Are you considering a move to Sofia, Bulgaria, and wondering about the cost of living? Sofia is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Sofia and help you understand whether $1615 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1220.65.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
11.12 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
44.5 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
8.34 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
2.22 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.78 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.26 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.41 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.97 $ |
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|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.8 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.1 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
2.02 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.39 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
10.59 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
8.1 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
11.98 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
1.52 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.86 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.58 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.35 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.12 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.32 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.99 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.67 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
6.34 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.02 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.7 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
3.34 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.89 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
27.81 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.39 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.72 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
12.63 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.53 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
27061.1 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
26314.28 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
129.56 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
12.83 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
35.1 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
17.01 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
8.34 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
496.76 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
8313.92 $ |
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|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
69.21 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
33.91 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
84.45 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
86.51 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
516.37 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
379.13 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
903.74 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
631.89 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
2763.27 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1703.51 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
1220.65 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
3.68 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Sofia come to a total of approximately $1615. This includes an average monthly rent of around $516 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $135 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $552 per month.
Living in Sofia appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1220.65. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Sofia, you would likely need an income exceeding $1220.65.
In Sofia, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1220.65, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Sofia is approximately $516. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $379.13 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Sofia can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $451 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Bulgaria can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Bulgaria.
The very interesting fact is that violent crime practically does not exist in Sofia. Some petty crimes like theft and pick-pocketing happen, but still, according to its ranking, the city is considered a very safe one.
Because drivers are very careless and do not respect traffic signs, it is advisable to avoid driving, unless it is necessary, while pedestrians should not rely only on the traffic lights, but be very careful when crossing the street.
The risk of being a victim of pickpockets in Sofia exists, like in any other capital city, where a huge amount of tourists come. The best way to protect yourself from pickpockets is to avoid crowds and staying alone in the street at night.
The potential natural disasters in Bulgaria are earthquakes and avalanches in the mountains, but they are not often. Even if they happen, they do not usually cause any major damage.
There have been some records of mugging in Sofia. Kidnapping hardly ever happens, but it is still possible. Tourists need to be very cautious and thoughtful while in the crowds or isolated areas.
The numerous terrorist attacks that were happening in Europe make Bulgaria one of the capitals which might be on the terrorists' map. However, there is no concrete terrorist threat. Tourists should pay attention to the suspicious activity of the people around them.
Taxi drivers play a significant role when scamming in Sofia is in question. They sometimes tend to rob tourists. Drink spiking is also one of the possible scams risks, as well as people who offer help in the street.
Sofia, as well as the whole of Bulgaria, is very safe for female tourists. There is always a possibility of the assault, but it tends to be very rare. If you are alone, you should try not to attract the attention of suspicious men.
Certain countries do not need a visa to stay less than 90 days in Bulgaria. Those are U.S., Australian, European and Canadian visitors. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs can give you all the information regarding visas.
The Bulgarian Lev is the official money and it is suggested to only exchange money at exchange offices or banks, due to the possible fake banknotes. Sofia is considered as one of Europe's most affordable capital city.
The climate in Bulgaria is continental which is characterized by cold winters and quite cool summers. The average temperature during the winter is -1 degree C, while the average summer temperature is 20 degrees C.
The main international airport of Bulgaria, Sofia Airport, is 10 km away from the center of Sofia and it is at the same time the busiest and the largest one. Some other airports less busy than the one in Sofia are Burgas Airport, Varna Airport, and Plovdiv Airport.
Whatever is the purpose of your travel to Bulgaria, the insurance policy will provide you security and protection in terms of medical problems, theft and the loss of personal items. What kind of insurance you should take depends on your state, but having medical emergency insurance in Bulgaria is highly recommended.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 37°F | 42°F | 51°F | 61°F | 70°F | 77°F | 82°F | 82°F | 74°F | 62°F | 49°F | 39°F |
| Temp | 30°F | 33°F | 41°F | 51°F | 59°F | 66°F | 70°F | 70°F | 62°F | 52°F | 41°F | 32°F |
| Low | 23°F | 25°F | 32°F | 41°F | 49°F | 55°F | 58°F | 57°F | 50°F | 42°F | 32°F | 25°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 2°C | 5°C | 10°C | 16°C | 21°C | 25°C | 27°C | 27°C | 23°C | 16°C | 9°C | 3°C |
| Temp | -1°C | 0°C | 5°C | 10°C | 15°C | 18°C | 21°C | 21°C | 16°C | 11°C | 5°C | 0°C |
| Low | -5°C | -3°C | 0°C | 5°C | 9°C | 12°C | 14°C | 13°C | 10°C | 5°C | 0°C | -3°C |