💶 Love at First Receipt: Bulgaria’s Cost of Living, Explained (2025)

If you’re considering a role with City Job Offers in Sofia, Plovdiv or Varna, the question isn’t just “How much will I earn?”—but “How far will my money go?”

The short answer: very far.

In 2025, Bulgaria continues to offer one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union. Prices here sit roughly 40% below the EU average, which means you’ll enjoy more freedom, flexibility, and financial breathing room—without sacrificing quality of life.

🏠 Housing: The Biggest Line on Your Budget

Sofia is Bulgaria’s vibrant capital—and where most of our international teams are based. You’ll find lively neighborhoods, reliable public transport, and a growing international scene.

• 🏙️ One-bedroom apartment in the city center: ~€633/month

• 🌳 One-bedroom outside the center: ~€473/month

💡 Tip: Living just outside the city center (15–25 mins commute) often gives you the best value for money.

If you’re relocating to Plovdiv or Varna, housing costs are even lower while still offering a comfortable city lifestyle.

💡 Utilities & Fast Internet = Big Wins

The essentials are just that: affordable.

• 💧 Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage): ~€125

• 🌐 Home internet (fiber): €10–€19/month, with gigabit speeds available for ~€14–€20/month

Whether you’re streaming, gaming, working remotely or all of the above—you’ll be covered.

🚋 Getting Around: Unlimited for the Price of Lunch

Sofia’s integrated transport system includes metro, trams, buses, and trolleybuses—all accessible with one smart pass.

• 🎫 Monthly “all-access” transport card: €25.56

• 🚇 Metro-only monthly pass: €17.90

• 💳 Contactless daily cap: €2.05/day

Easy, clean, and well-connected. Say goodbye to long commutes and expensive transit costs.

☕ Food, Coffee & Going Out: Everyday Affordable

Bulgaria shines when it comes to everyday spending:

• 🍝 Lunch out in the business district: ~€13

• ☕ Cappuccino at your local café: €2.30–€3

• 🍽️ Dinner for two at a cozy neighborhood restaurant: pleasantly modest.

Want to cook at home? Grocery prices remain some of the lowest in Europe.

💼 Coworking & Remote-Ready Extras

Prefer working outside your flat? Sofia has a booming coworking scene, with flexible desks available in creative, modern spaces:

• 💻 Hot desk or dedicated desk: €180–€230/month

• 📍 Popular options: Campus X, Korner Sofia, Work & Share

🧾 So… What Does a Month in Sofia Cost?

Let’s break down core monthly expenses:

Option 1: Outside City Center

• 🏠 Rent: €473

• 💡 Utilities: €125

• 🌐 Internet: €15

• 🚋 Transport: €25.56
  ➡️ Total: ~€640/month

Option 2: City Center

• 🏠 Rent: €633

• 💡 Utilities: €125

• 🌐 Internet: €15

• 🚋 Transport: €25.56
  ➡️ Total: ~€800/month

Add food, fun, and your personal spending on top.
👉 But your fixed costs? Significantly lower than in Lisbon, Berlin or Amsterdam.

💶 Bonus Fact: Bulgaria & the Euro

Bulgaria’s local currency (BGN) is already pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN, which means currency conversion is stable and predictable.

🗓️ The country is on track to officially adopt the euro on January 1st, 2026—bringing even more ease to daily life.

🌍 Why We Recommend Bulgaria

At City Job Offers, we love helping candidates relocate to Bulgaria for good reason:

✔️ Lower everyday costs
✔️ Modern infrastructure
✔️ Thriving international work culture
✔️ More value from your paycheck

Whether you're looking to start your international career, save money, or simply live comfortably abroad, Bulgaria offers one of the best balances in Europe.

🚀 Ready to make the move?

We’ve got relocation-friendly roles in Bulgaria right now—many with onboarding in English, full support, and housing assistance.

👉 Explore job offers in Bulgaria

👉 Talk to our recruitment team

Sources: European Commission, Numbeo, Open Bulgaria, Metro Sofia, Expatistan, coworking providers (Campus X, Korner), European Central Bank.