Sofía
Bulgaria
Updated on August 11, 2025
Overview
Sofia is one of the most affordable European capitals with low housing costs; one-bedroom apartments rent for around €400 monthly. The city has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Public transport includes buses, trams, and metro, which are affordable and reliable. Healthcare quality varies but is generally accessible. The job market is developing, especially in IT and outsourcing. Sofia is safe, walkable, and has a growing expat community with rich cultural traditions.
Average cost of living€890.94
Quality of Life73/100
Accommodation
Rent room (flat-share)€300.00
1-bed flat (center)€591.11
1-bed flat (outside)€439.32
3-bed flat (center)€1,102.00
3-bed flat (outside)€776.30
Utilities
Basic utilities€128.61
Internet€12.97
Mobile plan€15.81
Transportation
One-way ticket€0.82
Monthly pass€25.53
Taxi start€1.28
Gasoline (1 l)€1.32
Leisure
Cinema ticket€8.17
Fitness club€37.57
Education
Preschool (month)€550.27
Intl. primary (year)€7,984.00
Buying House
sqm in city center€3,171.00
sqm outside center€2,099.00
Advantages
- ✓ Very affordable housing and living costs
- ✓ Reliable public transport
- ✓ Safe city
- ✓ Growing job market in IT
Disadvantages
- × Cold winters
- × Healthcare quality varies
- × Lower salaries
- × Limited international connectivity