Cost of Living in Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia has a cost of living index of 42/100 (New York = 100). It is 58% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

42/100
Cost Index
$1,940/mo
Median Income
68/100
Safety Index
continental
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 58/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$750/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$530/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,350/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 48/100
Milk (1 liter)$1.1/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.8/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$1.5/kg
Dining OutScore: 48/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$8.5/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$35/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$6.5/meal
TransportationScore: 35/100
Monthly Transit Pass$37/month
One-Way Ticket$0.8/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.75/km
UtilitiesScore: 40/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$110/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$22/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$18/month
HealthcareScore: 65/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$60/visit
Dentist Visit$75/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$12/course
EntertainmentScore: 45/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$7.5/ticket
Theater Ticket$30/ticket
Museum Entry$6.5/ticket
FitnessScore: 42/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$38/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$16/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$6.5/entry
Personal CareScore: 42/100
Haircut (Men)$16/cut
Haircut (Women)$32/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$4.2/bottle
ClothingScore: 50/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$55/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$35/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$75/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

95 Mbps
Internet Speed
$180
Coworking/Month
good
Café WiFi
moderate
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
72/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Vitosha, Lozenets, Studentski Grad

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sofia cheap to live in?

Sofia has a cost of living index of 42/100, where New York = 100. It is 58% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $840–$1,176 per month.

How much does rent cost in Sofia?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Sofia costs approximately $750/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $530/month.

Is Sofia good for digital nomads?

Sofia has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 95 Mbps, café wifi reliability is good, and coworking spaces run about $180/month. English proficiency is moderate.

What is the average salary in Sofia?

The median net monthly salary in Sofia is approximately $1,940 USD. The income tax rate is around 10%.

How does Sofia compare to New York for cost of living?

Sofia (cost index 42) is 58% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,450/month by moving from New York to Sofia.

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