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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Varna 2024
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Cost of Living in Varna

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Varna helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Varna - Cost of Living in Varna

Cost of Living Varna
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Varna is around 500-600 BGN (Bulgarian Lev) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 800-1000 BGN per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 300-400 BGN per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 500-600 BGN per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price of an apartment in Varna is around 1,000 BGN per square meter. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 150,000-200,000 BGN. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 100,000-150,000 BGN.
Transportation The public transportation system in Varna is very efficient and affordable. A single ticket costs 1.60 BGN and a monthly pass costs around 30 BGN. Taxis are also available and the average cost of a ride is around 5-10 BGN.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Varna is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around 1 BGN, a liter of milk costs around 1.50 BGN, a dozen eggs costs around 2 BGN, and a kilogram of potatoes costs around 1 BGN.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Varna is relatively low. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 10 BGN, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 20 BGN. A pint of beer costs around 3 BGN.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Varna is relatively low. The average cost of electricity, heating, water, and garbage for a 85m2 apartment is around 100 BGN per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Varna varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around 500 BGN per month. The average cost of elementary school tuition is around 800 BGN per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is around 1,000 BGN per month. The average cost of high school tuition is around 1,500 BGN per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Varna

"The cost of living in Varna is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive, while rent and dining out can be slightly more expensive. Overall, Varna is a great place to live for those looking for a budget-friendly lifestyle," said one expat living in Varna.

Can I live in Varna on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Varna for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might need to live in a smaller apartment or share a flat with someone else to save on rent. When it comes to choosing a neighborhood, I'd recommend looking at areas like Levski, Chayka, and Briz. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $300-$400 per month. On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like the city center and the Sea Garden area, as they tend to be more expensive.In terms of transportation, public transport is quite affordable here, with a monthly pass costing around $30. However, if you prefer to drive, you'll need to factor in the cost of fuel and parking, which can add up.Eating out can be quite affordable in Varna, especially if you stick to local restaurants and avoid touristy areas. You can have a decent meal for around $5-$10. Groceries are also relatively cheap, so cooking at home can help you save even more.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do in Varna, like visiting parks and beaches, you might need to limit how often you go out to bars, clubs, or other more expensive activities.Overall, living in Varna on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you can live comfortably," commented an expat living in Varna.

Can I live in Varna on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Varna for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, the quality of life is pretty good here.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Asparuhovo, Vladislavovo, or Mladost. These neighborhoods have a mix of older and newer buildings, and you can find a decent apartment for around $300 to $500 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out neighborhoods like Trakata, Evksinograd, or Briz. These areas are more expensive, with rents ranging from $600 to $1,000 a month, so they might not be the best option if you're trying to stick to a budget.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month for electricity, water, and heating, depending on the size of your apartment and your usage. Internet and cable TV packages are quite affordable, usually costing around $20 to $30 a month.When it comes to groceries, you'll find that prices are generally lower than in Western Europe or the US. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries, depending on your eating habits and preferences. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 to $15 per person.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is cheap, with a monthly pass costing around $30. Taxis are also affordable, but if you prefer to have your own car, you'll need to factor in the cost of purchasing a vehicle, insurance, and fuel.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of shopping and entertainment options. While Varna has a decent selection of shops, restaurants, and bars, it's not as extensive as you might be used to in a larger city. However, there are still plenty of things to do and see, including beautiful beaches, parks, and cultural events.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Varna on $3,000 a month, as long as you're willing to make some adjustments and prioritize your spending. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and the lower cost of living can make it an attractive option for expats," said one expat living in Varna.

Can I live in Varna on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Varna for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. The cost of living in Varna is generally lower than in many other European cities, so your money will go further here.When it comes to housing, you'll find that there are plenty of options available in various neighborhoods. If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend checking out areas like Levski, Chayka, and Mladost. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of residential buildings, local shops, and parks, and you can find a decent apartment for around $300 to $500 per month.On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on housing, you might want to consider neighborhoods like the city center, Greek Neighborhood, or Briz. These areas are more upscale and offer a wider range of amenities, including high-end restaurants, shopping centers, and cultural attractions. Renting an apartment in these neighborhoods can cost you anywhere from $600 to $1,000 per month, depending on the size and location.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries, transportation, and utilities are all quite affordable in Varna. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $30, and you can expect to spend about $200 to $300 per month on groceries, depending on your eating habits. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, usually come to around $100 to $150 per month.Eating out and entertainment options are also reasonably priced in Varna. You can enjoy a meal at a mid-range restaurant for around $10 to $15 per person, and a night out at the movies or a local theater will usually set you back around $5 to $10.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Varna on a $5,000 monthly budget is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You'll be able to enjoy a good quality of life without having to make too many sacrifices, and you'll still have plenty of money left over for travel, savings, or other personal expenses," commented an expat living in Varna.

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.


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