According to income data of the National Statistical Institute (NSI), the total quarterly income per member of a household in the first quarter of 2024 was 2,840 BGN on the average, reflecting an 18.6% increase compared to 2023. Wages have risen from 1,284 BGN to 1,597 BGN, marking a 24.4% increase from the previous year. Total quarterly household expenditure has also increased by 17.4%, reaching 2,524 BGN compared to the same period in 2023.
In household expenditure, the largest share is allocated to food and non-alcoholic beverages, accounting for 29.8% of total spending. This is followed by housing costs, including rent, maintenance, and utility bills, which make up 17.1% of expenses. Taxes and social contributions account for 14.9%, while transport and communications represent 11.2%. These figures highlight the key financial priorities and needs of households.
There has been an increase in spending across several categories. These include: expenditure on food and non-alcoholic beverages has risen from 673 BGN to 753 BGN. Spending on alcoholic beverages and cigarettes has increased from 84 BGN to 102 BGN. Housing costs, which include expenses for water, electricity, heating, and maintenance, have grown from 381 BGN to 431 BGN. Transport and communications costs have risen from 246 BGN to 285 BGN, while leisure, cultural activities, and education expenses have increased from 64 BGN to 101 BGN. Taxes and social security contributions have also seen an upward trend, rising from 299 BGN to 375 BGN.
Despite the increases in expenses over the past year, the cost of living in Bulgaria remains relatively lower than in many EU countries, though it varies significantly depending on the city you live in, on the lifestyle and individual needs. Larger cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas generally have higher living costs compared to smaller towns. Housing remains one of the main expenses, with the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Sofia ranging between 600 and 1,200 BGN per month. In other large cities such as Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas, monthly rent varies between 400 and 800 BGN. The average monthly expenses for food are estimated to be between 300 and 500 BGN for one person. Dining at a mid-range restaurant typically costs around 15 to 25 BGN per person, while a meal at a fast-food restaurant is approximately 10 BGN. A monthly pass for the public transport in Sofia costs 50 BGN, while in other major cities it is slightly lower. The cost of fuel for private vehicles is approximately 2.50 to 3.00 BGN per liter, and taxi fares range between 1.00 and 1.20 BGN per kilometer.