Cost Of Living For a Single Person in Sofia 2024

Single person cost of living chart - individual average monthly expenditure in Sofia

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: BGN
330 2,300 15,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $1,300 $8,500

Average monthly spending for a single person or individual in Sofia

How much money does an individual need in a month to survive in Sofia?

A single person in Sofia spends around 2,300 BGN per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a single individual can survive with a monthly budget as low as 330 BGN or as high as 15,000 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 Sofia


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

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

3.2 BGN 6.3 BGN 11 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $3.5 $5.9

Restaurant meal for one

11 BGN 17 BGN 33 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.2 $9.2 $18

Fine dining meal for one

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

Cappuccino or latte

2.6 BGN 4.2 BGN 6.3 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2.3 $3.5

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

2.1 BGN 2.5 BGN 3.2 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.4 $1.8

12 eggs

1.6 BGN 2.1 BGN 3.2 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.88 $1.2 $1.8

Fresh whole chicken

3.6 BGN 4.7 BGN 6.6 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.6 $3.7

Pack of beef

4.2 BGN 6.3 BGN 13 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.5 $7

Medium bag of rice

1.7 BGN 2.3 BGN 3.3 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.94 $1.3 $1.8

Bag of tomatos

0.63 BGN 0.84 BGN 1.6 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.35 $0.47 $0.88

Bag of apples

1.1 BGN 1.5 BGN 2.4 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.63 $0.82 $1.4
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Sofia


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

2.8 BGN 3.3 BGN 6.7 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $1.8 $3.7

Average car full tank

16 BGN 21 BGN 42 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.8 $12 $23

Average car 1-day rental

17 BGN 23 BGN 35 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.7 $13 $19

Average car price

7,900 BGN 16,000 BGN 21,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4,400 $8,800 $12,000

Bus ticket one way

0.58 BGN 0.88 BGN 1.7 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.32 $0.49 $0.97

Car Service

23 BGN 35 BGN 70 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $39
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Sofia


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

20 BGN 140 BGN 920 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $77 $510

Internet and cable

16 BGN 32 BGN 42 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.8 $18 $23

Mobile phone charges

13 BGN 21 BGN 63 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7 $12 $35

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

7.9 BGN 11 BGN 16 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.4 $5.9 $8.8

One month gym membership

28 BGN 35 BGN 70 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $19 $39
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Sofia


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

21 BGN 29 BGN 44 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $16 $24

Woman dress

19 BGN 27 BGN 87 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $48

Woman shoes

18 BGN 25 BGN 58 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $14 $32

Men's shoes

16 BGN 19 BGN 39 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.8 $11 $22

Men suit

17 BGN 22 BGN 120 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.7 $12 $65

Regular t-shirt

8.7 BGN 12 BGN 35 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.8 $6.5 $19
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Sofia


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

290 BGN 440 BGN 1,200 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $240 $650

1-bedroom apartment

440 BGN 700 BGN 1,700 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $390 $970

2-bedroom apartment

580 BGN 870 BGN 2,300 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $480 $1,300

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

58,000 BGN 87,000 BGN 170,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32,000 $48,000 $97,000

1-bedroom apartment

70,000 BGN 120,000 BGN 440,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$39,000 $65,000 $240,000

2-bedroom apartment

120,000 BGN 350,000 BGN 700,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$65,000 $190,000 $390,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Sofia


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

320 BGN 400 BGN 530 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $220 $290

Double Bed

210 BGN 320 BGN 400 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $180 $220

Single Bed

190 BGN 240 BGN 320 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $140 $180

Living Room

350 BGN 450 BGN 1,600 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $250 $880

Dining Table

160 BGN 210 BGN 400 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$88 $120 $220

Sofa or Couch

210 BGN 290 BGN 630 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $160 $350
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Sofia


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

210 BGN 320 BGN 630 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $180 $350

Fridge or Freezer

190 BGN 290 BGN 400 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $160 $220

Washing Machine

240 BGN 350 BGN 630 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $200 $350

Stove or Cooker

230 BGN 290 BGN 400 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $160 $220

Mobile Phone

260 BGN 320 BGN 450 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $180 $250

Laptop or Computer

290 BGN 350 BGN 630 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $200 $350
Single person or Individual cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Sofia

Single person expenditure to income ratio in Sofia

Analysing the how affordable it is for an individual to live in Sofia

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. Individuals usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a single individual ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

81%

73% to 89%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Individuals in Sofia spend around 81% of their monthly income. Some individuals spend as low as 73% of their income while some as high as 89%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a single person in Sofia

How do individuals spend their money in Sofia?

We asked thousands of individuals 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 individuals

Accomodation Cost30%

30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)

LOW$65   120 BGN
AVERAGE$460   830 BGN
HIGH$3,100   5,500 BGN
Per Month

Individuals in Sofia typically spend from 18% to 42% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 30% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 830 BGN with expenditure ranging from 120 BGN to 5,500 BGN. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

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

Cost of utilities8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$11   20 BGN
AVERAGE$77   140 BGN
HIGH$510   920 BGN
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Sofia ranges from 4% to 13% of total expenses with 8% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly cost of utilities is 140 BGN with 20 BGN and 920 BGN being the upper and lower limits for a single person.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for individuals

Cost of transport and fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$14   26 BGN
AVERAGE$100   180 BGN
HIGH$680   1,200 BGN
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a single person resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a single person would expect to spend from 26 BGN to 1,200 BGN in a month on commuting with 180 BGN being the norm for most individuals. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for individuals

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$29   52 BGN
AVERAGE$200   370 BGN
HIGH$1,400   2,500 BGN
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical person in a month in Sofia is 370 BGN. The cost of groceries can range between 52 BGN to 2,500 BGN. Individuals spend on average about 19% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 13% and 24% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for individuals

Cost of healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$16   29 BGN
AVERAGE$110   210 BGN
HIGH$770   1,400 BGN
Per Month

Individuals in Sofia allocate 6% to 16% 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 12%. The range of medical expenses range from 29 BGN to 1,400 BGN with 210 BGN being the norm for most individuals.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for individuals

Cost of leisure and shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$9   16 BGN
AVERAGE$64   110 BGN
HIGH$430   770 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 16 BGN to 770 BGN with 110 BGN being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most individuals.

Education and schooling expenditure for individuals

Cost of education and schooling1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$3.6   6.5 BGN
AVERAGE$26   46 BGN
HIGH$170   310 BGN
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different individuals. On average, education constitutes 1% of the monthly expenditure of individuals with 0.00% and 3% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 46 BGN per month with 6.5 BGN being the minimum spent amount and 310 BGN being the maximum.

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$32   59 BGN
AVERAGE$230   410 BGN
HIGH$1,500   2,800 BGN
Per Month
Percentage of individuals who manage to save money from their income every month in Sofia

What percentage of individuals in Sofia are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of individuals that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
72%
Not Saving
28%

Almost 72% of surveyed individuals in Sofia said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 28% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


A single person savings to income ratio in Sofia

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 individuals 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

13% 20% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

94 BGN
$52
850 BGN
$470
5,700 BGN
$3,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for individuals

Saving To Income Ratio% Individuals
0% - 10%31%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%14%
40% - 50%11%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Individuals that are able to save money can put anywhere from 13% to 33% of their monthly income to their savings, with 20% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly amount of money that individuals can put aside is 850 BGN with 94 BGN and 5,700 BGN being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money in Sofia

Saving Challenges in Sofia

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money

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


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans15%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later20%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the individuals said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 15% 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. 11% of individuals blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% 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. 20% 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, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do individuals choose to put their savings in Sofia

Typical saving choices for individuals in Sofia

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings19%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks5%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
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 individuals to live in Sofia

Affordable living in Sofia

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked individuals one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Sofia?


Yes
69%
No
31%

Around 69% of surveyed individuals think that living in Sofia is affordable with proper budgeting while 31% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for individuals. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Sofia

Low-cost alternatives in Sofia

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 individuals how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options60%

Few low-cost options40%


Based on the survey, 60% of the individuals living in Sofia have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 40% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Individuals

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 individuals of Sofia whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes64%

No36%


Based on the survey, 36% of the individuals living in Sofia said that they don't have an emergency fund while 64% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for individuals in Sofia

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 individuals in Sofia 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 single people 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 single people living in Sofia

Financial goals of individuals in Sofia

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Sofia, 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 Fund8%
Debt Reduction40%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle8%
Healthcare Expenses12%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of individuals said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 40% 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 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 8% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 12% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of individuals who are in debt in Sofia

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Sofia


Percentage of individuals who are in debt


In Debt
34%
Debt Free
66%

According to the survey, 34% of the individuals in Sofia have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 66% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Sofia

Debt-to-income ratio in Sofia

Debt to income ratio

32%

22% to 41%

( 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 32% of a single person's monthly income in Sofia goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%16%
40% - 50%14%
30% - 40%16%
20% - 30%12%
10% - 20%14%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Sofia pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 16% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 12% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Sofia

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage10%
Auto Loan17%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card28%
Personal Loan41%

10% of debtors in Sofia confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 28% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 17% of people and personal loans rose at 41%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Sofia.


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 Sofia

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked individuals of Sofia 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
Never52%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Sofia

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Sofia

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


Rent Cost in Sofia

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

290 BGN 440 BGN 1,200 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $240 $650

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

440 BGN 700 BGN 1,700 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $390 $970

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

580 BGN 870 BGN 2,300 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $480 $1,300

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

700 BGN 1,200 BGN 3,200 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $650 $1,800

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

1,400 BGN 3,500 BGN 7,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$780 $1,900 $3,900

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1,200 BGN 1,700 BGN 5,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$650 $970 $2,800

House monthly rent cost

1,400 BGN 3,500 BGN 7,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$780 $1,900 $3,900

Villa monthly rent cost

1,700 BGN 4,400 BGN 7,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$970 $2,400 $3,900

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Sofia ranges between 290 BGN and 1,200 BGN, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 440 BGN to 1,700 BGN. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 580 BGN and 2,300 BGN per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 700 BGN to 3,200 BGN. The average rent of a townhouse in Sofia is around 1,700 BGN while house rental costs can be as high as 3,500 BGN per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,700 BGN to 7,000 BGN per month.



Apartment and house prices in Sofia

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

58,000 BGN 87,000 BGN 170,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32,000 $48,000 $97,000

1-bedroom apartment price

70,000 BGN 120,000 BGN 440,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$39,000 $65,000 $240,000

2-bedroom apartment price

120,000 BGN 350,000 BGN 700,000 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$65,000 $190,000 $390,000

3-bedroom apartment price

390,000 BGN 580,000 BGN 1.7M BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220,000 $320,000 $970,000

Townhouse price

500,000 BGN 1.2M BGN 4.4M BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280,000 $650,000 $2.4M

House price

580,000 BGN 3.5M BGN 5M BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320,000 $1.9M $2.8M

Villa price

700,000 BGN 3.9M BGN 5.8M BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390,000 $2.2M $3.2M

The average price of a studio apartment in Sofia can range from 58,000 BGN to 170,000 BGN depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 70,000 BGN to 440,000 BGN. A villa can cost you 3.9M BGN on average with prices ranging from 700,000 BGN to 5.8M BGN.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Sofia 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


38 x110 monthly income 213
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Sofia can be x110 to x213 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x110 multiples of the average monthly salary in Sofia.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


21% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Sofia is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 42% 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
29%

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
1.9%
AVERAGE
2.9%
TO
3.8%

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.


5.1 BGN 66 BGN 660 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 Sofia

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / A single person

20 BGN 140 BGN 920 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $77 $510

Internet and cable cost

16 BGN 32 BGN 42 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.8 $18 $23

Mobile phone bill and charges

13 BGN 21 BGN 63 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7 $12 $35

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 individuals is around 140 BGN. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 16 BGN to 42 BGN with 32 BGN being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 21 BGN but can range between 13 BGN and 63 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


3.2% 6.3% of income 11%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Sofia is around 6.3%. This means that people pay 6.3% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.2% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Sofia

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


Prices and cost of goods and services in Sofia

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

Fast food combo meal price

3.2 BGN 6.3 BGN 11 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $3.5 $5.9

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Sofia is approximatly 6.3 BGN with meal cost ranging from 3.2 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
$6.2 $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 Sofia.

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 Sofia.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

2.6 BGN 4.2 BGN 6.3 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2.3 $3.5

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Sofia is around 4.2 BGN. Price ranges between 2.6 BGN and 6.3 BGN depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

2.1 BGN 2.5 BGN 3.2 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.4 $1.8

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Sofia is 2.5 BGN. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 3.2 BGN and the minimum being 2.1 BGN depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

1.6 BGN 2.1 BGN 3.2 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.88 $1.2 $1.8

A dozen eggs costs around 2.1 BGN on average with 1.6 BGN and 3.2 BGN being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

3.6 BGN 4.7 BGN 6.6 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.6 $3.7

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Sofia is between 3.6 BGN and 6.6 BGN depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 4.7 BGN.

Pack of beef price

4.2 BGN 6.3 BGN 13 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.5 $7

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 6.3 BGN. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

1.7 BGN 2.3 BGN 3.3 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.94 $1.3 $1.8

A bag of rice in Sofia costs around 2.3 BGN on average with prices rangeing between 1.7 BGN and 3.3 BGN depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.63 BGN 0.84 BGN 1.6 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.35 $0.47 $0.88

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.63 BGN to 1.6 BGN. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1.1 BGN 1.5 BGN 2.4 BGN
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.63 $0.82 $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


19% 27% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Sofia is around 27%. This means that individuals spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 34% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for individuals

Individuals' spending on grocery ranges from 52 BGN to 2,500 BGN with the location, income being the most determinite factors.

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