Cost of Living in Bulgaria vs UK: Why British Expats Are Making the Move

In recent years, Bulgaria has emerged as an attractive destination for British expats seeking a more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing quality of life. With the rising cost of living in the UK pushing many to consider alternatives, Bulgaria offers a compelling solution with its significantly lower expenses across most categories.

This comprehensive comparison explores the real cost differences between life in Bulgaria and the UK, helping you understand why so many Britons are choosing to relocate to this Balkan nation. Whether you’re considering retirement, remote work, or simply a change of scenery, understanding these financial differences is crucial to planning your potential move.

Overall Cost Comparison: The Numbers

Before diving into specific categories, let’s look at the headline figures that make Bulgaria so attractive to UK residents:

• Overall cost of living: Bulgaria is approximately 48-50% cheaper than the UK
• Consumer prices: About 40% lower in Bulgaria
• Rent: 65-75% lower in Bulgaria compared to UK averages
• Property purchase: Up to 70-80% cheaper in Bulgaria
• Restaurant meals: 60-65% less expensive
• Groceries: 35-45% cheaper
• Utilities: 30-40% lower in Bulgaria

These dramatic differences explain why many UK pensioners, digital nomads, and families are finding that their money stretches significantly further in Bulgaria.

Housing Costs: The Most Dramatic Difference

Rental Prices

The most substantial saving for most expats comes from housing costs, with Bulgarian rental prices a fraction of those in the UK:

• One-bedroom apartment (city center):
  • UK average: £750-950/month
  • Bulgaria average: £180-250/month
  • Savings: Approximately 75%
• Three-bedroom apartment (city center):
  • UK average: £1,200-1,800/month
  • Bulgaria average: £300-450/month
  • Savings: Approximately 75%
• Rural house rental:
  • UK average: £800-1,200/month
  • Bulgaria average: £150-300/month
  • Savings: Up to 80%

Property Purchase

For those looking to buy rather than rent, the differences are even more dramatic:

• City apartment (per square meter):
  • UK average: £4,000-£10,000 (location dependent)
  • Bulgaria average: £800-£1,500
  • Savings: 70-85%
• Rural property with land:
  • UK: Often unaffordable for many (£250,000+)
  • Bulgaria: Complete houses available from £15,000-£50,000
  • Savings: Up to 90%

Many British expats report purchasing homes outright in Bulgaria with the proceeds from selling a UK property, eliminating mortgage payments entirely and dramatically reducing their cost of living.

Daily Expenses: Food, Dining, and Groceries

Grocery Shopping

Weekly grocery shopping represents significant savings for expats in Bulgaria:

• Milk (1 liter):
  • UK: £1.00-£1.30
  • Bulgaria: £0.80-£1.00
  • Savings: 20-30%
• Bread (standard loaf):
  • UK: £1.20-£1.80
  • Bulgaria: £0.40-£0.80
  • Savings: 55-70%
• Eggs (dozen):
  • UK: £2.00-£3.50
  • Bulgaria: £1.20-£1.80
  • Savings: 40-50%
• Chicken (1kg):
  • UK: £6.00-£8.00
  • Bulgaria: £3.50-£5.00
  • Savings: 35-45%
• Local fruits and vegetables:
  • Savings: 40-60% compared to UK prices

Many expats also take advantage of local farmers’ markets in Bulgaria, where prices can be even lower than supermarkets, and the quality of fresh, seasonal produce is exceptional.

Dining Out

Restaurant prices show some of the most dramatic differences:

• Inexpensive restaurant meal:
  • UK: £15-£20 per person
  • Bulgaria: £5-£8 per person
  • Savings: 60-70%
• Mid-range restaurant, three-course meal for two:
  • UK: £50-£80
  • Bulgaria: £20-£35
  • Savings: 55-65%
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter):
  • UK: £4.00-£6.00 (pub price)
  • Bulgaria: £1.00-£2.00
  • Savings: 65-75%
• Coffee in a café:
  • UK: £2.80-£3.50
  • Bulgaria: £1.00-£1.80
  • Savings: 50-65%

This dramatic difference means that many British expats in Bulgaria can afford to dine out several times a week – something that would be a luxury for many in the UK.

Utilities and Services: Ongoing Savings

Basic Utilities

Monthly bills for essential services also represent significant savings:

• Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage (85m² apartment):
  • UK: £150-£220/month
  • Bulgaria: £80-£120/month
  • Savings: 40-50%
• Internet (high-speed, unlimited):
  • UK: £25-£40/month
  • Bulgaria: £10-£15/month
  • Savings: 55-65%
• Mobile phone plan (with data):
  • UK: £15-£25/month
  • Bulgaria: £5-£10/month
  • Savings: 60-70%

Transportation

Getting around is also considerably cheaper:

• Public transport monthly pass:
  • UK: £65-£180 (location dependent)
  • Bulgaria: £20-£30
  • Savings: 65-80%
• Taxi starting tariff:
  • UK: £3.00-£5.00
  • Bulgaria: £0.50-£1.00
  • Savings: 80-85%
• Gasoline (1 liter):
  • UK: £1.45-£1.65
  • Bulgaria: £1.20-£1.40
  • Savings: 15-20%

Healthcare

Healthcare costs represent another area of potential savings:

• Private health insurance:
  • UK: £50-£150/month (age dependent)
  • Bulgaria: £15-£60/month
  • Savings: 60-70%
• Doctor’s visit (private):
  • UK: £70-£150
  • Bulgaria: £20-£40
  • Savings: 70-75%
• Dental check-up:
  • UK: £50-£120
  • Bulgaria: £15-£30
  • Savings: 70-80%

Many British expats report coming to Bulgaria specifically for dental and medical procedures, saving thousands of pounds while receiving high-quality care.

Lifestyle Expenses: More for Less

Beyond the essentials, lifestyle and leisure activities also cost significantly less:

• Gym membership (monthly):
  • UK: £30-£80
  • Bulgaria: £15-£40
  • Savings: 50-60%
• Cinema ticket:
  • UK: £10-£15
  • Bulgaria: £4-£7
  • Savings: 55-65%
• Domestic beer in supermarket (0.5 liter):
  • UK: £1.80-£2.50
  • Bulgaria: £0.70-£1.20
  • Savings: 55-65%
• Bottle of mid-range wine:
  • UK: £7-£12
  • Bulgaria: £3-£6
  • Savings: 50-60%

Real-Life Budget Comparison

To put these figures into perspective, here’s a monthly budget comparison for a couple living in a medium-sized city:

UK Monthly Budget (Medium-sized city)

• Rent (2-bedroom apartment): £900
• Utilities: £180
• Internet and mobile: £60
• Groceries: £400
• Dining out (twice weekly): £320
• Transportation: £120
• Healthcare insurance: £150
• Entertainment: £200
• Miscellaneous: £150
• Total: £2,480/month

Bulgaria Monthly Budget (Equivalent lifestyle)

• Rent (2-bedroom apartment): £250
• Utilities: £100
• Internet and mobile: £25
• Groceries: £220
• Dining out (twice weekly): £120
• Transportation: £40
• Healthcare insurance: £50
• Entertainment: £100
• Miscellaneous: £80
• Total: £985/month

This represents a saving of approximately £1,495 per month or nearly £18,000 per year – a life-changing difference for many people.

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost savings are significant, it’s important to consider how these translate to quality of life:

Advantages Beyond Cost

• More disposable income: Many expats report being able to save more or enjoy luxuries they couldn’t afford in the UK
• Less financial stress: Lower cost of living reduces financial pressure
• Property ownership: Many can own homes outright instead of renting or paying mortgages
• Outdoor lifestyle: Bulgaria’s climate allows for more outdoor activities
• Fresh, local food: Access to high-quality, locally grown produce
• Work-life balance: Some expats choose to work part-time or retire early

Potential Drawbacks

• Lower average salaries: If working locally rather than remotely for a UK company
• Language barrier: English is less widely spoken outside tourist areas
• Different healthcare system: Adjustment to a new medical system
• Distance from family: Further from UK-based relatives
• Cultural adjustment: Adapting to different customs and practices

Planning Your Move with MyCheapRemovals

If these cost savings sound appealing, MyCheapRemovals can help make your relocation to Bulgaria smooth and affordable. Our specialized UK to Bulgaria removal services include:

• Door-to-door transportation of your belongings
• Competitive rates for both part-load and full-load removals
• Assistance with customs documentation post-Brexit
• Flexible scheduling to suit your moving timeline
• Expert advice on relocating to Bulgaria

Our experienced team has helped hundreds of British expats make the move to Bulgaria, and we understand the specific requirements and challenges of this route.

Conclusion: Is Bulgaria Right for You?

The dramatic cost of living difference between Bulgaria and the UK makes it an attractive option for many Britons, particularly:

• Retirees looking to maximize their pension income
• Remote workers who earn UK salaries but want lower living costs
• Families seeking a more affordable lifestyle
• Property investors looking for better yields
• Those seeking a simpler, less expensive way of life

While the financial benefits are clear, a successful move requires careful planning and consideration of lifestyle factors beyond just cost. Many expats report that the combination of financial freedom and Bulgaria’s natural beauty, relaxed pace of life, and friendly locals creates a quality of life that far exceeds what they experienced in the UK.

For a personalized quote on your removal to Bulgaria or to discuss your moving plans, contact MyCheapRemovals at 01942 938 222 or use our online instant quote calculator. Our team is ready to help you take the first step toward a more affordable lifestyle in beautiful Bulgaria.