How Much Does It Cost to Live In Sofia?
Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria and a destination which attracts people who want to relocate, as it is a true bargain by European standards.
Aside from being affordable and offering inexpensive living costs, Sofia has everything a capital should possess, vibrancy, natural charm, beautiful scenery and interesting history.
If you happen to be attracted by its beauties and affordability, make sure that you earn enough to cover the expenses, due to the fact that even though they are not high, they still exist and need to be paid.
Bulgaria : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
This city has to offer restaurants and taverns for everyone’s taste and eating out is really affordable here.
The prices of meals vary from restaurant to restaurant, depending on its location, popularity and the quality of food, buy you can get a decent meal at such reasonable prices in many of the local taverns.
MARKETS
The price of eating out is closely linked to the price of food, and in general, it can be said that both of them are more than affordable in Sofia.
If you are not satisfied with the price of groceries in supermarkets, you can always choose to visit local markets and purchase foodstuff at even lower prices.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation in Sofia is so cheap that, generally speaking, even the cost of riding a taxi is quite affordable.
This is due to not so high gasoline prices and riding the public transportation, which has plenty of options to get around the city, would be inexpensive.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
When compared to other cities in Bulgaria, utilities in Sofia would cost more, as it is the capital city and the salaries are higher.
The Internet access has almost the same price in all major cities, while other services, such as power, water and garbage would cost more in Sofia, exceeding $100.
SPORTS & LEISURE
How much money you will separate for entertainment and sports is based on your lifestyle.
People who are fond of exercising rather than eating out would have enough money to give for fitness club fees which are not exceeding $30.
Movie lovers would find it expensive to pay $7 for the latest cinema release, when compared to other major cities in Bulgaria.
CLOTHING & SHOES
New settlers would find clothing items pretty inexpensive in Sofia and would spend a lot of money in its shopping centers.
It is true that the prices are cheaper than in other European countries where it is impossible to find the dress in famous chain stores at the price of $30.
RENT PER MONTH
When looking for an apartment in Sofia, you should know that the area of residence is an important factor which affects the price of rent.
This should be considered when you prepare your housing budget, because you can save almost $100 per month if you decide to rent an apartment outside the city center.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Sofia
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $5.83 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.46 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.64 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $4.49 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $0.57 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.95 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.93 |
| Monthly Pass | $29.14 |
| Gasoline | $5.04 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $101.52 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.16 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $11.66 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $26.2 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $13.62 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $6.99 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $59.59 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $29 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $77.85 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $387.33 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $296.57 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $712.74 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Sofia?
Food is definitely the expense that takes the most of monthly budget and even though you get a lot for the little money you give, it is still necessary to separate the third of your monthly salary for it.
Savvy people would not spend their hard earned money in luxurious and expensive restaurants in the city center, but would rather pay a delicious yet inexpensive meal in a tavern.
The rents, public transportation, and utilities take half of your monthly budget, and very little is left for entertainment and clothing.
Average Costs Breakdown
Sofia: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
The average monthly minimum wage in Sofia is $312, and more than the third of it normally goes to food or market expenditures.
If you also have to pay the house rental, then nothing is left for other costs.
The average monthly net salary in Sofia is higher than the national average, thus making life more enjoyable for those who earn it.
Due to this, the prices are a bit higher than in other Bulgarian cities.
Mortgage interest rate is almost equal in the whole country.
Sofia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Sofia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Sofia
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Burgas | 36.26 |
| Plovdiv | 36.45 |
| Varna | 39.13 |
