Thinking of moving to Bulgaria? Here’s a practical take on what it actually costs in 2025 and how Sofia, Plovdiv, and rural areas stack up.

Cost of Living by Location

Sofia (Capital City)

• Single person (excluding rent): ≈ $783/mo (≈ €725)
• Family of four (excluding rent): ≈ $2,768/mo (≈ €2,550)
• Digital nomad estimate: ≈ $1,359–1,375/mo (mid-range living)

Plovdiv (2nd-largest city)

• Single person (excluding rent): ≈ $695/mo (≈ €645)
• Family of four: ≈ $2,491/mo (≈ €2,310)
• ~30% cheaper than Sofia for same lifestyle

Rural Bulgaria

• Single person total: €600–900/mo
• Family of four total: €1,000–1,400/mo

Monthly Budget Breakdown

(Sofia / Plovdiv / Countryside)

Category	Sofia	Plovdiv	Rural
Rent (1‑bed apt)	€300–700	€300–500	€150–300
Utilities+Internet	€100–150	€100–150	€60–100
Groceries	€200–300	€200–300	€180–250
Transport	€50–100	€50–80	€50–100 (car likely)
Dining+Entertainment	€100–150	€80–120	€60–100

What These Numbers Mean

• Sofia: Budget €900–1,300/mo for modest living, €1,400–1,800 for comfort
• Plovdiv: Expect €800–1,100/mo for a single person
• Rural: You can live on €600–900/mo – great for families and retirees

Why It Matters

• Savings & Quality of Life: Bulgaria’s cost is ~40–50% less than the U.S.
• Rent Savings: Renting in Bulgaria is ~74% cheaper than in the U.S.
• Widespread internet: Affordable 100+ Mbps fiber and strong mobile coverage in cities

Who It Fits

• Digital nomads & remote workers: High-value lifestyle at €900–1,400/mo
• Families: Comfortable living in Plovdiv/Sofia under €2,200/mo; countryside under €1,400/mo
• Retirees & cost-conscious: Rural living at €600–900/mo covers basics, healthcare, and leisure

Bottom Line

Bulgaria offers a dramatically lower cost of living without sacrificing convenience. Sofia gives urban comfort at modest cost – Plovdiv blends culture and affordability, while the countryside lets you live simply and cheaply.

For exact prices and to calculate your own living costs in Bulgaria, click here.