Cost of Living in Sofia

#Kalman Balog

I am a Bulgarian, born in Sofia, used to live here till 2002, then I moved to Germany (Frankfurt) and returned to Sofia exactly one year ago. Therefore I have a very good overview over the situation and can compare life in both countries. I'll try to answer your questions.

No, unfortunately the prices here are not correct - it is much more expensive. That's what I'm trying to say all the time but nobody is listening. The main problems are:
1) Numbeo displays the prices as average of what users input. For example local cheese - there are local cheeses for 8 BGN/KG and such for 25 BGN/KG. Taking the average of both is wrong since those are totally different in terms of quality and ingredients.
2) Numbeo measures the quality of life based on basic needs (food, accommodation etc.). If you spend your whole salary just on rent and food in both countries, then most probably 1000 Euro in Germany will equal 1000 BGN in Bulgaria. But if you earn 5000 Euro net in Germany, it will be much more than 5000 BGN net in Bulgaria, since luxury goods have the same price everywhere (cars, travels, watches, expensive brands etc). Or if you want just to save money on your bank account, be sure that with 5000 Euro in Germany you will save much more than with 5000 BGN in Bulgaria.

Regarding the prices: Big supermarkets (Billa, Kaufland) are more expensive in Bulgaria than in Germany. Especially if you want to buy quality goods. Everything produced for the Bulgarian market has much lower quality and worse ingredients than the same product in western Europe. Therefore, if you want comparable quality, you need to buy imported goods, which are at least 50% more expensive. You want to eat a Döner Kebab? For 7 Euro you have a big Dönerteller in Germany with great meat, for 11 BGN you get half the portion and crappiest meet ever in Bulgaria. But yes, Numbeo says Bulgaria is 25% cheaper, wow!
Same for restaurants. If you want to eat a good steak, you pay at least 40-50 BGN at the few places where it is offered. If you want to drink good beer (the local ones are absolute crap), you buy an imported one from Belgium or Czech Republic or Germany for 3 BGN, which is 2 times more expensive than in Germany. Cosmetics, Ariel, Persil, Colgate etc. - same brand, crap quality and 20-30% more expensive.

Anyway, those aspects are the bad ones, which are neglected very often. The good ones are:
- There are a lot more small groceries and markets in Sofia, fish shops (with fresh fish, quite affordable), small butcher meat shops (quality varies, ask the locals for the best ones) etc. Very good selection of vegetables and fruits. Small shops for shoes and clothes as well - you can always find a good deal somewhere. Good leather shoes, tailor made suits - for half the price than in Germany. Always open, on public holidays and Sundays as well.
- Public transportation becomes better and better and is extremely cheap (monthly pass 25 Euro). New metro lines are being constructed, connecting more and more districts.
- Taxis are cheap too, but beware the scams
- Rent: Maybe the most important point. Good locations have their price. Best locations in the top town center cannot be found below 8-10 Euro/sqm. If you allow some compromises, you can get something quite good for 5 Euro/sqm. Good districts are Losenetz, Iztok, Javorov, Ivan Vazov, Strelbishte and around the South Parc.
- Buy property: The prices currently are at least 50% higher than what they should be. The banks are flooding the market with credits even for people with very low income. Brokers are speculating, increasing the prices and hoping to catch a stupid fish who pays it. Lot of new construction with very questionable quality. 30% of all flats are unused currently - just bought by speculators. If the new crisis comes (and it will come soon for sure) this balloon will burst and the impact will be horrible.

Income Levels: I always measure what remains after spending on rent and food/clothing/utilities/transportation. For a 2 rooms flat in Stuttgart, you most probably spent around 800 Euros. Same you can get in Sofia for 300 Euros. For food and restaurants/bars, I had absolute same cost in both countries - 500 Euro p.m. (but I go to very good places and buy quality goods). From transportation cost I save 100 Euro in Sofia. From utilities (Internet, electricity, water supply I save further 50 Euros. Which means, that after considering the cost of living, you will be able to save around 650 Euro, or 2200 Euro in Germany will equal 1500-1600 Euro in Bulgaria.

1200 Euro net salary is nothing exceptional for Sofia - even some call centers pay within that range. As a foreigner with native language other than Bulgarian, the experience you have in Germany and your education you can get much higher than this. Try to find something for at least 3000 BGN net, don't sell yourself for a low price! As an IT specialist, I earn much more than in Germany, mainly because of the low taxes and social expenses. You can be cheap for your employer and at the same time, earn quite a lot! Depends on your skills. If you tell what skills/experience you have, I can give you exact salary ranges since I know the market very very well.

#Anonymous on Sep 08, 2019
Don't worry about the Bulgarians in the so much praised "great" west and your fake-polite-transgender-loving "culture".
Very few people understand the real concequences of Brexit.
There are much more UK citizens living in EU than Bulgarians or other nationals in UK.
Good also to know that the gypsies that you see are not Bulgarians, the same like your former colonies pupulation you so much love like Indians are not Britsih people. Of course because your fake politeness you will never say that to them but that's OK 'cause Bulgarians are there to be blamed for your problems.
I don't see here anything about your trash people that populated Bulgaria and mix with the gypsies, eeewww, void in the wilderness, at least we have dignity.
Oh, wait what, there are actually no genuinely British people, there are only Anglo-NAGGsons, at least Welsh take off part of the shame and are much better.
Western europeans overall have very low common sense and general awareness of the history and culture of Europe and the world let alone that you can compete in this matter very well with the Americans.
Only the old people really want UK to leave EU but their ignorance is not my problem and not the topic here.
So why you keep bulshiting a country that has 0 relevance to you?

So many comments and advice on living in Sofia in general or Bulgaria for that matter.I'd say the majority of the posters here have only visited Bulgaria online, not personally as I've done and lived in Sofia almost 5 years.To those of you who haven't noticed Bulgaria has the fastest reduction of population in the world not just in Europe.Learning Bulgarian language is admirable but nobody ever fits in that are from places other than Bulgaria and even then it's a stretch to say Bulgarians get along.Oh it's very cheap to live in Bulgaria even Sofia.People are naturally cold natured not only in Sofia but throughout Bulgaria for that matter.Don't get all uptight about the cold natured people residing in Bulgaria because it's really intentional.

People in Sofia are rude though, go to smaller towns!

D.D. Thanks for your suggestions. Which will sure help me.

A friends family pay around 15.000 BGN for a private school per year/kid. So for 2 kids in theory it would mean almost half of your income. If your wife gets an admin job for lets say around 2.000 BGN net, you could still make it. The bigger question is if it is worth or not.
According to the Bulgarian educational system the Bulgarian language will still be one of the major classes in order to get a Bulgarian diploma. I'm not sure If there are any fully international schools with everything in English and without the need of learning Bulgarian (except maybe aas-sofia, but here the fees are as I know around 40.000 BGN, so not really an option for you).

rajeshkumar: Ok, this explains the high salary then.
Financially, you will not have much problems. Just make sure that you will feel comfortable here. Sofia and Bulgaria in general are by far not comparable with western European countries. Bad streets, huge number of old cars, very bad traffic conditions, dirt and pollution everywhere. No green areas, each small peace of land being used from "investors" to build real estates with dubious quality and sell it fully overpriced to young ITs like me and you. State is basically not functioning since the whole state force is being controlled by the mafia. And a huge cultural difference. Since you are coming from India, you know very well what I mean. Just don't have too much expectations, since you cannot buy health, clean air and social contacts with money. And those are more important than 1000 BGN more salary.

rajeshkumar: To survive? Honestly? Most similar bulgarian families survive with less than 1/3 of this amount.
With 5600 you'll live like a king and your wife will not need to work.
May I ask what kind of position are you applying for?

23% flat tax in Sofia? This is bullshit.

For salaries up to 3000 BGN gross, 22,402% are the total deductions: 13,78% is social security and 10% is income tax, where the social security is deductible. This means: 1-(1-0,1378)*0,9=1-0,77598=22,402%.
This percentage goes down for salaries above 3000 BGN since the social security is capped at 3000.
Therefore:
For Gross <=3000: Net=Gross*0,77598
For Gross >3000: Net=0,9*Gross-372,06
A salary of 10.000 BGN gross will lead to 8.627,94 NET, or total deductions will be 13,72% only.

Corporate tax and private income tax are both 10%. Tax on interest - 8%, tax on dividends - 5%.
From tax perspective, Bulgaria is the most attractive country to do business in the whole EU.

D.D. Alla understands your delima little one Alla cares for all.

# D.D. I can see you're quite distressed little one but don't dispair Alla will heal your emotional wounds.I believe you read too many falshoods about Afghanistan infadel but Alla always forgives.Quite the contrary myself and four other Afganistanis own three businesses in Bulgaria and are quite wealthy.Theres no comparison between Afghanistan and Bulgaria ecomony wise especially since the bulgarian government was very happy to receive 12 million USD for our quest in Bulgaria in cash.Alla understands all remember that.You cannot upset Alla or Afganistanis with mere mortal words.Like I mentioned before much work needs to be done to transition Bulgarians into Allas fold but Alla will subside. I agree Bulgaria is a poor country but rich in spirit.Bulgarians negative energy will only enhance Allas mission to subdue into submission Allas great work which you'll be honored in time to adhere to.Where there's strong spirit there is power little one because Alla cares for all and understands the ways of infadels discention in their lives,Alla is love.

To # D.D. Bulgarians have a lack of understanding economic things intentionally.But do not dispair little one Afghanistani people will show Bulgaria who Alla chose to rule Bulgarians.We will saturate all of Bulgaria within the next five years take any jobs you may have and show Bulgarians the way to Alla.Do not dispair infadel Alla will care for all.Over 100,000 Afganis will arrive this year in Bulgaria.My Afghanistani outlook is supreme to any infadels living in Bulgaria or anywhere worldwide.

#Bill it's hard to say if 3,084.31 would be enough four person family since prices vary so wildly.Do you or a family member speak fluent Bulgarian? If not the language barrier would be greater than cost of living since few Bulgarians speak English.Sofia is fairly proficient in English but the farther away from Sofia less English is spoken.

re the 2 posts bellow: 15 years ago, i tried to start a small pharmaceutical company in BG. just wanted to help but it did not wok. i initially felt offended, then realized that it does not (and should not) work with presents. one has to suffer - in the case the BGs - to succeed. best from the states.

# To Das 308 We have many friends in Australia and around the world.We have no hatred for anyone always passive regardless.We were going to open two manufacturing companies that would've employed 3,000 people in Bulgaria minimum wage 1,500 euros per month per employee.We gave no reasons for people not to like us Everyone has a right to their opinions, you included. Best regards

The data in Numbeo is correct, ignore the trolls.

Hey dude Johnny Bee Numbeo isn't bloating prices or misleading anyone.After reading some of your posts you got too much time on your hands dude.

#D
The point is not if prices affect YOU or YOU holidays but the majority of Bulgarians! Are you a millenial bro/sis?

I live in Sofia since 1990. Numbeo needs to adjust some prices. It is far more expensive than this site is suggesting. Let me try to summarize the following points:

Restaurants:
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: 20 LV (instead of 11).
Meal for 2, average restaurant: 80 LV (instead of 50). Salad: 2X10, Main Course: 2x25, Dessert: 2x5
Domestic Beer 0,5L: 4 lv (instead of 2,50).
For Vitoshka street, multiply by 1,5
Just check any restaurant card, they are all online.

Markets:
Local Cheese: 20-25 lv (instead of 11,43). For 11 lev, you get fake crap.
Local Beer: 2 Lv (instead of 1,29). For 1,29 again you get just crap beer.
Beef Round: 25 Lv (instead of 15,88). It used to be 15 lv maybe 5 years ago.

Just take any prospect from Billa or Kaufland - prices are higher than in Germany for sure.

Rent per month: At least 20% higher than suggested.
Price per Square Meter to Buy: Again, at least 20-30% higher. You can get a shitty hole in Lulin district for 900 EURO, in better districts multiply by 1,5 to 2.

Salaries: 1300 Net Average??? Maybe, If you average the big boss (who earns 10.000 lev) with the 30 slaves, who earn 1.000 Lev. The truth is: 80% of bulgarians earn 1000 or less and struggle to survive, spending their whole salaries just on food an basic needs. And the older people need to survive from 300-400 BGN state pensions, from which they need to buy food, utilities and overpriced medicine.

Thank you # JOHNNY BEE we're on the same FACTUAL PAGE !!!As you and I know NUMBERS never lie but instead dictate the outcome regardless of anywhere in the world.I have several friends in Italy that are drowning financially along with the rest of the country.

Also, D, your analysis on the "good Euro" is also a failure, unfortunately the EURO trashed every peripheral country it was imposed on with exorbitant prices/taxes/service fees without the equivalent salary increase. If the Euro comes to Bulgaria there are going to be hundreds of dead people in one week. 50 stotinki tomatoes will become 50 cents tomatoes in one night. People that survive on dog foof (Sorry I meant Austrian/German salami of 2 leva per kilo) won't be able to even buy that. Bread 80 eu/cents instead of 80 stotinki? Red Cross, get ready!

Even colossal Italy kneeled to the EURO. Spain, Greece, Portugal are still suffering.

Warland (sorry, Germany I meant) and satelite servants of course profit with the Euro.
I dare to say that even countries outside Europe suffer because of the Euro. Of course Anybody who is shooting at the currency is mistaken, it's how you use the knife (cut bread or kill?) not the fault of the instrument (euro) itself.
Anyways why not rename Euro to Global Deutsch Mark so that we don't get confused.

Sorry D , your text is full of inaccuracies and "missing the forest, while staring at the tree". I have to agree with anonymous. Prices for second hand clothes in BG compare to Asia/Africa. Super market food is very expensive (flea market is cheap, though you risk getting beaten up by the gypsy sellers if they are on their period) Renting/buying apartments in Sofia at the moment is worse than getting ROBBED! Economics is not football brothers! Study Data, Analyze, Reach Conclusions, Repeat.

#D If you actually bothered to do factual research on how the Eurozone is behaving with the Euro you wouldn't throw numbers out there that make no sense whatsoever.Do your research before making statements about other countries in Europe that haven't joined the Eurozone.Regardless of what Bulgarians are supposed to be or anyone else for that matter the Euro is what it is,no getting around that.Its normal for currencies to fluctuate, that's a given, however any currency that continues to slide downward over the past 8 months and not rebound is a failing currency.Look at Italy and how the Euro has affected them.No country in the Eurozone is thriving, rest assured.Instead of being an advocate for Bulgarians or anyone else for that matter know the facts before mentioning anything.Numbers never lie because regardless of what the news says numbers dictate how the economy is doing regardless of where it's at in the world.Bulgaria like other countries throughout Europe is declining rapidly but Bulgaria just happens to be the shining star being the fastest declining population in the world.Do your research this site is updated every 24 hours and it's not tainted by any measure.Google this currency site then scroll down and look at the update in real time.Type in BGN to USD for example then type THE MONEY CONVERTER.You can shut up after reading the real time numbers.I swear Bulgarians will go to great lengths to try to make themselves appetizing, but the BS doesn't work with many of us, and especially not me since I'm an accountant of 21 years.Numbers are my business, to say the least.

It's not about being politically correct and it never will be.What it's really about is separating people and countries from each other with different cultures,a good thing especially since there's no peace between them.The only issue the majority of people see here is you #HM.I agree with the post about taking a petition to ban anyone from visiting or living in Bulgaria.It'd be a BALLZY move to follow through with that.Put up or shut up #HM start the Petition in Bulgaria to ban all foreigners.

Well said JOHNNY BEE my sentiments exactly.Downward spirals happen throughout the world no secret.Digital nomads will just be that digital nomads.Every country isn't exempt from issues regardless of capital.Conspiracy theorists are always hunting for information on the end of the world.To be honest I wish those people we're actually right for once so earth could be cleansed once again.The day the internet no longer works will finally be the day of Independence.Let us all hope it happens sooner not later.

You mentioned behave like a MIRROR.Bulgarians in general should look in the MIRROR and reevaluate themselves.Although I've never hated anyone fact is the majority of Bulgarians excuse themselves from their hateful interior and exterior behaviors openly without reservation.Its easy to label other's as TROLLS as you call them.However there have been many posts about how rude Bulgarians behave towards others, many over the years to be exact.There are reasons why many have posted remarks about Bulgarian behavior in general.Bulgaria seems to be proud of their coarse behaviors around the world because I've met people from around the world who have said the same.Here's a good solution for Bulgaria, take note.Convince your president to ban anyone from around the world from even visiting Bulgaria, period.Also convince your president to force all foreigners to leave Bulgaria.Why not take up a public petition throughout Bulgaria to ban all foreigners from visiting or living in Bulgaria as I mentioned priorly? I promise you that Bulgaria won't be missed by any foreigner.600-700 Lev for a furnished studio heat 100 Lev per month for heating.Thats bullshit because I lived in Sofia for two years.Try 1,200 minimum for a studio and 300 Lev for heat in winter.Its obvious you're just another local excusing your behavior like the rest.Ban all foreigners Bulgaria won't be missed nor their attitudes either, promise.

hm belongs to the bad (the speculating) percentage obviously who betray every day their fellow country men. How do you like some more conspiracy theories HM? 1000 leva studio in Nadezhda everybody? Come on, it's a nice area with metro!!! 900 leva apartment (promocia) 200 m from the tec chimney (includes free cancer)? Anyone? ha ha what a joke is hm trying to lure more "fresh meat" hugh?

The good Sofians (10%) are very good. (it was more than 25% 10 years ago, before the .restate bubble)
The bad Sofians (90%) are extremely bad.

The good expatriates in Sofia (10%) are awesome
The bad expatriates in Sofia (90%) are the lowest of the lowest.

Good luck picking with the hand dealt to you.

Well #HM Honestly my wife and I are very passive and never judgemental.Read our post and understand it.We heard some negative remarks from expats about Bulgarian people in Varna, Sofia,and Plovdiv where we lived at each location for one year.The expats who made negative remarks about Bulgarian people were ignored by us.They seemed disgruntled that we wouldn't side with them with their negative remarks.We had breakfast, lunch and dinner at restaurants with Bulgarians and we shopped extensively patronizing many businesses.We aren't haters towards anyone.However the expats who say they have no problems with Bulgarians most likely aren't telling the truth only because they live full time in Bulgaria so they need to watch what they say.We noticed some foreigners whom we're arrogant, disrespectful towards Bulgarians however we don't associate with anyone who's arrogant or disrespectful.We aren't damning Bulgaria as a whole nor are we labeling the majority of people in Bulgaria.But instead just sharing our personal experiences with Bulgarians we came in contact with on a daily basis.You don't have any right to judge us,and you shouldn't judge us.Just like we don't have the right to judge you,nor would myself and my wife do so either.We respect your opinion.

Very rude and unfriendly people in Sofia during my short stay there.I'll never visit again.

I'm a student living very frugally on my low paying 30 hour per week job while going to college.In order to live modestly one person needs atleast 3,000 Lev per month and my salary is less than half of that.Im going to finish my college in Germany instead because jobs are more plentiful.

Buy Apartment Price
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre 1,393.00 €
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 922.60 €

For a fair price for an apartment of 85 square meters should be added walls and common spaces, as in Sofia they are not included in the price. An apartment of about 115 square meters is equivalent to 85 squares. Price for a square outside the center is about 1 200 EUR * 115 = 128 800 EUR, divided by 85 square meters = 1 515 EUR.

Hi Ted,

I can't tell you much about Copywriter and Digital Marketing positions, there are some jobs available but I am not sure if german is required. You better oppen jobs.bg , switch to the english version, use the "Keyword" and "Language" sections to filter your prefered positions.

Hi Ted,

Since you're a native german speaker, especially an educated one you may easily find a proper job in Sofia, even for more than 2k net. There are lots of german companies outsourcing their business in Sofia, so a german person with good education would fit quite well. I've already recommended a friend of a friend,a spanish guy, for Account manager with Spanish in one of the biggest IT companies in Sofia and he got hired, so being an educated german native speaker is a strong advantage, if you have someone to recommend you somewhere and to give you a hint or two you may do really well.

Hi Mario AC,

Salaries in PaySafe are quite good for the standard as far as I am aware. You should ask for at least 2000lv net which would be more than enough for a single person.

Aleko, pay attention to measure units. Square meter vs square feet

Hi Ivan,

It really depends on the company, there are good and not so good, but overall helpdesk technician is a temporary job for no more than a few years until you gain more experience, knowledge and find something better. As for the salary, 1800-2500 sounds good, you won't have any problems if you're single.

Wjim,

Studentski grad isn't the best place to live in Sofia, but it's ok. You haven't mentioned any price. Check in homes.bg or imoti.info

Hi every one
I will buy an appartement 28 m2 in sofia Studentski grad. Is it a good price?
Thanks

Hello all, I am waiting an offer from a company in Sofia and probably they will offer me around 2500 to 3000lv. will it be a good amount to leave my country and to start a life here with mi wife? is this amount good to pay rent and regular expenses like food, cloths, fun, also to buy everything for the house. eventually to purchase a car, could be a second hand one.

Hi.
I have plan move to Sofia and make my business .
I can bring about 30000€ at first time . Please tell me can I do anything with this money or not ?!
I am civil eng and i have restaurant too .

Thank you for your replies guys. I prefer not to expose the details about me cuz the company indicated this site hence they can read my messages lol. But i can say it is an outsourcing/It firm and i'll be coming from Turkey. Working conditions are charming and it's a beautiful multicultural environment. On the other hand there will be promotion prospects. I know the salary amount is not perfect but other conditions captivated me. Dr D it will be specialist position. By the way i have already exposed myself i think :) Again thank you guys for the informations.

Could someone please tell me what the average payment (to pay off a mortgage) in Euros is per month for a typical home? I just need a general range. I have been looking everywhere and cannot find an answer. If you know, please email me at: smckayyy@gmail.com

Hi Jancany. That's a decent salary, about 1250-1300 net. If you really like the job and if there's opportunity to learn and develop then it's okay for you. Overall with that salary you may have a decent life, but don't expect luxary.
If you live alone you'll pay about 300-400 lv for rent, 100 for Utilities, 50-100 for transportation, about 500 for food and you'll have 200-300lv left for fun, clothing, etc. It's not much, but if you're not very pretentious you'll be fine.

Stara Zagora:
Like everywhere outside of Sofia, prices for accomodation are around 50% of the Sofia level. The food cost is the same at shops, restaurants are 10-20% cheaper.
In general, for a single person, I would say 400-500 Euro (800-1000 BGN) would be comfortable (most of the bulgarians live on 600 BGN and make it somehow). Be sure to have a proper private health isnurance since the state one is useless.

Security: Gypsies are a huge problem. Avoid the "Losenets" district. Otherwise, I would say as a smaller town, it is safer than Sofia.

I didn't know much about the Trakia university, but I read a few forums about it. In general it's an avarege university, but the medical facultry especially the Vet program is their best when it comes to quality. I don't know anything about their program in english, but if you're willing to learn anything, if you know english well, if you don't have more money and better options then go for it. Stara Zagora s a nice and quiet 100k people city - park, zoo, restaurants, football team in the A group, etc. Excluding the university taxes about 500 euro should be enough for a normal living - apartment, bills, food, fun, etc.

***In response to Dr D***. Sure there are lots of problems in the country, but you're being way too pessimistic. Healthcare is not that good, but not terrible. There are still very good specialists and not only in the private sector. You present the police like they're asking for bribes on every corner, it's not like that. I and most of my friends have not been involved in any kind of corruption. The state might be corrupted, but same applies for most states, politicians, just on a different level. I don't see how a corrupted politician should interest a foreigner. Sofia is indeed dirty sometimes, but that's because of the bad infrastructure in some districts. Traffic is not bad compared to other big cities in Europe. The countryside is depopulated and gypsies are arriving indeed, but partially that's natural - bulgarians move to the big cities and abroad and gypsies are moving from the villages to the small towns. I don't like it either but this happens almost everywhere nowadays. I don't agree that the food is worse here, people who have been in England or USA for example will tell you the opposite. Of course you have to be picky when it comes to food, same applies for everywhere. Don't be that pessimistic man.

@Luc Vanden Broek

Hello Luc,

I think you are paying too much attention to some details which are actually not that important. With your income level of around 2000-2400 BGN, you and your son will be quite OK. You don't need to think about food cost or accomodation. The bigger problems you will encounter are:

- Terrible healthcare. Be prepared to pay an expensive private insurance if you expect a decent service. The situation in the state healthcare institutions is catasrophic. The best doctors are leaving the country for better paid jobs in Western Europe.
- Non-Existent law-enforcement. Street crime in Sofia is actually lower than in Brussels for example. The biggest problems are the corruption and fraud at the highest level - state force is basically led by the mafia. Institutions, police, politic- and justice systems - everything.
- Sofia is extremely dirty, esp. the air is highly polluted. Traffic is a nightmare. Infrastructure is in a very poor condition, despite the statements of the prime minister that "HE" is doing so much for the country.
- People: Bulgaria has lot of high potentials, which all left the country. Very few of them are still there. The demographic situation is highly concerning. Outside of Sofia, the country is basically dead. The so called "small town" is disappearing very fast. In most of the villages, you will encounter only few old people over 80. Soon, the gipsy minorities will occupy them completely.
- Quality of goods and services. Yes, you pay less, but you also receive less. Don't think you will get same cheese, beef or beer like in Belgium for 1/2 of the price.

If you are OK with those points, you will be just fine in Sofia.

Hi, is it possible for one person to live in Sofia for 2500 BGN gross?

hey guys i have a job offer for 1000 eur netto is it enough to have decent life ?

In 2018 the real reality in BG is the following :

- 550€ average gross salary in country
- at least 1000€ average gross in Sofia
Wages are growing double digit every year and will certainly continue like this in the next 3-5 years easily in all the country under the pressure of a very low unemployment rate, big investments in many sectors (IT, outsourcing, car industry, tourism, real estate, manufacturing etc etc).
This with: Income and corporate taxes @ 10%! Lowest prices in EU.. Thus, purchasing power is not bad and continue growing. BG is actually booming!