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Sofia, Bulgaria

Cost of living · 2026 · Europe · Rent +4.2% vs 2025

1-Bed Rent BGN 1,323 per month
3-Bed Rent BGN 2,315 per month
Groceries BGN 882 per month
Transport Pass BGN 66 per month
Utilities BGN 198 per month
Restaurant Meal BGN 11 per person

Rent trend in Sofia (2022–2026)

Cost breakdown in Sofia (2026)

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Estimated monthly budget in Sofia

Based on 2026 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.

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Single person
BGN 2,558
🏠 Rent BGN 1,323
🛒 Groceries BGN 882
🚌 Transport BGN 66
💡 Utilities BGN 198
🍽️ Dining out BGN 88
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Family (3–4 people)
BGN 5,043
🏠 Rent 3-bed BGN 2,315
🛒 Groceries BGN 2,205
🚌 Transport ×2 BGN 132
💡 Utilities BGN 258
🍽️ Dining out BGN 132

Cost comparison — cities in Bulgaria (2026)

City 1-Bed Rent Groceries Transport Utilities vs Sofia
Sofia BGN 1,323 BGN 882 BGN 66 BGN 198
Plovdiv BGN 882 BGN 661 BGN 50 BGN 165 -33.3%
Varna BGN 1,102 BGN 717 BGN 50 BGN 176 -16.7%

Other Europe cities (2026)

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Sofia in 2026?

In 2026, a single person living in Sofia needs approximately BGN 2,558/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around BGN 5,043/month. Sofia is considered a mid-range city by global standards.

How much is rent in Sofia in 2026?

A 1-bedroom apartment in Sofia costs approximately BGN 1,323/month in 2026. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around BGN 2,315/month. Rent has changed +4.2% vs 2025.

How much do groceries cost in Sofia?

Monthly grocery costs for one person in Sofia are approximately BGN 882 in 2026. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.

What does public transport cost in Sofia?

A monthly public transport pass in Sofia costs BGN 66 in 2026, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.

How much are utilities in Sofia?

Monthly utility costs in Sofia average BGN 198 in 2026, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.

Is Sofia expensive to live in?

Sofia is located in Bulgaria (Europe). With a 1-bed rent of BGN 1,323/month and total single-person expenses around BGN 2,558/month, it is mid-range by global standards.

How much does eating out cost in Sofia?

A typical restaurant meal for one person in Sofia costs approximately BGN 11 in 2026. Budget around BGN 88/month if dining out a few times a week.

How have living costs in Sofia changed over time?

LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Sofia from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 25.3% over this period (from BGN 1,056 in 2022 to BGN 1,323 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.

What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Sofia?

To live comfortably in Sofia in 2026, a single person needs approximately BGN 2,558/month. This covers rent (BGN 1,323), groceries (BGN 882), transport (BGN 66), utilities (BGN 198) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around BGN 5,043/month.

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