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Cost of Living in Bulgaria | Expat Exchange
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Cost of Living in Bulgaria

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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," remarked one in Bulgaria.

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William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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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," explained one expat.

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," said one expat in Bulgaria.

"The cost of housing in Bulgaria is generally quite affordable compared to other European countries. The average cost of renting an apartment in Bulgaria is usually around €200-400 per month, while the average cost of buying a property is around €1,000-2,000 per square meter. Prices vary depending on the location and size of the property," wrote a person living in Bulgaria.

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William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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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," commented one expat who moved to Bulgaria.

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," commented one expat who moved to Bulgaria.

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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William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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