (£500) excluding rent for living costs per month
Check out the latest listings for property for sale and rent in the Municipality of Ruse at Realistimo.com.
Veliko Tarnovo
Known for its historical significance and as a university city, Veliko Tarnovo is relatively affordable and is a popular place for expats to call home.
- Average property prices generally range from €800 (£665) to €1,000 (£841) per square meter
- A family of 4 would need €1,634 (£1,378) excluding rent for living costs per month
- A single person would need €662 (£524) excluding rent for living costs per month
Check out the latest listings for property for sale and rent in the Municipality of Veliko Tarnоvo at Realistimo.com
Pleven
A city in northern Bulgaria, Pleven is more affordable than many cities and is a very family-friendly place to live.
- Average property prices average between €500 (£420) and €800 (£673) per square meter
- A family of 4 would need €1,441 (£1,215) excluding rent for living costs per month
- A single person would need €544 (£459) excluding rent for living costs per month
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Pleven. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of living in Pleven.
Montana
Montana, located in northwestern Bulgaria, is among the more affordable cities due to its location and lack of work opportunities.
- Average property prices range from €500 (£416) to €600 (£504) per square meter
- A family of 4 would need €1,653 (£1,389) excluding rent for living costs per month
- A single person would need €500 (£416) excluding rent for living costs per month
Check out the latest property for sale and rent in the Montana region at Realistimo.com
Vidin
Vidin is one of the least expensive cities in Bulgaria. The low demand and remote location contribute to its affordability.
- Average property prices can be as low as €400 (£332) to €500 (£420) per square meter
- A family of 4 would need €1,200 (£998) excluding rent for living costs per month
- A single person would need €450 (£374) excluding rent for living costs per month
Check out the latest property for sale and rent in the Vidin region at Realistimo.com
Average cost of living data taken from www.numbeo.com and www.expatistan.com August 2024
Average property prices taken from www.realistimo.com August 2024.
The low cost of living is only a small part of why Bulgaria is such a great place to call home, so make that move whilst you can and before prices rise even more – you won’t regret it!
Planning to stay in Bulgaria long-term? Learn how to apply for a Bulgarian D visa step-by-step in our detailed guide.
Be sure to check our moving blog where you can find invaluable tips about buying a property in Bulgaria and guides to the various regions where you could soon be enjoying a wonderful new life.
This hands-on healthcare guide explains how Bulgaria delivers efficient, low-cost medical care without the stress.
Sofia is the most expensive city in Bulgaria, but does it offer good value for money? Find out in the pros and cons of moving to Sofia.
Good luck with your move to Bulgaria!
