One of the main reasons why people buy property in Bulgaria is the cost of living. Bulgaria is an ideal place for retirement because it offers low prices as well as good health care facilities and a mild climate. But not only retirees move to Bulgaria. A large number of younger adults and families are relocating to Bulgaria. When you look at the information on this page, you will understand why.
Since Bulgaria became a member of the European Union, the selection of goods and services has increased dramatically. The large number of British and Irish residents has also had a direct effect on the supermarkets and "high street shops". It is now possible to buy most of the items that you would find in the United Kingdom and other parts of Western Europe. Items such as Irish sausages, British bacon, custard powder and Marmite (love it or hate it) are all available.
Of course, imported goods are generally more expensive than items that are produced locally. If you are intending to live permanently in Bulgaria it is best to adapt to the local cuisine. There is an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, cheese, meat and fish in Bulgaria. To keep your cost of living down, enjoy the produce of this bountiful land.
The following information is given as a guideline only. It is based on information available during August 2010. All figures are given in British Pounds (GBP).
This table shows a comparison between UK house prices and Bulgarian house prices. It is based on prices during the first quarter of 2010 in several locations in the UK. The price of a Bulgarian house is based on a totally renovated village property near to Dobrich and the Black Sea coast. An interesting fact is that the average area of a garden in the UK is 90 sq.m, whereas the average area of a garden in Bulgaria is 1,000 sq.m.
| Location | Detached House (GBP) | Semi-detached House (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
East Anglia | 275,800 | 177,500 |
Greater London | 828,400 | 431,200 |
NW England | 283,900 | 153,600 |
SW England | 326,500 | 203,100 |
Wales | 228,200 | 138,400 |
Dobrich, Bulgaria | 29,000 | N/A |
This table shows a comparison between the average price of some goods and services in the UK and Bulgaria. All the amounts are estimates. Prices for "eating out" are based on an average restaurant outside central London and a standard family pub.
| Item | Cost in UK (GBP) | Cost in Bulgaria (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
Weekly grocery bill for 2 people | 60.00 | 25.00 |
Restaurant meal per person | 15.00-20.00 | 4.00-5.00 |
Bar meal per person | 7.00-10.00 | 2.00-3.00 |
Glass of beer | 3.00 | 0.60 |
Glass of wine | 3.50 | 0.80 |
20 cigarettes | 6.15 | 1.98 |
Cinema ticket | 7.50 | 2.00 |