Where to Live in Bulgaria: The Best Cities and Neighbourhoods

Bulgaria is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international workers. It offers lively cities, beautiful beaches, mountain escapes and a relatively affordable lifestyle compared with many other European countries.

But where should you stay when moving to Bulgaria? The right choice will depend on your job, budget and preferred lifestyle. Sofia offers the widest range of professional opportunities, while cities such as Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas provide a more relaxed atmosphere.

This guide explores the best places to stay in Bulgaria, including recommended neighbourhoods, accommodation options and practical tips for finding your new home.

Sofia: Best for Career Opportunities and City Life

Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and its largest employment centre. It is home to many international companies, technology businesses, customer service centres and multilingual teams.

The city combines modern offices and shopping centres with historic buildings, large parks and easy access to Vitosha Mountain. It also has Bulgaria’s most extensive public transport network, including metro, tram and bus services.

Best neighbourhoods in Sofia

City Centre

The centre is ideal if you want to be close to restaurants, nightlife, cultural attractions and major transport connections. You can walk to many places, but accommodation is usually more expensive and some streets can be noisy.

Lozenets

Lozenets is a popular residential area close to the centre. It offers parks, cafés, restaurants and convenient metro connections. It is a good option for professionals looking for a quieter neighbourhood without being far from the action.

Mladost

Mladost is a modern district with excellent metro connections and easy access to Sofia’s main business areas. Many international companies have offices nearby, making it convenient for people working in technology, sales or customer support.

Studentski Grad

Studentski Grad is known for its student population, affordable restaurants and lively nightlife. It can be a good choice for young people who want a social environment, although it may not suit anyone looking for complete peace and quiet.

Oborishte

Close to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and several parks, Oborishte is attractive, central and generally quieter than the busiest parts of the city centre. Rental prices can be higher, but the location is excellent.

Who should choose Sofia?

Sofia is best for people who want:

• The largest selection of international jobs
• A busy social and cultural scene
• Good public transport
• International restaurants and communities
• Easy access to flights and other European destinations

The main disadvantage is that Sofia is generally more expensive than other Bulgarian cities, particularly for centrally located accommodation.

Plovdiv: Best for Culture and a Relaxed Lifestyle

Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second-largest city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. It is famous for its Roman ruins, colourful Old Town and creative Kapana district.

Life in Plovdiv is generally calmer and more affordable than in Sofia. The city is large enough to provide plenty of services and entertainment but compact enough to feel manageable.

Best neighbourhoods in Plovdiv

City Centre

Living in central Plovdiv puts you close to the main pedestrian street, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions. It is convenient for newcomers who want to explore the city on foot.

Kapana

Kapana is Plovdiv’s creative district, filled with independent cafés, bars, galleries and small shops. It is one of the city’s liveliest areas, although accommodation can be limited and weekend evenings may be noisy.

Karshiyaka

Located north of the Maritsa River, Karshiyaka is a popular residential area with supermarkets, restaurants and convenient connections to the centre. It offers a more local atmosphere than the main tourist districts.

Trakia

Trakia has modern apartment buildings, green spaces and good everyday amenities. It is further from the historic centre but can offer more space for your budget.

Who should choose Plovdiv?

Plovdiv is a good choice for people who prefer:

• A slower pace of life
• A strong cultural and creative scene
• Lower accommodation costs than Sofia
• A walkable city centre
• Easy weekend travel around southern Bulgaria

The local job market is smaller than Sofia’s, so it is important to confirm where your workplace is located before arranging accommodation.

Varna: Best for Coastal City Life

Known as Bulgaria’s “sea capital,” Varna combines the facilities of a large city with beaches and Black Sea views. It has restaurants, shopping centres, nightlife, cultural events and an international airport.

Varna is especially attractive to people who want to live near the sea without moving to a small seasonal resort.

Best neighbourhoods in Varna

City Centre

The centre offers easy access to shops, restaurants and public transport. The beach and Sea Garden are also within walking distance from many central locations.

Chayka

Chayka is a desirable residential district close to the Sea Garden and the beach. It is quieter than the city centre and popular with people looking for a balance between city life and access to nature.

Levski

Levski is a practical residential neighbourhood with supermarkets, services and transport connections. It is popular with students and younger residents and may provide better value than beachfront areas.

Briz

Briz is a quieter area with modern apartments and views towards the sea. Some parts are less convenient without a car, so checking the exact location and transport options is important.

Who should choose Varna?

Varna is ideal for people looking for:

• Easy access to the beach
• A city that remains active outside the tourist season
• A relaxed coastal lifestyle
• Summer nightlife and cultural events
• An international airport nearby

Demand for short-term accommodation increases significantly during the summer, so prices and availability can vary according to the season.

Burgas: Best for a Quieter Life by the Sea

Burgas is another major city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. It is generally calmer and more compact than Varna, with a pleasant pedestrian centre, a long Sea Garden and easy access to nearby coastal destinations such as Sozopol and Nessebar.

Best neighbourhoods in Burgas

City Centre

Central Burgas is convenient, walkable and close to shops, restaurants, the railway station and the Sea Garden. It is a strong option for newcomers without a car.

Lazur

Lazur is one of the most popular residential areas in Burgas. It is close to the Sea Garden and provides relatively easy access to both the centre and the beach.

Zornitsa

Zornitsa is a residential area with supermarkets, services and good access to the city centre. It may offer more space than the most central locations.

Sarafovo

Sarafovo is close to Burgas Airport and has a quieter, seaside atmosphere. It can suit remote workers or anyone who prefers to live outside the city centre, but commuting should be considered.

Who should choose Burgas?

Burgas is particularly suitable for people who want:

• A quieter alternative to Varna
• Beaches and green spaces nearby
• A compact and walkable city
• Access to popular Black Sea destinations
• A relaxed pace of life

As in Varna, coastal rental prices can increase during the summer season.

Bansko: Best for Mountains and Remote Work

Bansko is best known as a ski destination, but it has also developed an international remote-working community.

During winter, the town attracts skiers and seasonal workers. Outside the main ski season, it becomes quieter and accommodation may be easier to find. Bansko offers mountain scenery, outdoor activities and a more close-knit social environment than Bulgaria’s larger cities.

It can be a great option for remote workers, but it is less suitable if your job requires you to commute to an office in Sofia or another major city.

Veliko Tarnovo: Best for History and Small-City Living

Veliko Tarnovo is a historic university city in central Bulgaria. Its hillside streets, traditional buildings and Tsarevets Fortress give it a distinctive atmosphere.

The city is smaller and quieter than Sofia or Plovdiv, but it still has restaurants, cafés and an active student community. It may appeal to people who prioritise character, affordability and a slower lifestyle over access to a large international job market.

What Type of Accommodation Should You Choose?

Hotel or aparthotel

A hotel or aparthotel is usually the easiest option for your first few days. It gives you time to explore the city, visit apartments and understand the distance between different neighbourhoods and your workplace.

Hostel

Hostels can be suitable for younger workers, solo travellers and anyone arriving on a limited budget. Many offer private rooms as well as shared dormitories.

Short-term apartment

A furnished short-term apartment provides more privacy and flexibility than a hotel. However, the nightly or weekly cost can be considerably higher than a normal long-term rental.

Shared apartment

Sharing an apartment is often the most affordable option for newcomers. It can also make it easier to meet people, particularly if you have moved to Bulgaria alone.

Before agreeing to a room, clarify which bills are included and whether you will be added to a formal rental agreement.

Long-term rental

A private apartment offers greater stability and independence. Landlords commonly request a security deposit and the first month’s rent in advance. If an estate agent is involved, there may also be an agency fee.

Do not transfer money before confirming that the property and landlord are genuine and reviewing the rental agreement.

How Much Does Accommodation Cost in Bulgaria?

Accommodation costs vary substantially according to the city, neighbourhood, season and condition of the property. Sofia is normally the most expensive rental market, while Plovdiv and smaller cities may offer more affordable options.

A one-bedroom apartment in Bulgaria can broadly range from around €300 to more than €850 per month, with central or modern properties in Sofia at the higher end. Shared accommodation can reduce the monthly cost considerably. Coastal cities may become more expensive during summer because of demand from tourists and seasonal workers.

These figures should only be used as a general guide. Always check current listings before establishing your relocation budget.

Bulgaria has used the euro since 1 January 2026, making accommodation costs and everyday spending easier to compare for people moving from other euro-area countries. European Central Bank

What to Check Before Renting

Before signing a rental agreement, confirm:

• The total monthly rent
• The required security deposit
• Whether electricity, water, heating and internet are included
• The expected winter heating costs
• The duration of the contract
• The notice period
• Whether pets are permitted
• Whether the property includes furniture and appliances
• The distance to your workplace
• Access to metro, tram or bus services
• Who is responsible for repairs
• Whether you will receive a written rental agreement

Take photographs of the apartment when you move in and record the condition of furniture, appliances and walls. This can help prevent disagreements when requesting the return of your deposit.

Avoiding Accommodation Scams

Finding accommodation from abroad requires extra care. Be cautious if:

• The price appears much lower than comparable properties
• The landlord refuses to arrange a viewing
• You are pressured to transfer money immediately
• The person cannot provide proof that they own or manage the property
• The address or apartment details are unclear
• You are asked to pay using an untraceable method
• There is no written rental agreement

If possible, book temporary accommodation first and visit long-term properties after arriving in Bulgaria.

Choosing the Best Place to Stay in Bulgaria

There is no single perfect location for everyone.

Choose Sofia for the largest job market and a fast-paced international environment. Choose Plovdiv for culture, affordability and a more relaxed lifestyle. Choose Varna for an active coastal city, or Burgas for a quieter life beside the Black Sea. Bansko is attractive to remote workers and mountain lovers, while Veliko Tarnovo offers history and small-city charm.

Your workplace should be the first factor in your decision. A cheaper apartment may not represent a real saving if it creates a long or complicated daily commute.

Ready to Work in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria offers international career opportunities alongside affordable living, vibrant cities, beautiful landscapes and an exciting social life.

Explore the latest jobs in Bulgaria on City Job Offers and find a position that matches your language skills, experience and preferred lifestyle.