Cost Of Living For a Couple in Bulgaria 2024

Couple cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Bulgaria

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: BGN
1,200 3,600 19,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$670 $2,000 $11,000

Average monthly spending for couples in Bulgaria

How much money does a couple need in a month to survive in Bulgaria?

Couples in Bulgaria spend around 3,600 BGN per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a couple can survive with a monthly budget as low as 1,200 BGN or as high as 19,000 BGN. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Bulgaria


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Bulgaria

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

3.3 BGN 6.6 BGN 11 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $3.7 $6.1

Restaurant meal for one

11 BGN 17 BGN 33 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.1 $9.2 $18

Fine dining meal for one

22 BGN 33 BGN 130 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $18 $74

Cappuccino or latte

2.8 BGN 4.4 BGN 6.6 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2.5 $3.7

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

2.2 BGN 2.7 BGN 3.3 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $1.8

12 eggs

1.7 BGN 2.2 BGN 3.3 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.92 $1.2 $1.8

Fresh whole chicken

3.8 BGN 4.9 BGN 6.9 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.7 $3.8

Pack of beef

4.4 BGN 6.6 BGN 13 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.7 $7.4

Medium bag of rice

1.8 BGN 2.4 BGN 3.5 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.99 $1.4 $1.9

Bag of tomatos

0.66 BGN 0.88 BGN 1.7 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.37 $0.49 $0.92

Bag of apples

1.2 BGN 1.5 BGN 2.6 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.86 $1.4
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Bulgaria


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

2.8 BGN 3.3 BGN 6.6 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $1.8 $3.7

Average car full tank

17 BGN 22 BGN 44 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.2 $12 $25

Average car 1-day rental

17 BGN 22 BGN 33 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.2 $12 $18

Average car price

8,300 BGN 17,000 BGN 22,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,600 $9,200 $12,000

Bus ticket one way

0.55 BGN 0.83 BGN 1.7 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.31 $0.46 $0.92

Car Service

22 BGN 33 BGN 66 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $18 $37
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Bulgaria


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Couple

48 BGN 160 BGN 1,100 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $91 $590

Internet and cable

17 BGN 33 BGN 44 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.2 $18 $25

Mobile phone charges

13 BGN 22 BGN 66 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.4 $12 $37

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

8.3 BGN 11 BGN 17 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.1 $9.2

One month gym membership

27 BGN 33 BGN 66 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $18 $37
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Bulgaria


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

20 BGN 28 BGN 41 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $23

Woman dress

18 BGN 26 BGN 83 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $14 $46

Woman shoes

17 BGN 24 BGN 55 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.7 $13 $31

Men's shoes

15 BGN 18 BGN 37 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.4 $10 $20

Men suit

17 BGN 21 BGN 110 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.2 $11 $61

Regular t-shirt

8.3 BGN 11 BGN 33 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.1 $18
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Bulgaria


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

280 BGN 410 BGN 1,100 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $230 $610

1-bedroom apartment

410 BGN 660 BGN 1,700 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $370 $920

2-bedroom apartment

550 BGN 830 BGN 2,200 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $460 $1,200

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

55,000 BGN 83,000 BGN 170,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31,000 $46,000 $92,000

1-bedroom apartment

66,000 BGN 110,000 BGN 410,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$37,000 $61,000 $230,000

2-bedroom apartment

110,000 BGN 330,000 BGN 660,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61,000 $180,000 $370,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Bulgaria


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

330 BGN 410 BGN 550 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $230 $310

Double Bed

220 BGN 330 BGN 410 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $180 $230

Single Bed

200 BGN 260 BGN 330 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $140 $180

Living Room

370 BGN 470 BGN 1,700 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $260 $920

Dining Table

170 BGN 220 BGN 410 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$92 $120 $230

Sofa or Couch

220 BGN 300 BGN 660 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $170 $370
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Bulgaria


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

220 BGN 330 BGN 660 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $180 $370

Fridge or Freezer

200 BGN 300 BGN 410 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $170 $230

Washing Machine

260 BGN 370 BGN 660 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $200 $370

Stove or Cooker

240 BGN 300 BGN 410 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $170 $230

Mobile Phone

280 BGN 330 BGN 470 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $180 $260

Laptop or Computer

300 BGN 370 BGN 660 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $200 $370
Couple cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Bulgaria

Couple expenditure to income ratio in Bulgaria

Analysing the how affordable it is for couples to live in Bulgaria

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Couples usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a couple of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

81%

73% to 89%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Couples in Bulgaria spend around 81% of their monthly income. Some couples spend as low as 73% of their income while some as high as 89%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a couple in Bulgaria

How do couples spend their money in Bulgaria?

We asked thousands of couples about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for couples

Accomodation Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (21% to 38%)

LOW$230   410 BGN
AVERAGE$680   1,200 BGN
HIGH$3,700   6,600 BGN
Per Month

Couples in Bulgaria typically spend from 21% to 38% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 28% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 1,200 BGN with expenditure ranging from 410 BGN to 6,600 BGN. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for couples

Cost of utilities7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$27   48 BGN
AVERAGE$91   160 BGN
HIGH$590   1,100 BGN
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Bulgaria ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most couples. The average monthly cost of utilities is 160 BGN with 48 BGN and 1,100 BGN being the upper and lower limits for a couple of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for couples

Cost of transport and fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$81   150 BGN
AVERAGE$240   440 BGN
HIGH$1,300   2,300 BGN
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a couple resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a couple would expect to spend from 150 BGN to 2,300 BGN in a month on commuting with 440 BGN being the norm for most couples. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 10% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 15%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for couples

Food and Groceries Cost16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$94   170 BGN
AVERAGE$280   510 BGN
HIGH$1,500   2,700 BGN
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical couple in a month in Bulgaria is 510 BGN. The cost of groceries can range between 170 BGN to 2,700 BGN. Couples spend on average about 16% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 11% and 21% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for couples

Cost of healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$74   130 BGN
AVERAGE$220   400 BGN
HIGH$1,200   2,100 BGN
Per Month

Couples in Bulgaria allocate 7% to 17% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 13%. The range of medical expenses range from 130 BGN to 2,100 BGN with 400 BGN being the norm for most couples.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for couples

Cost of leisure and shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$40   73 BGN
AVERAGE$120   220 BGN
HIGH$640   1,200 BGN
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 73 BGN to 1,200 BGN with 220 BGN being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most couples.

Education and schooling expenditure for couples

Cost of education and schooling2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$13   24 BGN
AVERAGE$40   73 BGN
HIGH$210   390 BGN
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different couples. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of couples with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 73 BGN per month with 24 BGN being the minimum spent amount and 390 BGN being the maximum.

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$110   210 BGN
AVERAGE$340   620 BGN
HIGH$1,800   3,300 BGN
Per Month
Percentage of couples who manage to save money from their income every month in Bulgaria

What percentage of couples in Bulgaria are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of couples that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
63%
Not Saving
37%

Almost 63% of surveyed couples in Bulgaria said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 37% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Couple savings to income ratio in Bulgaria

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do couples manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 17% of income 30%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

450 BGN
$250
1,300 BGN
$740
7,100 BGN
$4,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples that are able to save money can put anywhere from 10% to 30% of their monthly income to their savings, with 17% being the average for most couples. The average monthly amount of money that couples can put aside is 1,300 BGN with 450 BGN and 7,100 BGN being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money in Bulgaria

Saving Challenges in Bulgaria

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping couples from maximizing their savings in Bulgaria. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans16%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later19%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the couples said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 16% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% of couples blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 19% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do couples choose to put their savings in Bulgaria

Typical saving choices for couples in Bulgaria

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings18%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks5%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for couples to live in Bulgaria

Affordable living in Bulgaria

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked couples one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Bulgaria?


Yes
65%
No
35%

Around 65% of surveyed couples think that living in Bulgaria is affordable with proper budgeting while 35% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for couples. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Bulgaria

Low-cost alternatives in Bulgaria

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked couples how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options57%

Few low-cost options43%


Based on the survey, 57% of the couples living in Bulgaria have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 43% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Couples

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked couples of Bulgaria whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes61%

No39%


Based on the survey, 39% of the couples living in Bulgaria said that they don't have an emergency fund while 61% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for couples in Bulgaria

Financial Literacy in Bulgaria

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy60%


We asked couple guardians and parents in Bulgaria whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 40% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 60% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether couples of Bulgaria have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 43% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 57% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance43%

Easily manages finances57%

Financial goals and targets of couples living in Bulgaria

Financial goals of couples in Bulgaria

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Bulgaria, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction37%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle9%
Healthcare Expenses11%
Financial Independence7%

Around 7% of couples said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 37% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 9% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 11% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of couples who are in debt in Bulgaria

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Bulgaria


Percentage of couples who are in debt


In Debt
32%
Debt Free
68%

According to the survey, 32% of the couples in Bulgaria have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 68% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Bulgaria

Debt-to-income ratio in Bulgaria

Debt to income ratio

30%

21% to 39%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 30% of a couple's monthly income in Bulgaria goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%14%
40% - 50%13%
30% - 40%15%
20% - 30%13%
10% - 20%16%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Bulgaria pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 14% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 13% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Bulgaria

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage11%
Auto Loan19%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card27%
Personal Loan39%

11% of debtors in Bulgaria confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 27% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 19% of people and personal loans rose at 39%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Bulgaria.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Bulgaria

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked couples of Bulgaria how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never53%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Bulgaria

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Bulgaria

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Bulgaria

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

280 BGN 410 BGN 1,100 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $230 $610

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

410 BGN 660 BGN 1,700 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $370 $920

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

550 BGN 830 BGN 2,200 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $460 $1,200

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

660 BGN 1,100 BGN 3,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $610 $1,700

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

1,300 BGN 3,300 BGN 6,600 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$740 $1,800 $3,700

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1,100 BGN 1,700 BGN 4,700 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$610 $920 $2,600

House monthly rent cost

1,300 BGN 3,300 BGN 6,600 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$740 $1,800 $3,700

Villa monthly rent cost

1,700 BGN 4,100 BGN 6,600 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$920 $2,300 $3,700

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Bulgaria ranges between 280 BGN and 1,100 BGN, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 410 BGN to 1,700 BGN. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 550 BGN and 2,200 BGN per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 660 BGN to 3,000 BGN. The average rent of a townhouse in Bulgaria is around 1,700 BGN while house rental costs can be as high as 3,300 BGN per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,700 BGN to 6,600 BGN per month.



Apartment and house prices in Bulgaria

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

55,000 BGN 83,000 BGN 170,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31,000 $46,000 $92,000

1-bedroom apartment price

66,000 BGN 110,000 BGN 410,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$37,000 $61,000 $230,000

2-bedroom apartment price

110,000 BGN 330,000 BGN 660,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61,000 $180,000 $370,000

3-bedroom apartment price

370,000 BGN 550,000 BGN 1.7M BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200,000 $310,000 $920,000

Townhouse price

470,000 BGN 1.1M BGN 4.1M BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260,000 $610,000 $2.3M

House price

550,000 BGN 3.3M BGN 4.7M BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310,000 $1.8M $2.6M

Villa price

660,000 BGN 3.7M BGN 5.5M BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370,000 $2M $3.1M

The average price of a studio apartment in Bulgaria can range from 55,000 BGN to 170,000 BGN depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 66,000 BGN to 410,000 BGN. A villa can cost you 3.7M BGN on average with prices ranging from 660,000 BGN to 5.5M BGN.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Bulgaria will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


36 x104 monthly income 202
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Bulgaria can be x104 to x202 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x104 multiples of the average monthly salary in Bulgaria.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


20% 30% of income 40%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Bulgaria is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% to 40% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
28%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2%
AVERAGE
3%
TO
4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


4.8 BGN 63 BGN 630 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Bulgaria

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Bulgaria

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

48 BGN 160 BGN 1,100 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $91 $590

Internet and cable cost

17 BGN 33 BGN 44 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.2 $18 $25

Mobile phone bill and charges

13 BGN 22 BGN 66 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.4 $12 $37

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of couples is around 160 BGN. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 17 BGN to 44 BGN with 33 BGN being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 22 BGN but can range between 13 BGN and 66 BGN depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


3% 6% of income 10%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Bulgaria is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Bulgaria

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Bulgaria

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

3.3 BGN 6.6 BGN 11 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $3.7 $6.1

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Bulgaria is approximatly 6.6 BGN with meal cost ranging from 3.3 BGN to 11 BGN. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

11 BGN 17 BGN 33 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.1 $9.2 $18

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 11 BGN and 33 BGN with 17 BGN being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Bulgaria.

Fine dining meal for one price

22 BGN 33 BGN 130 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $18 $74

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 22 BGN to 130 BGN with the average cost being 33 BGN for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Bulgaria.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

2.8 BGN 4.4 BGN 6.6 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2.5 $3.7

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Bulgaria is around 4.4 BGN. Price ranges between 2.8 BGN and 6.6 BGN depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

2.2 BGN 2.7 BGN 3.3 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.5 $1.8

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Bulgaria is 2.7 BGN. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 3.3 BGN and the minimum being 2.2 BGN depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

1.7 BGN 2.2 BGN 3.3 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.92 $1.2 $1.8

A dozen eggs costs around 2.2 BGN on average with 1.7 BGN and 3.3 BGN being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

3.8 BGN 4.9 BGN 6.9 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.7 $3.8

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Bulgaria is between 3.8 BGN and 6.9 BGN depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 4.9 BGN.

Pack of beef price

4.4 BGN 6.6 BGN 13 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.5 $3.7 $7.4

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 6.6 BGN. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

1.8 BGN 2.4 BGN 3.5 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.99 $1.4 $1.9

A bag of rice in Bulgaria costs around 2.4 BGN on average with prices rangeing between 1.8 BGN and 3.5 BGN depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.66 BGN 0.88 BGN 1.7 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.37 $0.49 $0.92

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.66 BGN to 1.7 BGN. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1.2 BGN 1.5 BGN 2.6 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.86 $1.4

A bag of apples costs 1.5 BGN on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


18% 26% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Bulgaria is around 26%. This means that couples spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for couples

Couples' spending on grocery ranges from 170 BGN to 2,700 BGN with the location, income, and size of the couple being the most determinite factors.

evoeicarsraw©copound