Currency
The official currency of the Republic of Bulgaria is the euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026.
The official conversion rate of the former Bulgarian lev is:
1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and licensed currency exchange offices. Always check the exchange rate and any applicable commission before completing a transaction.
Card payments: Visa and Mastercard, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and most stores. American Express and Diners Club are accepted less frequently. It is advisable to carry a small amount of cash for small shops, markets and other places that may not accept cards.
Approximate Cost of Living in Sofia
The prices below are indicative averages as of August 2026. Actual costs may vary depending on location, season, provider and personal lifestyle.
Transportation
- 30+ public transport ticket: €0.80
- Daily public transport card: €2.00
- Monthly personalised pass for all lines: €25.50
- Monthly non-personalised pass for all lines: €35.50
- Monthly pass for BA, MA and PhD students: €7.50
- Taxi initial fee: approximately €1.25–€1.55
- Taxi daytime tariff: approximately €0.73–€1.24 per km
- Taxi night-time tariff: approximately €0.84–€1.52 per km
- Petrol: approximately €1.52 per litre
Taxi fares vary between companies. Passengers should check the tariff displayed on the vehicle’s windscreen before entering.
More information about public transport tickets and passes is available on the website of the Sofia Urban Mobility Centre.
Rent per Month
- One-bedroom apartment in the city centre: approximately €680
- One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: approximately €520
- Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre: approximately €1,250
- Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: approximately €870
Rental prices depend considerably on the neighbourhood, condition and size of the property. Deposits and agency fees are normally not included in the monthly rent.
Utilities per Month
- Basic utilities for an 85 m² apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste collection: approximately €140
- Mobile phone plan with calls and at least 10 GB of data: approximately €17
- Unlimited broadband internet of 60 Mbps or faster: approximately €13
Utility costs may be considerably higher during the winter heating season.
Food and Restaurants
- Three-course meal in a Sofia University student canteen: €2.05 with a subsidy sticker or approximately €4.09 without one
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: approximately €13
- Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant, excluding drinks: approximately €50
- Fast-food combo meal: approximately €10
- Domestic draught beer, 0.5 litre: approximately €3.00
- Imported bottled beer, 0.33 litre: approximately €3.60
- Regular cappuccino: approximately €2.80
- Soft drink, 0.33 litre: approximately €2.10
- Bottled water, 0.33 litre: approximately €1.50
Groceries
- Milk, 1 litre: approximately €1.70
- Fresh white bread, 500 g: approximately €1.25
- Rice, 1 kg: approximately €2.00
- Eggs, 12: approximately €3.50
- Local cheese, 1 kg: approximately €10.30
- Chicken fillets, 1 kg: approximately €7.60
- Apples, 1 kg: approximately €1.75
- Oranges, 1 kg: approximately €1.60
- Tomatoes, 1 kg: approximately €2.10
- Potatoes, 1 kg: approximately €0.90
- Lettuce, one head: approximately €1.00
- Bottled water, 1.5 litres: approximately €0.70
Sports and Leisure
- Fitness club membership for one adult: approximately €40 per month
- Tennis court rental for one hour at the weekend: approximately €23
- Cinema ticket: approximately €9
- Theatre or opera ticket: generally €10–€40 or more, depending on the performance, venue and seat category
Mobile Operators
The three main mobile network operators in Bulgaria are:
There are two main payment options:
Prepaid Services
A prepaid SIM card is generally the most convenient option for a short stay in Bulgaria. The SIM card must be registered in the name of the user. To purchase and register one, visit an office of the chosen mobile operator and present a valid national identity card or passport.
Postpaid Services
Postpaid services require a contract, usually valid for 12 or 24 months. Foreign nationals may be asked to provide additional documents, such as proof of residence or a Bulgarian personal identification number. Requirements vary between operators, so students should check the conditions before signing a contract.
EU Roaming
The EU’s “Roam Like at Home” rules allow customers of mobile operators from the EU and the European Economic Area to use calls, text messages and mobile data in Bulgaria at their domestic rates, subject to the operator’s fair-use policy.
Since 1 January 2026, the arrangement also includes Moldova and Ukraine. Students arriving from other countries should check international roaming charges with their home mobile operator before travelling.
