Varna, Bulgaria
Last updated on Apr 22, 2023
Summary: People describe Varna, Bulgaria as a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and a lively nightlife. Expats love the city's relaxed atmosphere, its affordability, and its proximity to the Black Sea. The weather in Varna is typically mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is typically around $400 per month, while a two bedroom apartment can cost up to $700 per month. The approximate population of Varna is around 350,000 people.
What are the pros and cons of living in Varna?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Varna responded:
"Expats and digital nomads generally like living in Varna, for several reasons. They appreciate the affordable cost of living, which allows them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. The city's beautiful beaches and picturesque coastline are also a major draw, offering a relaxing environment and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Varna has a rich history and vibrant culture, with numerous museums, galleries, and historical sites to explore. The local cuisine is delicious and diverse, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from. The city is also well-connected, with good public transportation and easy access to other parts of Bulgaria and Europe. On the other hand, there are some aspects of living in Varna that expats and digital nomads may not enjoy as much. The language barrier can be a challenge, as not everyone speaks English, making it difficult to communicate and navigate daily life. The job market can be competitive, with limited opportunities for expats, especially those who do not speak Bulgarian. The bureaucracy and paperwork involved in obtaining visas and residence permits can be time-consuming and frustrating. Additionally, the winter months can be cold and dreary, with limited activities and events compared to the bustling summer season. Finally, some expats may find the local healthcare system to be lacking in quality and accessibility, particularly when it comes to specialized care and treatments," said one in Varna.
"Bulgaria is a very historical country. Lots of interesting things to see, but you have to seek them out, so read travel books! Bulgaria is also a very traditional country where traditions are respected. "Martenitsa" is celebrated March 1st all over Bulgaria. Look it up, interesting! The major thing I do not like about Bulgaria is the car drivers who park anywhere and in any position as well as do not seem to respect speed limits. The Bulgarian staff at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia are, for the most part, "snotty", unprofessional, and act as if they are doing you a favor. I guess that living under socialism for so many years had influenced their behavior. I have dealt with embassies in other countries and have not been treated as "shabbily" as the Bulgarian staff at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia. On the other hand, the U.S. citizen employees I have dealt with at the embassy have always been polite, professional and helpful. Fortunately they have never had to live under socialism...yet," explained one expat in Varna.
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What type of social life can someone expect in Varna?
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Varna?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Varna?
- Will I be able to find a job in Varna?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Varna appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Varna?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Varna accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Varna like?
- How are healthcare services in Varna?
- What are medical services in Varna like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Varna?
- What are emergency services like in Varna?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Varna?
- How are local medical facilities in Varna?
- As a foreigner living in Varna, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?