Cost of Living in Sofia
Summary about cost of living in Sofia, Bulgaria:
- Family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,327.7$ (4,179.2лв) without rent (using our estimator).
- A single person estimated monthly costs are 662.8$ (1,190.0лв) without rent.
- Sofia is 52.9% less expensive than New York (without rent, see our cost of living index).
- Rent in Sofia is, on average, 87.2% lower than in New York.
Restaurants |  Edit |
Range |
|---|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 20.00 лв | |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 80.00 лв | |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 12.00 лв | |
| Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) | 4.00 лв | |
| Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | 5.00 лв | |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 3.88 лв | |
| Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) | 2.45 лв | |
| Water (12 oz small bottle) | 1.73 лв | |
Markets | Edit |
|
| Milk (regular), (1 gallon) | 12.14 лв | |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | 1.70 лв | |
| Rice (white), (1 lb) | 1.63 лв | |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 5.94 лв | |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | 9.22 лв | |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | 6.55 лв | |
| Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 9.84 лв | |
| Apples (1 lb) | 1.16 лв | |
| Banana (1 lb) | 1.43 лв | |
| Oranges (1 lb) | 1.29 лв | |
| Tomato (1 lb) | 1.88 лв | |
| Potato (1 lb) | 0.77 лв | |
| Onion (1 lb) | 0.73 лв | |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 1.64 лв | |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 1.17 лв | |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 10.00 лв | |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 1.63 лв | |
| Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | 2.86 лв | |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 6.00 лв | |
Transportation | Edit |
|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 1.60 лв | |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 50.00 лв | |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 2.20 лв | |
| Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) | 1.93 лв | |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 18.00 лв | |
| Gasoline (1 gallon) | 11.79 лв | |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | 45,000.00 лв | |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | 44,166.67 лв | |
Utilities (Monthly) | Edit |
|
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment | 237.37 лв | |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) | 0.34 лв | |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 23.56 лв | |
Sports And Leisure | Edit |
|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 56.85 лв | |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 28.50 лв | |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 15.00 лв | |
Childcare | Edit |
|
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | 822.57 лв | |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | 14,180.33 лв | |
Clothing And Shoes | Edit |
|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | 123.10 лв | |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) | 61.13 лв | |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 145.11 лв | |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | 158.85 лв | |
Rent Per Month | Edit |
|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 845.34 лв | |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 649.45 лв | |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 1,505.00 лв | |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 1,036.22 лв | |
Buy Apartment Price | Edit |
|
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre | 466.34 лв | |
| Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | 305.63 лв | |
Salaries And Financing | Edit |
|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | 1,972.47 лв | |
| Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate | 3.20 |
Prices in Sofia
This city had 5865 entries in the past 12 months by 578 different contributors.
Last update: March 2023
Last update: March 2023
Sources and References
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Nearby cities:| Cost of Living in Dupnica | 40.45 miles |
| Cost of Living in Blagoevgrad | 60.12 miles |
| Cost of Living in Plovdiv | 89.49 miles |
| Cost of Living in Pleven | 102.21 miles |
| Cost of Living in Veliko Tarnovo | 138.42 miles |
| Cost of Living in Vidin | 155.77 miles |
| Cost of Living in Sliven | 185.51 miles |
| Cost of Living in Ruse | 193.95 miles |
| Cost of Living in Jambol | 197.28 miles |
This page in other languages:
 DeutschLebenshaltungskosten in Sofia
|
 PortuguêsCusto de Vida em Sófia
|
 ItalianoCosto della Vita a Sofia
|
 FrançaisCoût de la Vie à Sofia
|
 EspañolCosto de Vida en Sofía
|
People don't understand this perception because many come with the rich foreign currency (US dollar, GBP, Euro), which is doubled and sometimes almost tripped for them (e.g. 500 pounds is 1,100 in BG currency). The prices of food and necessary goods in Bulgaria are insane. You can look at the statistics above. Everything is converted from Euro, as majority of goods are imported, even the most of basics - milk, rice, fruits and vegetables. Clear examples of this is - you won't see the iPhone costing 2600 euros in another EU country, or pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) for 150 euros. These things are 2-3 times cheaper in the developer west.
Let's say you go to a website and want to buy clothes from Sweden that has their prices in Euro. You select your items and your total is 200 Euros for 3-4 items. This for a Bulgarian would convert as double price due to the currency, labor market economy. Imagine that tomorrow you wake up and your milk from 1 euro is now 3 euros, jeans are from 40 euros to 80 euros, gas prices from 1.50 are 4 euros.
The explanation is very simple, at least in my opinion. The Bulgarian labor, especially in the IT sector, is considered one of the cheapest in the world, while at the same time of very high standard, quality and education. India comes first. Many companies from the US and rich west come in Sofia because an engineer or developer would cost half of the price than if they go to Barcelona, Stockholm or Amsterdam. This is nothing new as we already know the advantages abused of such economies, same as in India. This is causing a major problem because the world and Bulgaria has made itself a reputation of cheap labor, which is to nobody's advantage to ever become costly, ever in the future. It's a matter of time until young people and skilled professionals realize that they could migrate and utilize their labor for way higher salaries anywhere else in Europe.
This is why the population in Bulgaria is shrinking and with no surprise. Now after covid, with many people switched to full-remote work, come in Bulgaria and abuse the cheap economy, while their salaries remain in Euro. This causes further inflation, as this is poured into the economy, tricking it to believe the cost and standard of living have jumped but this is not the case. You can see apartment owners raise their rent prices 3 times as they are hoping a foreigner would come to rent it with their European salary.
If you are living in Sofia and you follow the prices of basic food supplies - you can see that the inflation is well above 20%. For example eggs are close to 1 BGN a piece. Milk is 3 BGN litter.
Prices of apartments are well above the declared averages. For example this
https://www.bulgarianproperties.com/Apartments_(various_types)_in_Bulgaria/AD80196PL198892BG_Apartments_(various_types)_for_sale_in_Sofia.html
It is shitty location, the living space - without walls, terraces, common parts - will be max 120 sq meter - so it is 3000 euro per meter.
If you are looking for real info - don't be fooled by this data.
Anonymous on November 30, 2022
Apparently you have a pig mentality if you don't find in Bulgaria what you don't find in your homeland.
Stay in your country of birth.
There is hardly a perfect city on earth.
Otherwise, there are many good things here, as well as not so good things, but Sofia still remains the cheapest in the EU. Many Black Sea and ski resorts and spa hotels are available.
It's a pig pen just like Bulgarian pigs living there.
the idea of "service" is take it or leave it without a smile. English speakers can get by but of course, if you plan to stay in Bulgaria over 6 months, it is very limiting without Bulgarian. Most signs are in Cyrillic alphabet.
Sidewalks are unwalkable and pollution is terrible because the smog can't clear the mountain.
I prefer Austria and Switzerland but if you like "down market" places then go ahead and live in Sofia.
Ottomans controlled Bulgaria for a very long time.Bulgarians begged Russia to save Bulgarians.I visited Bulgaria once several years ago they are a smoke show with their mouth nothing more lot's of wind and they run away quickly when confronted physically.
No worries though the UK government handed pensioner's their asses on Monday telling them you're on your own meaning no more pensions
I prefer Sofia before 2020. It's definitely gotten more congested and with the official inflation of 20%, it's not a "budget" destination anymore.
Good things come to an end sometimes.
I was going to retire in Bulgaria until I found out Bulgaria has a 10% flat tax rate on retirement pensions no matter where they come from. To be considered a tax resident one who stays more than 183 days per year is a tax resident. It doesn't matter if any country has a tax treaty with Bulgaria there's no exemption for retired expats living in Bulgaria.
From my end my net yearly retirement income would be a tax of $3,300 usd. Regardless of what anyone says online it's a mandatory 10% tax on annual income. This information came from a tax lawyer in Bulgaria.
Just a heads up
Irina/ Sofia Bul.
Bye
About the prices yes they are correct almost . You can get lower prices by walking around the small grocerie stores and small restaurants. Rent wise depends which neighborhood you want. It ranges from 400 to 2000 leva.
If you get around 2000 3000 leva you will be alright. Ideally you want 4000 5000 but hey we want that wage too. It's rarely. Average is 2000 levs. The minimal wage is 640 leva. People do survive with that money here so you make your judgments. As I said tuff people we are .
Hope that's helped.
As for foreigners if you plan to come here because of an offer just make sure that this offer is good and that it's worth it, do your research in advance. If you're not pretentious and you're alone the absolute minimum that you'll need for a basic living is approximately 1200-1400lv, 500-600lv for rent, 100-200 for utilities, 400-600 for food and transportation. That's just a rough calculation of course, but it's a close one. As for the attitude towards you from the locals you'll see a better attitude from the younger generation under 40, rather than the older one, because the older generation grew up during the socialism and they've been through hard times, so don't be surprised if you see grumpy old people here and there. It's nothing personal :)
PS: Don't forget to reply back as soon as possible and to turn this personal. I know that you'll be following this page on a daily basis. Come on.
Foreigners are treated badly by Bulgarians is all I ever experienced and other foreigners that lived in Bulgaria. We had an expat group of 53 in Sofia.We met often to discuss difficulties dealing with Bulgarians and their lazy nature workwise.Some of us foreigners like myself owned business that employed people. Mine alone employed 37.Skills are severely lacking ie motivation even though they are trained properly. In all 31 of us owned businesses in Sofia. We all closed our businesses in 2018 through 2019 and we all left Bulgaria. Only 2 or 3 expats stayed in Sofia since they were married to Bulgarians. What can I say Bulgarians are very difficult to communicate with overall even though we speak Bulgarian which we learned.
To any future foreigners intending to live or open businesses in Bulgaria just don't you'll regret it
- Bulgaria is NOT the “most unhappy” country in the world. Check the last World Happiness report – we are pretty much in the middle. The negativity of Bulgarian people is mostly in the shape of skepticism and criticism and mostly directed against the government. Regarding the attitude towards foreign people, Bulgarians in general are very hospitable, interested, accepting and accommodating. Plus, Sofia is a capital of an EU country and is a part of a common civilizing, cultural and economic processes. When I walk the streets in the center quite often I hear more foreign speech (English, Spanish, Italian, French) than Bulgarian, because of all support jobs available here and all the tourists.
- “Rude” is a totally inappropriate term for Bulgarians. Call them “mildly sour” for their own reasons, but people are, at least the overwhelming majority, nice and very nonviolent. For example street violence, quite common in the most developed western countries, is very, very diminished in Sofia, almost nonexistent. It feels safe to walk the streets and it is safe.
- During my humble life I have witnessed a great improvement in peoples’ body odor in Sofia. The people (man+women) take a bath regularly and smell immaculately.
I can affirmatively say that as an expat in SOFIA you can live a pretty decent life, not just because of assumed good ratio between your salary and the prices, but mostly because of the attitude – there are great men and women who will appreciate you not just because of your qualities but additionally from the fact that you are foreign – it is still somehow exotic, unlike in the much more multicultural west. In other words, you can feel BIG in Sofia.
The digits here in Numbeo, are almost entirely correct.
Local cheese for 5 Euro/kg? This used to be 15 years ago. Currently, be ready to pay 10-12 Euro.
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment: If you want a good location, 2000 Euro is the minimum.
Same for most of the other prices.
Numbeo figures are totally wrong.
The Dutch and Belgium companies don't pay much. In fact you will belong to the lower class with a salary of only 1200 euro. They say you earn much here, but the reality is very different. People drive a lot of AMG's here. Also a car electronics and everything else cost almost the same as in The NEtherlands, except for food, because it is a big agricultural country off course.
By comfortable I just mean being able to rent a decent apartment and eat, not a lot of unnecessary expenses.
You would be able to afford luxury with that income. A large flat in the center or house in the suburbs. Nothing under 100 square meters. Best childcare. I am not sure how it will match the child's language development.
I assume that you drive and have at least 1 car, so go for the suburbs. Less traffic, fewer people, more space. For 1500-2500 Euros you can get 200-400 square meters house. Please account for an additional expenses for a good lawyer and a security company (especially since you are going for business purposes). A relocation company is also an option, I still know the only the "consumer" market. They might offer a higher quality property that I can't even find.
After rent you are left with enough money to eat every meal in a high class restaurant, your child included :D.
Also change currency to euros always and see salaries between Sofia and other west EU capitals. If salary for example is +260% bigger than in Sofia then compare everything, like food, clothes, rent, and everything basic to exist (bills - electricity, water etc.), and if it doesn't exceed the +260% then make the assumption for yourself.
Every essay written here by the blinded population that "used to" or still "live" in Bulgaria, trying to justify how we have a perfect quality of life and how "it's not that bad and expensive as others make it seem to be" just prove to every other human being left with a small bit of brain living on this planet all the facts in statistics published on this website. Keep writing so we make statistics stronger and make it obvious for young people how of a bad quality of life Bulgaria has for them. Thank you very much!
As for cost of living - prices here are AVERAGES. They are accurate, but they don't take into consideration the fact that a lot of goods here (especially name-brands produced elsewhere) are actually inferior quality. You'll pay the same price OR MORE, for example, for a pair of Nikes, but they'll be super shitty compared to the "same" model sold in the US. Daily goods (groceries, toiletries, meals out) are affordable if you're coming from somewhere else - but out of reach for a lot of folks who actually live and work here.
Medical care is accessible and high-quality for preventative care and non-life-threatening issues. Don't get cancer here, or you're screwed. Hospitals just don't have access to the technology or the equipment you'd find in the States, UK, etc. But if you have a typical health challenge, the care is quite good. Doctors here also aren't focused only on prescriptions, because they aren't subsidized by pharmaceutical companies - which for me was a refreshing change.
As for economics and politics - the government here still has issues with corruption and Bulgarians understand it better than you ever will, so don't pretend to know anything about their political system. You don't. Most people are very disillusioned with the government, and for good reason - the difference between here and other places is that people here speak about it willingly and freely, and then carry on with life.
As for economics - if you're coming to Bulgaria from somewhere like UK or the States, you can leverage the differences in currency, and you'll find it very easy to establish a business here. Remember that typical salaries for most Bulgarians are low (around $1000 per month) and cost of living is comparably high (especially since most younger workers are supporting aging parents or grandparents who get very little in pensions or social security) - so if you're selling products or services TO BULGARIANS they need to be very cheap. People do not have lots of disposable income. Bulgaria doesn't need your b.s. - what they need are jobs. So if you're coming here to EMPLOY Bulgarians, pay them a decent living wage (at least $2400 month) and you'll find people are incredibly skilled, educated, qualified - and loyal. Bulgarians are also incredibly tech savvy, compared to the average Westerner - and technology is a quickly growing industry here. Don't expect to pay people peanuts and get gratitude, though - people here are proud and hard-working and they know what they are worth.
Basically, show up politely and with the perspective you know nothing, be willing to help and contribute to the lives of people around you - and actually walk the talk - and you'll find you're warmly welcomed and accepted. If you can't do that? Don't bother to come, because Bulgaria doesn't need you.
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.
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?
D.D. is right in general but a little bit overracting. Sofia is becomming a better place and you'll be having a nice life with this salary. Bulgaria may be poor compared to Western-European countries but it's still an european country. Private schools are indeed expensive, like 600-800 euro per month, just checked a few. It really depends on what options you have. Compared to India it could be better indeed, compared to Western-Europe of course it's worse in most things.
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).
My only worry is my kids education and its cost. Do you know about education in Sofia. i saw in some websites government schools education in Bulgarian language. If we want English school we have to pay a lot.
SO if my wife also go for a job in admin level we can manage right?
You told that the whole state force is being controlled by the mafia. Can you pls. explain little bit detailed.
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.
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?
we are a couple with 2 kids ages are 6 & 3. Can you suggest this salary is enough to survive in sofia where i am leaving from Chennai india.
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.
When f.e. the average Bulgarian employer in that specific sector offers 600 Lev, the so called "investor" offers 700 Lev and claims that he is offering a "great" salary. At the same time, he starts selling his crap at a more expensive price than in Western Europe and at a significant lower quality. And of course, when he starts facing difficulties, the nasty and unfriendly Bulgarians are the main reason for this.
If you are one of those, please go away, we don't need you here!
It is said here that "Four-person family monthly costs": 3,084.31 lev without rent (using our estimator).
Does it mean that this amount doesn't include also Kindergarden and School for Kids, Utilities, Mobile and Internet costs?
Dear anonymous, Bulgarians clearly did not like you. It happens. Often with a reason. Be happy in Australia. Try to make friends there. Best, another Anonymous.
P.S. The data published by Numbeo about Bulgaria are correct.
The point is not if prices affect YOU or YOU holidays but the majority of Bulgarians! Are you a millenial bro/sis?
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.
Bulgaria unfortunately is extremely expensive for locals EXACTLY because of the rubbish salaries, (280 euros for the minimal) not because of the expensive NIKE or ADIDAS that you don't have to buy after all (you will survive without them, trust me)
Unfortunately it's extremely cheap for foreigners, to the point that I would prefer double prices at the moment, something I hated when i visited this country 20 years ago. But of course EU (sorry i meant Holy Roman Empire) doesn't allow that, it's against the jungle laws (sorry, i meant competition)
The Uk restricted BG/ROM workers for many years
BG Government is not defending Bulgraia against hordes of Middle class Brits who make price damping explosive because of the obvious price difference in the two countries.
On the contrary it promotes, advertises and encourages retiring in BG, instead of promoting demographic regeneration. BG is collapsing at the moment. Fast!
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.