The country is located in southeastern Europe and is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. Its capital and largest city is Sofia. It has a rich history that dates back to ancient times and has been ruled by various empires throughout history, including the Thracians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottoman Turks. It gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878 and became a communist state after World War II. Since then, it has transitioned to a market economy and joined the European Union in 2007. This nation has a diverse landscape that includes mountains, valleys, and the Black Sea coast. Its economy relies on industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The official language is Bulgarian and the currency is the lev. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional folk music and dance, and delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as banitsa, kebabche, and shopska salad.
There are some things about this European nation that you need to be aware of if you are thinking about relocating to this region of the world. The cost of living there is the single most important factor to consider. This article provides information on the costs associated with the purchase of necessities across the country.
Cost of living in the country
Individuals’ standard of living varies based on where they live and how they live. The following are some typical expenses to anticipate while living here:
Accommodation
Prices for renting a place to live vary depending on the type, size, and location of the place. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of modern cities like Sofia may cost around 367 USD per month to rent, while a comparable apartment outside of the city center could set you back at about 227 USD. It costs at least 639 USD to lease a three-room condo in the city. Purchasing a house in the center area is more costly than outside of it.
Food and groceries
Purchases are typically less expensive here than in other parts of Europe. A meal at a cheap restaurant can cost around 8 USD, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs more. Depending on how much food a person eats, grocery expenses may not exceed 200-270 dollars per month.
Transportation
Public transportation is available in this country. On local transportation, a one-way ticket can cost approximately 0.88 USD, while a monthly pass can cost approximately 30 USD. Taxis usually have a price of around 1.48 USD per kilometer.
Healthcare
There is a standard public healthcare system in the country; however, to use it, residents must have health insurance. To have access to medical care, employed foreigners and their dependents must also enroll in health insurance. The expense of purchasing insurance is generally under 200 USD a month.
Utilities
Paying for power, gas, and water fluctuates relying on the size of a loft and what it is utilized for. The typical monthly price of a one-bedroom apartment may be around 117 USD. Access to the internet and local calls typically costs monthly fees from residents. Even water, heating, and refuse dumping cost a lot of money.
Recreation
This includes purchasing tickets for films, theater shows, and games. A ticket to the movies can cost about $7, while a ticket to a theater show can be charged more.
If you are interested in relocating here as an expat, you should know that the republic is a country where living costs are high. But lower in smaller towns and cities than they are in other countries in Western Europe.
You may also find these articles helpful
Living in Bulgaria – Expat life
Moving to Bulgaria: Full relocation guide
Working in Bulgaria as an expat
