Cost of Living in Bulgaria

Fresh Start Sticks
Jan 4
3 min read

Cost of Living in Bulgaria: The Honest Truth After Leaving the UK

When we left the UK and moved to rural Bulgaria, one of the biggest questions people asked us was simple:

“Is it really cheaper?”

The short answer? Yes — but not in the way most people think.The long answer is what this blog is about.

This isn’t a glossy “everything is dirt cheap” article. This is the real cost of living in Bulgaria, based on our actual experience as a family starting again from scratch.

Why We Chose Bulgaria

After the events of 2020, life in the UK changed — financially, socially, and mentally. Costs were rising fast, pressure felt constant, and even doing “okay” started to feel exhausting.

We weren’t chasing luxury.We were chasing breathing space.

Bulgaria offered:

Affordable property
Lower day-to-day costs
Space for kids to grow
A slower, more grounded lifestyle

But cheaper doesn’t always mean easier — and that’s important to understand.

Housing Costs in Bulgaria

Buying a House

Property prices in rural Bulgaria are dramatically lower than the UK.

Village houses can range from €10,000–€60,000
Renovation is often needed
Land usually comes included

In the UK, that wouldn’t even cover a deposit.

Renting

Rural rent: €150–€350/month
Small towns: €250–€500/month
Cities (Sofia, Plovdiv): higher, but still cheaper than UK cities

👉 Reality check: Cheap houses often come with hidden costs — repairs, insulation, heating, and time.

Food & Grocery Costs

This is where Bulgaria really shines.

Groceries

Fresh fruit & veg: very affordable
Local markets are cheaper than supermarkets
Seasonal eating saves money

Approximate monthly grocery spend:

Family of five: €300–€450
Much less if you grow food or buy local

Eating Out

Local restaurant meal: €5–€8
Coffee: €1–€2
Family meal out: €20–€30

Compare that to the UK and it’s not even close.

Utility Bills (This Surprises People)

Utilities are cheaper — but winter changes everything.

Electricity & Water

Electricity: €50–€120/month
Water: €10–€20/month

Heating (Big One)

Wood, coal, pellets, electricity
Winter temps can drop to -20°C
Old houses lose heat fast

👉 We spend more effort than money on staying warm.

Lesson: Bulgaria is cheap — if you prepare properly.

Transport & Fuel

Fuel is cheaper than the UK as of January 2026 fuel is approximately €1.12 per litre
Older cars are common
Insurance & road tax are low

Public transport exists but rural life often means you need a car.

Healthcare Costs

Bulgaria has:

State healthcare (via residency)
Private healthcare that’s affordable

Examples:

Private doctor visit: €20–€40
Prescriptions: often cheaper than UK

It’s not perfect, but financially it’s manageable.

Schooling & Kids’ Costs

State schools are free
International schools are expensive (mainly in cities)
Kids’ activities are low-cost or free

👉 Kids gain freedom, nature, resilience — not endless clubs and screens.

Monthly Cost Breakdown (Rural Bulgaria)

Approximate for a family of five:

Expense	Monthly Cost
Food	€350–€450
Utilities	€80–€150
Heating (avg)	€50–€150
Transport	€80–€120
Internet & phones	€25–€40

Total: ~€600–€900/month

Not luxury — but livable.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About

Rural living comes with trade-offs:

Bureaucracy
Language barrier
DIY everything
Fewer conveniences
Isolation at times

But what you gain is:

Space
Time
Lower stress
Stronger family bonds

Is Bulgaria Worth It?

If you want:

A slower pace
Lower financial pressure
A fresh start
A more hands-on life

Then yes — Bulgaria can change everything.

But the truth is if you want:

Convenience
Perfect infrastructure
Instant comfort

It may not be for you.

Final Thoughts

We didn’t move to Bulgaria to be rich. We moved to feel free.

Lower costs gave us choices — and that’s the real value.

This is just the beginning of our journey with Fresh Start Sticks, and we’ll continue sharing the honest wins, struggles, and lessons as we build a new life here.