113 cities covered · Currency: BGN (лв) · Capital: Sofia
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | лв10.30 ($5.72) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | лв41.21 ($22.90) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | лв3.09 ($1.72) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | лв234 ($130) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | лв37.78 ($20.99) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | лв99.60 ($55.33) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | лв28.85 ($16.03) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | лв28.85 ($16.03) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | лв7.56 ($4.20) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | лв445 ($247) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | лв310 ($172) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | лв929 ($516) | per month |
Sofia-Grad · pop. 1,531,867
Plovdiv · pop. 329,489
Varna · pop. 318,737
Burgas · pop. 189,014
Stara Zagora · pop. 142,746
Ruse · pop. 137,159
Sliven · pop. 110,470
Pleven · pop. 109,080
Pazardzhik · pop. 90,309
Shumen · pop. 85,410
Pernik · pop. 81,170
Haskovo · pop. 78,812
Veliko Tarnovo · pop. 76,834
Dobrich · pop. 69,434
Blagoevgrad · pop. 69,265
Kardzhali · pop. 65,935
Stara Zagora · pop. 63,529
Kyustendil · pop. 61,642
Vratsa · pop. 60,361
Yambol · pop. 59,364
Plovdiv · pop. 56,859
Gabrovo · pop. 54,608
Targovishte · pop. 47,823
Vidin · pop. 46,269
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Bulgaria
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Bulgaria
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Bulgaria
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Bulgaria
Living costs in Bulgaria vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of лв997 ($554) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.