Bulgaria Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

No data

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

No data

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

No data

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$889

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Bulgaria Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

Bulgaria presents a mixed real estate investment landscape characterized by moderate property price appreciation, attractive rental yields, and a relatively low cost of living compared to Western Europe. However, investors should be cautious of potential fluctuations in economic growth and demographic challenges that may impact long-term property value.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•House prices have grown at an average annual rate of 3.2% over the past decade, slightly trailing the GDP growth rate of 3.5%, indicating a stable but not overly aggressive market.
•Average rental yields in city centers are around 5.5%, which remains attractive against current interest rates of approximately 2.5%, suggesting potential for positive cash flow.
•Population growth is stagnant with a marginal annual increase of 0.1%, while housing supply has steadily increased by 1.2% annually, leading to potential oversupply risks in certain areas.
•The average property price-to-income ratio stands at 6.7, suggesting moderate affordability challenges, especially for locals with an average monthly salary of 888.92 USD.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Urbanization is driving demand in cities like Sofia and Plovdiv, with increased interest in suburban developments.
•Regulatory reforms aimed at improving property registration processes may enhance market transparency and investor confidence.
•Aging population dynamics could impact long-term housing demand, necessitating strategic focus on targeted demographics, such as young professionals and expats.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Consider investing in rental properties in urban centers like Sofia for stable yields and potential appreciation.
•Stay aware of potential oversupply in suburban areas due to slow population growth.
•Focus on smaller property types such as studio and one-bedroom apartments, which cater to young professionals and have lower entry costs.
•Monitor economic indicators and regulatory changes closely, but current conditions favor purchasing, especially for long-term hold strategies.

Market Context

Compared to neighboring markets like Romania and Serbia, Bulgaria offers similar rental yields but benefits from more stable economic conditions and lower cost of living. However, the market remains less mature compared to Western European standards, presenting both opportunities and risks for seasoned investors.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.