Cost of Living in Sofia

Summary of cost of living in Sofia, Bulgaria:

Restaurants
Edit Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 10.23 € 5.63-15.34
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 35.80 € 25.57-61.38
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 7.67 € 7.67-9.21
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) 1.87 € 1.02-2.56
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 2.56 € 1.53-3.58
Cappuccino (regular) 1.93 € 1.02-3.07
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) 1.26 € 0.82-2.05
Water (12 oz small bottle) 0.79 € 0.51-1.53
Markets
Edit
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) 6.08 € 4.65-6.97
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) 0.89 € 0.58-1.39
Rice (white), (1 lb) 0.84 € 0.46-1.13
Eggs (regular) (12) 3.10 € 2.15-3.68
Local Cheese (1 lb) 4.15 € 3.25-6.50
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) 3.17 € 1.86-4.41
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) 4.83 € 2.78-6.73
Apples (1 lb) 0.68 € 0.42-0.93
Banana (1 lb) 0.76 € 0.58-0.93
Oranges (1 lb) 0.70 € 0.46-1.16
Tomato (1 lb) 0.94 € 0.69-1.16
Potato (1 lb) 0.45 € 0.28-0.58
Onion (1 lb) 0.52 € 0.23-0.70
Lettuce (1 head) 0.95 € 0.51-1.48
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 0.61 € 0.46-1.02
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 6.04 € 3.84-9.72
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 0.94 € 0.56-1.28
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 1.58 € 1.02-2.30
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) 3.07 € 2.92-3.58
Transportation
Edit
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 0.82 € 0.82-1.02
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 25.57 € 25.57-35.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 1.28 € 1.02-1.53
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) 1.07 € 0.99-1.56
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) 11.97 € 8.69-12.28
Gasoline (1 gallon) 5.31 € 4.96-5.81
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) 26,023.64 € 23,015.74-27,955.43
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) 23,682.80 € 21,097.76-25,573.04
Utilities (Monthly)
Edit
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment 126.49 € 76.72-214.81
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data 16.39 € 12.28-24.55
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 12.02 € 10.23-17.39
Sports And Leisure
Edit
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 31.63 € 23.02-46.03
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 17.25 € 10.23-23.02
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 7.67 € 7.16-10.23
Childcare
Edit
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child 466.24 € 383.60-613.75
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child 7,301.96 € 4,091.69-12,275.06
Clothing And Shoes
Edit
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) 61.81 € 25.57-120.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) 30.99 € 20.46-51.15
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) 85.08 € 61.38-122.75
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes 83.39 € 51.15-138.09
Rent Per Month
Edit
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 492.97 € 383.60-716.05
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre 364.13 € 296.65-485.89
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre 876.94 € 613.75-1,534.38
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre 612.17 € 460.31-1,022.92
Buy Apartment Price
Edit
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre 243.81 € 166.31-332.61
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 153.54 € 95.03-190.06
Salaries And Financing
Edit
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 1,187.78 €
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate 3.73 2.50-5.70

Prices in Sofia

This city had 4947 entries in the past 12 months by 448 different contributors.
Last update: March 2024
Distribution of Expenses Using Our Statistical Model:
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51 Comments so far
Anonymous on Sep 16, 2023:
Allah is alive and well in Sofia with over 300,000 servants to carry out Allahs every wish and desires for Bulgarian women.Infadell Bulgarian men arent mentally or physically capable to fulfill Bulgarian women's desires.Bulgarian men will now watch Allahs servants deflower Bulgarian women turning the women into Allahs slaves of seduction.
Zenkoji on Sep 09, 2023:
BOOBA
If you genuinely believe you can generalize, as you did, about any group of human beings, your IQ is most likely under 40. Also, be careful with joking about death because life is unpredictable.
Anonymous on Sep 04, 2023:
BOOBA

You sound just like a mentally retarded Bulgarian but all Bulgarians will never amount to anything. Actually the most important day of their miserable lives is when they die one less Bulgarian to hear
Booba on Aug 23, 2023:
I spend like a 500-600 euros/month on meal/household goods (I cook at home most time and order to 5 Glovo delivery/month), my 2 room apartment costs 920 euro/month (public utilities included, Lulin district).
I have to agree with some of commentators that living here is not comfortable without knowledge of Bulgarian language. From time to time I face situations where even manager staff don't know simple English (Glovo delivery, for example) and with regular staff it even worse. Sometimes I have feeling that they don't want speak English in purpose.
Also, not too often, but still sometimes I face not friendly looks from the service staff, as if I offended someone. Idk why this happens. I'm always friendly and polite in public and I give extra tips to staff. You bulgarians should be more friendly to foreigners, especially when they buy smth and support your economic. But despite the toxic service, outside of shopping, people are quite friendly here. They smile often, joke and laugh out loud.
Personally, I don't find Sofia city inspiring at all. It doesn't have inspiring architecture, people miss the USSR, food is often mediocre here. Yeah, you can go in mountains, but I'm not a big fan of such pastime. Don't want to make Sofia look bad. The city is just fine. You can find here a lot of restaurants, bars, gyms, clubs, theaters, go to the cinema. But something is missing here and I don't feel inspired.
Anonymous on Jul 02, 2023:
Diana,
You must drink your pills regularly. Excluding the resorts, prices are much lower in Bulgaria than pretty many places on this Earth.
Dian on Mar 15, 2023:
Bulgaria is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, if not say the world (with a little exaggeration), but whoever have lived in the rich west knows this is true in comparison.

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.
Anonymous on Mar 14, 2023:
The data is not updated.
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 Feb 14, 2023:
Absolutely filthy and disgusting place, full of subhuman fascist tatars. Beograd will always be the true capital of the Balkans.
Anonymous on Jan 31, 2023:
There's no attraction to Bulgaria since Bulgaria has absolutely nothing to offer.Soviet mindsets abound basically it's full of undesireables without any direction in their lives the missing link globally.
Anonymous on Jan 16, 2023:
To
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.
Ivan B. on Dec 14, 2022:
I believe the cost of living data should be corrected. In the recent year the prices for housing are significantly greater than what is was in the past. One basic search in Realistimo for apartments in Sofia (both for sale or for rent) will show how much the prices have gone up.
Anonymous on Nov 30, 2022:
Isn't there hate speech moderation on this website? Most comments here are just ethnic slurs and contain zero useful information. I would like some practical information about *the cost of living* in Sofia.
Anonymous on Nov 30, 2022:
I spent one month in Bulgaria observing the mindset in larger cities and in villages.The outcome was the same.To foreigners thinking about staying in Bulgaria forget about that thought.
It's a pig pen just like Bulgarian pigs living there.
Anonymous on Nov 30, 2022:
I agree with the last post about Bulgarians living in Communist times very non progressive rude to each other in public and foreigners too is their norm.Fastest shrinking population in all of Europe and the world.Theres nothing magical about Bulgaria never was.Filthy streets trash everywhere men and women smelling like a sewer but the rest of Bulgaria smells like that too.Heavy smokers drinkers loudmouthed nobody's is what they are.Want to make a Bulgarian mad? Tell them the Ottoman is their masters.
Anonymous on Nov 28, 2022:
I would not call it a very "progressive" place. It's stuck in communist times.

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.
Anonymous on Nov 09, 2022:
You either like Sofia or you hate it depending upon your tolerance levels.My wife and I don't speak Bulgarian language since it's very hard to learn.Many friends from the UK living in Bulgaria don't either.Best advice don't socialize with the Bulgarians because no matter where in Bulgaria it is few if any Bulgarians are happy about anything.
Anonymous on Nov 06, 2022:
Just had to laugh at a comment Bulgarians ARE BORN WARRIORS how funny.
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.
Anonymous on Oct 30, 2022:
Sofia including all of Bulgaria has never been a good thing not even close to it.Europeans and British have ruined Sunny Beach Varna and any other areas they've touched in Bulgaria.

No worries though the UK government handed pensioner's their asses on Monday telling them you're on your own meaning no more pensions
Foreigner on Oct 27, 2022:
I used to vacation in Sofia for about 10 days during the summer before 2020. Now after the world opened up again, Sofia is really crowded with western European and British tourists who take advantage of cheap flights on budget airlines.

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.
Anonymous on Jul 30, 2022:
ATTENTION TAX FOREIGN RETIREMENT PENSIONS

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
Casual enjoyer on Jun 15, 2022:
I just want to add that whatever you have going on here is great and that I'm loving it. One of the most hilarious reads I've had in a while
Anonymous on Apr 15, 2022:
We are wiping out your wanna be tuff guys so called mafia trash 112 so far eliminated. One things for certain they cry like babies on their knees while we ram them then we bag them and burn them alive. Never fuk with the Irish republican army. So-called tuff Bulgarian women rammed with a hot curling iron and acid poured all over them.We watch as they meltdown their screams music to our ears. Never fuk with the Irish republican army.
Anonymous on Mar 10, 2022:
Say that to my father and the Irish republic army to their face. You don't have the guts to do that. Pick a spot anywhere in Bulgaria bring your friends you'll need the help. The Irish Republic Malisha,arrived in Bulgaria January 28 after my post.Tell your supposed mafia friends to join you. We have already disposed of some at the closed down mafia club in Sofia and many more will follow. The malisha,are roaming the streets of Bulgaria looking for punks just like you. Never underestimate the precision of the Irish republic malisha,to find their targets because they always do. Hide little one we are throughout Bulgaria eliminating the trash.
Anonymous on Mar 09, 2022:
To the trash irish go back in u r country we dont want u here and to the trash bulgarian lady with arab fantasy go in iraq and be used as dog
Anonymous on Jan 25, 2022:
Knowing how my father is being a member of the Irish Republic Army and how lethal the Irish Republic Army is it wouldn't surprise me if Bulgaria males were paid a personal visit during the daytime. The most feared militia in the world hands down. Russian men learned to respect Irish women after their encounter with the Irish Republic Army not long ago.Bulgarian males hiding under your mothers dress won't save any of you Males when the Irish Republic Army pays a visit unannounced rest assured the outcome will be terminal.Russia government doesn't want to tangle with the Irish Republic Army under any circumstances because it's always personal and males will know it when the Irish Republic Army pays a visit, no mercy.
Anonymous on Jan 25, 2022:
After reading through some of the negative comments it just brings light to what I experienced going to college in Sofia as an exchange student for one year. I suppose being a polite young woman from Ireland didn't matter at all especially to Bulgarian men.Harrassed every day at the college and when just eating at a restaurant alone. To say Bulgarian men are pigs would be an understatement.From what I noticed during my year in Sofia the women are just as bad.Although I paid for two years tuition at the college I couldn't take anymore of the viscious mindset Bulgarians had, so much hatred not only for people from other countries such as myself but displays of hatred for each other. Then there were those wannabe mafia males thinking people were afraid of them. But I never feared any of those wannabe thugs.I grew up around the Irish Republic Army my dad is still a member. I can guarantee any man who disrespects any woman is taught respect forcefully without a doubt. To those Bulgarian males who think they're so bad come to Ireland and try your brand of mentality. I can guarantee you'll be dropped over Bulgaria in a cloth sack not a box,bring it I dare you.
Anonymous on Dec 23, 2021:
Ha ha ha president of Bulgaria has agreed to take 53,287 Aphghanistan men only to live in Bulgaria by April 2022 and have citizenship in Bulgarian women want husbands of middleastern decent.Plus it'll enhance the economy of Bulgaria since many Aphghanistan men coming are educated. We are so excited the men are arriving in April 2022 to be our husbands.

Irina/ Sofia Bul.
Anonymous on Dec 06, 2021:
Bulgarian men are losers my bf is from Iraq and I'm a Bulgarian woman. We go everywhere together in Sofia. I remember recently a Bulgarian man got in my face trashing my bf while we were out. My Iraqi bf beat him badly left him laying on the street he broke the Bulgarian man's face. To those Bulgarian men who think they're so tuff walk up to a middle eastern men and start talking trash I dare you. I had to stop my bf from beating that man to death, true.My Iraqi bf is extremely good in bed unlike any Bulgarian man I was ever with plus my Iraqi bf is huge below the waste knows how to use it well.
Anonymous on Oct 26, 2021:
What type site is this anyway? Someone mentioned foreign white people expecting to be treated like gods? Another mentioned killing someone for setting foot on our land,making sure people knew they were tuff? I was wondering about general costs of living that's all nothing more.

Bye
To the Afghanistan fella and his guy alla on Sep 10, 2021:
Ayo Afghani we will just kill you all If you set foot on our land and behave badly , even give wrong looks .. most of us will tear your heads off bare handedly . Don't mistake our kindness for weakness we killed lots of Arabs before check our history. Bulgarians we are born warriors . I don't care from where you from if you do evil here you will get super violated. And don't come with this manmade alla in the land of the true God Tangra, you are the infidel ... Don't mistake us for Western Europeans, theyou are soft . We are tuff maafakkas on a everyday level. OK? Shoo then ..

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.
Reel Sofia Kang on Jul 25, 2021:
Foreign white people coming here (remember us Slavs are not white as you say)expecting to be threaten like gods you're not special, most of you come here because you're cheap, well you get what you deserve, somade
Greek boy on Jul 11, 2021:
To be fair I moved out of Greece because we literally don't have jobs at all. I spent several years in Poland, UK and Czech Republic and now from 2 years I'm in Sofia. Young Bulgarians have. A lot more opportunities than the young Greeks. It's full with jobs and if the wages are lower, comparing to the purchase power it is higher for the Bulgarians. However there is another picture and these are the gypsies and the older generations. They are living extremely poorly. I'm quite happy here and already told some friends who moved to Sofia and we enjoy the good nightlife.
Latest situation on May 03, 2021:
Well due to the covid situation probably or the fact that Bulgaria is preparing for the EURO currency or both some prices are going up, mostly the grocery prices.But I guess that prices are going up like everywhere these days. The good thing is that salaries are going up as well, most of my friends and relatives now earn quite well, so they don't struggle financially. Don't trust the official data about the average salary in the country, there are many people who're working illegally, so they pay minimal taxes but earn 5-10 times more than the minimal salary. The government is still corrupt, but hopefully we'll have a new one soon, for better or worse.

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 :)
Tim Cleary on Apr 18, 2021:
I have to say here and now - I had a fantastic time in Bulgaria. I'm London Irish and I lived there three and a half years. I have to say it was a 'Blast'. I only left because of my health issues. Yes - the country - like all countries - has had/got it's problems. But when you see the trauma of their history and their economic situation - you have to wonder that the people are as friendly and as gracious as they are. The countryside is pristine - Not for nothing was it known as - 'Bulgaria the beautiful' - The prices are really reasonable - lots of the people speak perfect English. There is no problem getting round. Transport is efficient and cost effective. Their hotels are an absolute bargain by Western standards. Sofia, Varna and the other major Cities are packed with museums, concert halls, parks etc. The country is riddled with history and culture! Lots of Bulgarians are anxious to talk to you as so many of them have either worked in countries such as the US/UK or have relatives there. Bulgaria really is a "Great" country. It's people make it "Great". Whats more - it has a wonderful future! Make no mistake about that! My only regret is I'm not back there!
edin on Mar 29, 2021:
I have heard that brits are notorious for being haters and I am not going to go down to your level blaming your entire nation like you do, but you guys are obvious haters. I gave my comment like yesterday and on the same day you've replied back with your hate once again. It's like you've been following this page making sure that nobody counters your comments. What normal people will do in such case is to leave their comment and will go on with their lives, but you took the bashing of a nation as a mission, you are the exact definition of haters. And I don't really buy your story or at least your side of the story. I am in a business with plenty of foreigners and more and more serious companies are coming here, big companies, thank God that small economic slave owners wannabes with a hater attitude like you are leaving. We don't really need you.

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.
Edin on Mar 28, 2021:
This page turned to a complaint box for some people. I know foreigners and I have been working with such for years and most of them do find the life here good. They work hard, earn quite well, have bulgarian friends and live a normal life. You wont' see them here commenting of course. Many people have had bad experience abroad but they don't bash the entire country or nation because of that. I have had bad experience in Spain, England, Greece and Germany but you won't see me bashing their countries and nations just because of that. I have seen many brits throw up or fighting next to me, yelling, screaming, ugly stuff, but you won't see me spreading BS on their page in Numbeo or generalizing the entire nation. As for the so called businessmen who bankrupted well it seems that you haven't planned or managed your business right, because business in Sofia is booming and many foreign companies are succeeding. Blaming the people for your failure is a cheap excuse. Grow up.
Anonymous on Mar 28, 2021:
Anonymous post March 26 correct

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
Sava Parvanov on Mar 22, 2021:
As a local, born and raised in Sofia, who has lived in 3 other countries, currently again in Sofia, Bulgaria, I feel at least a bit obliged to counter the nonsensical, hateful and totally biased opinions of the last (of course anonymous) users below. Not out of sense of pride, or something, but for the sheer purpose of giving some useful information for all who are interested in visiting or living in this city, coming from someone who knows more than enough about it and who is able to compare it with the rest of the world:
- 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.
Anonymous on Jan 18, 2021:
I'm going to start giving away soap many men and women smell like body odor especially the women smell like rotted fish in Bulgaria YUK !!!!!!
Anonymous on Jan 10, 2021:
We had similar experiences as you did with extremely rude people. We were thinking about buying a house in Bulgaria but we decided not to.We try to understand how many hardships Bulgarians have had but that was long ago.
Anonymous on Dec 10, 2020:
I believe the majority just post prices but have never lived in Sofia like LOCAL FROM Sofia and I do. Numbeo depends upon prices others give but I agree with you LOCAL FROM SOFIA on costs of things currently because it's not cheap anymore unless people live in remote areas away from Sofia and even then it's not much cheaper.
Local from Sofia on Nov 10, 2020:
Meal for 2 people in a mid-range restaurant for 29 Euro?! Multiply by 2 and you will get a good estimate. Same for most of the grocery prices if you want some decent quality.

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.
Anonymous on Sep 22, 2020:
President Radev is rushing to have the Euro instead of the Lev for this reason.Bulgaria overall cannot afford to take on bad loans with covid19.Although Bulgaria is very cheap cost of living expect it to quadruple in price for everything within the next two years or less.Foreign pensioners will feel the brunt of the new regulations eurozone will impose once the Euro is put in place permanently and many will leave as a consequence.
Денис ван Донкелаар on Aug 24, 2020:
Go to Sofia if you are on wellfare in the Netherlands or cannot do anything. Then you are better of here in Sofia.
Денис ван Донкелаар on Aug 24, 2020:
In my opinion you need about 4000 leva minimum to live a middle class life by yourself. So you can save, buy a house and a car.
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.
Lub26 on Aug 09, 2020:
American in Sofia, your comment is far far away from the truth. First - the most Bulgarian families in Sofia earn 2500-4000 bgn net, which is 1000-2500 USD net. The income you've mentioned is for not more than 10-15% of the families. I think, you live in your own world, but this is not the real situation in Sofia. The numbeo prices above are correct. And family with 2500 EUR net income can live comfortable life in Sofia.
American in Sofia on Jul 26, 2020:
All of the cost of living figures on the site are ridiculously low. I've lived here for 15 years, have 2 free-and-clear apartments and no car. I spend a minimum $8000 a month (food, utilities, family assistance and travel). All things held equal, my spend rate in the US was twice that ~$16000/mo. Most Bulgarian families in Sofia earn ~$4000 to $5000/mo total, and live better than I do. I have only been able to ascertain that they thrive through their network, rely on there village home (they all have one) and obtained services at a very low percentage cost. In fact, I know people making <$1000/mo that live better than I do. It is pretty amazing. BTW, now is the time to buy real-estate in Sofia as people are becoming a little more desperate for more cash. BUT they almost never bargain. Hope this helps... Also, I speak the language, but I do not recommend learning the language, as it will not help you in any way, in fact it 'hobbles' you, and only places you in a disadvantaged position (position matters here).
Yulia on Jul 24, 2020:
If moving to Sofia alone with 2 kids, would life be possibly good and comfortable with 3000lv neto salary (1500eur netto) if living in city center in nice area? Possibility to set kid in international kindergarden, pay all bills and food as well as occasional traveling? It is difficult to compare salary in BG with other ER country (where i am now) but as my roots are from Balkan, and culture is similar, I'd like to consider the option? Thanks in advnace for the inputs
Maite on Jul 20, 2020:
I might move to Sofia next month with a job. I would like to know, if anyone can tell me, would I be able to lead a comfortable life earning around 1800 BGN a month?

By comfortable I just mean being able to rent a decent apartment and eat, not a lot of unnecessary expenses.
Ivan Dimitrov on May 23, 2020:
Hi,
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.
Filipinite on Apr 11, 2020:
I want to travel next year in bulgaria to see the beauty of the country and enjoying my life so much and more food to eat, even exotic food.