🇧🇬🇱🇻 Bulgaria or Latvia? Why working in Eastern Europe might be your best move this year
When it comes to working abroad, most people picture sunny scenes from Southern Europe — Spain, Portugal, Greece... Sure, they offer sunshine and beach vibes, but they also come with heatwaves, tourist-packed cities, and a cost of living that keeps rising.
But there’s another side of Europe that often goes unnoticed — one that offers an incredible balance of affordability, comfort, professional growth, and adventure. Let us introduce you to Bulgaria and Latvia.
🌤️ 1. Mild summers mean better well-being
In Southern Europe, summer can easily mean 35°C+ and sleepless nights. But in Sofia or Riga, summer stays pleasant. Temperatures usually hover around 25–28°C, with much less humidity, making it easier to stay focused, sleep better, and enjoy outdoor life.
That means morning walks without overheating, working in natural light without needing blackout blinds, and weekends that actually feel like a refreshing break — not a battle against the heat. The cooler, balanced climate contributes to both physical and mental well-being, especially when working full-time abroad.
🏞️ 2. Breathtaking nature, without the masses
Let’s be honest: coastal cities like Lisbon or Athens are stunning — but they’re packed. Latvia and Bulgaria offer a different kind of beauty: unspoiled forests, quiet beaches, peaceful lakes, and scenic hiking trails.
In Latvia, you can go from a meeting to a walk along the Baltic Sea or explore Gauja National Park after work. In Bulgaria, you can relax in thermal springs, ski in Bansko in winter, or sunbathe on the Black Sea coast in summer.
The best part? No crowds, no inflated tourist prices, no waiting in line for a view. Just space to breathe and reconnect with nature.
💶 3. High quality of life at a fraction of the cost
Renting a decent one-bedroom apartment in Sofia or Riga can cost less than €500 per month — often fully furnished and centrally located. Compare that with €900+ in Barcelona or €1,200 in Amsterdam.
Groceries, public transport, eating out, entertainment... everything is more affordable. You can live more comfortably, travel more often, and save more each month. And that’s a game-changer if you want to build a financial cushion while living abroad.
Bonus: many relocation packages include housing assistance or even shared accommodation at no cost — a rare benefit in Western Europe.
🌍 4. Global companies, international teams
Don’t be fooled by the smaller size of these countries — they’re tech-savvy and business-friendly. Sofia and Riga are home to service hubs, tech centers, and customer support operations for some of the world’s biggest companies.
That means modern offices, remote-friendly work setups, great onboarding processes, and a diverse international workforce. You’ll find teammates from Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, and beyond — all working in English.
It’s the ideal environment to grow your skills, boost your CV, and gain experience in international business culture — all without the extreme competition and pressure of larger markets.
🧘♂️ 5. Real work-life balance (for real)
One of the most underrated benefits of working in Eastern Europe is the slower, more human pace of life. Employers are aware of burnout, offer structured shifts, and often provide wellness perks like mental health support or gym discounts.
Add to that shorter commutes, less traffic, and access to green areas, and you get more energy after work, more time for hobbies, and an overall better lifestyle.
You’re not just moving for a job — you’re gaining time, calm, and space for the things that matter.
✈️ Ready to explore what’s next?
Eastern Europe may not be the first destination you consider — but it might be the one that surprises you the most.
👉 Explore our current job openings in Bulgaria and Latvia and take your career to a place where quality of life and personal growth go hand in hand.
