Here is a closer look at what living in Bulgaria actually costs: what people typically earn, what rent looks like, and how far everyday money goes. These are MoveMap's rough, illustrative estimates to help you get oriented, not official statistics. Always confirm the specifics with official sources before you act.
Typical income
A typical net (take-home) salary in Bulgaria is around €900 a month in MoveMap's model. Pay is usually higher in the capital and in fields like tech, finance and engineering, and lower in smaller towns and public-facing roles.
Remote workers earning from abroad often find their money stretches further here than at home, which is a big part of why Bulgaria draws relocators.
Rent and housing
A one-bedroom flat runs about €450 a month as a rough solo-renter figure, more in the centre of the main city and less in smaller towns or a shared flat. The rental market is relatively relaxed, so finding a place is usually straightforward.
Buying is a longer game: budget for agency fees, taxes and, for non-residents, sometimes extra paperwork or restrictions. Many newcomers rent for the first year while they learn the neighbourhoods.
Everyday spending
On MoveMap's 0-100 cost index (lower is cheaper), Bulgaria scores 40, which is well below the EU average, one of the more affordable places to live. Groceries, transport and eating out broadly track that: day-to-day essentials are noticeably cheaper than in western Europe, though imported goods and city-centre nightlife cost more.
How Bulgaria compares
Across the 27 EU countries, Bulgaria is the 1st cheapest overall in this model. That puts it among the more affordable places to relocate in the bloc.