×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Cost of Living in Bulgaria | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Cost of Living in Bulgaria

SJB Global
SJB Global
SJB Global
SJB Global

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jul 22, 2023

Summary: The cost of living in Bulgaria is generally quite affordable. A nice one bedroom apartment in Bulgaria can cost anywhere from $200 to $400 per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can cost from $300 to $600 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Bulgaria is usually around $10 to $15 per person.

Is the cost of living in Bulgaria high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Bulgaria, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Bulgaria is generally quite affordable compared to other European countries. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive, while rent and dining out can be more expensive. Prices for goods and services vary depending on the city and region, but overall, Bulgaria is a great place to live if you're looking for a budget-friendly lifestyle," said one expat in Bulgaria.

Universal Tax ProfessionalsUniversal Tax Professionals
Connect

We are a U.S. tax firm specializing in taxes for Americans living abroad. We offer expert guidance on navigating the complexities of filing overseas income, foreign asset reporting, and ensuring compliance with both U.S. and international tax regulations. Universal Tax Professionals is a team of experienced experts well-versed in the latest tax laws, including the nuances that apply to expatriates.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Universal Tax ProfessionalsUniversal Tax Professionals

We are a U.S. tax firm specializing in taxes for Americans living abroad. We offer expert guidance on navigating the complexities of filing overseas income, foreign asset reporting, and ensuring compliance with both U.S. and international tax regulations. Universal Tax Professionals is a team of experienced experts well-versed in the latest tax laws, including the nuances that apply to expatriates.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Will I save money living in Bulgaria?

"Living in Bulgaria can be significantly cheaper than living in the United States. The cost of living in Bulgaria is generally lower than in the United States, with rent, groceries, and other everyday expenses costing much less. Additionally, Bulgaria has a lower tax rate than the United States, which can help to reduce the overall cost of living," remarked one expat in Bulgaria.

What is the average cost of housing in Bulgaria?

If you are thinking about moving to Bulgaria, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"I bought a house (4 bed 2 floors, water well, two barns, outside kitchen, fire room, wet room, mains water, mains electric and severage) near Elhovo for £15,000 in May 2023. it was bought from Kiki sat Bulgaria house. I love Bulgaria, cheap, slow pace of live, no-one there, lovely people - the only down side is the bloody Bureaucracy, it is unbelievably proacted and long winded. overall though it is worth it," remarked one expat in Bulgaria.

"House taxes are way way lower, electric is about the same, most heating that people use is by wood, same as mine that heats up the seven radiators to keep the house warm. Water is cheap, and if you have a well like me watering the garden doesn't cost you anything, but I am lucky that mine is drinkable to which a lot isn't," explained one expat living in Pleven.

View More Answers

Universal Tax Professionals

We are a U.S. tax firm specializing in taxes for Americans living abroad. We offer expert guidance on navigating the complexities of filing overseas income, foreign asset reporting, and ensuring compliance with both U.S. and international tax regulations. Universal Tax Professionals is a team of experienced experts well-versed in the latest tax laws, including the nuances that apply to expatriates.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Universal Tax Professionals

We are a U.S. tax firm specializing in taxes for Americans living abroad. We offer expert guidance on navigating the complexities of filing overseas income, foreign asset reporting, and ensuring compliance with both U.S. and international tax regulations. Universal Tax Professionals is a team of experienced experts well-versed in the latest tax laws, including the nuances that apply to expatriates.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What are typical rental prices for expats in Bulgaria?

"The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Bulgaria can vary depending on the location and amenities, but generally ranges from around $400 to $800 per month. For a nice 2 bedroom apartment, the rental price can range from around $600 to $1,200 per month," said one expat.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Bulgaria what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"In Bulgaria, rental properties typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, washing machine, and dishwasher. Other common appliances may include a microwave, toaster, and coffee maker. Depending on the property, some landlords may also provide air conditioning, heating, and other amenities," said one expat.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

US tax firm specializing in US taxes for Americans living abroad.
Learn More

Universal Tax ProfessionalsUniversal Tax Professionals

US tax firm specializing in US taxes for Americans living abroad.
Learn More

SJB Global
SJB Global

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides