Your home in Bulgaria - the cost of living in Bulgarian property

The cost of living in Bulgarian property is low by UK standards, reflecting the average monthly local income of just 147 GBP. However, while costs seem low for foreigners who have bought a home in Bulgaria, they are high for locals.

Cost of living in Bulgaria - food and drink

Staples such as bread, rice, pasta and flour are about one quarter of the UK price. Dairy products and seasonal fruits and vegetables are typically half. Pork, chicken and lamb can be served in a home in Bulgaria for only 20% of the UK price. Some examples of costs:

• 10 eggs 0.50 GBP
• 250g jar instant coffee 2.50 GBP
• Box of cornflakes 0.80 GBP
• 250g butter 0.35 GBP
• 1lb sausages 0.70 GBP
• 1.5litres of mineral water 0.20 GBP
• 1lb potatoes 0.12 GBP
• 1litre milk 0.40 GBP
• large loaf 0.40 GBP
• 1lb apples 0.18 GBP
• 0.5 litre of beer 0.40 GBP
• 1kg chicken breast 1.60 GBP

Cost of living in Bulgaria - going out

When Brits move into their Bulgarian property they are usually keen to get acquainted with the local cuisine and culture. When they discover how little an evening out costs, they might never prepare a meal in their own home in Bulgaria again!

• Three course meal 5 GBP
• Good bottle of local wine 3 GBP
• Cinema ticket 1 GBP
• Theatre ticket 2 GBP
• Return bus fare in town 0.40 GBP
• Taxi 0.30 GBP/km
• Self drive car rental 60 GBP/day

Other everyday expenses for people living in Bulgarian property

In general, the cost of living in Bulgaria is about three times less than in the UK but household products and appliances buck this trend. Cleaning products are about 50% less expensive, while you will pay almost UK prices for most appliances for your home in Bulgaria. Clothing, however, is as little as one-quarter of the UK price, but the fashion conscious might struggle to find much choice except in Sofia.

• English language local newspaper 0.10 GBP
• 200 ml shampoo 1.10 GBP
• Toothpaste 0.30 GBP
• 3kg box washing powder 1.90 GBP
• Roll of toilet tissue 0.20 GBP
• Hair dryer 15 GBP
• Steam iron 32 GBP
• Men´s 100% cotton shirt 18 GBP
• Pair of jeans (adult) 16 GBP

Annual household costs for Bulgarian property

Heating and cooking, plus telephone are generally the highest bills for a home in Bulgaria. All are comfortably cheaper than in the UK. Some average household costs are below:

• Home and contents insurance, annual 100 GBP.
• Internet connection, monthly 15 GBP
• Electricity, annual 150 GBP
• Gas, annual 85 GBP
• Water, annual 25 GBP
• Local tax and rubbish collection, annual 20 GBP

Cost of living in Bulgaria -- driving costs

Driving to and from your home in Bulgaria is cheap compared with the cost of motoring in the UK. The relatively traffic-free roads add to the pleasure. However, if you encounter too many of the country´s famous potholes, your local mechanic´s bill could become a regular addition to the cost of living in your Bulgarian property.

• 1 litre of unleaded petrol 0.60 GBP
• 1 litre of diesal 0.55 GBP
• Road tax, annual 30 GBP
• Third party insurance, annual 12 GBP
• MOT 10 GBP

Cost of living in Bulgarian property - the future

The low cost of living in Bulgarian property is one of the country´s great attractions. However, prices are rising, and will continue to do so after the country becomes a member of the EU in 2007/8, so you need to budget for higher costs if you are planning to live in your home in Bulgaria.