Budget & Costs
What does Bulgaria cost?
Bulgaria is one of the most affordable travel countries in the EU — prices are 40–60% below German levels. Only Romania is slightly cheaper in the EU. Even in tourist hotspots like Sunny Beach or Bansko, prices are surprisingly low by Western European standards.
Important: Bulgaria uses the Lev (BGN) as its currency, not the Euro. The exchange rate is fixed to the Euro: 1€ = 1.9558 BGN. In many tourist areas, Euros are also accepted, but at worse rates. Card payments (Visa, Mastercard) are widespread in cities and hotels, but cash is often still needed in rural areas and small restaurants.
Typical Prices (Guidelines 2025/2026)
| Item | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Coffee in a café | 1.00–2.00 |
| Lunch (Mehana/Restaurant) | 5–10 |
| Dinner with wine | 10–20 |
| Beer (0.5l in a restaurant) | 1.50–3.00 |
| Beer (0.5l in a supermarket) | 0.50–1.00 |
| Supermarket shopping (1 day) | 8–15 |
| Hostel (dormitory) | 8–15 |
| Hotel (mid-range, double room) | 30–70 |
| Beach hotel (double room, high season) | 50–120 |
| Holiday apartment (per night) | 20–50 |
| Bus Sofia–Plovdiv | 6–10 |
| Bus Sofia–Varna | 12–20 |
| Rental car (per day) | 15–35 |
| Ski pass Bansko (1 day) | 35–45 |
| Museum entries | 2–6 |
Budget Levels
Backpacker / Budget (€25–40 per day)
Hostels (from €8/night), self-catering in supermarkets (Lidl, Billa, and Kaufland are the cheapest), inexpensive Mehana meals (main course from €3), long-distance buses, free attractions, and public parks. Bulgaria is a backpacker’s paradise — you live well on €30 a day, comfortably on €40.
Mid-range (€50–90 per day)
3-star hotels or charming guesthouses, dining regularly in good restaurants (with wine!), occasional guided tours, rental cars for excursions. The most comfortable way to discover Bulgaria — and still cheaper than a budget trip in Western Europe.
Comfort / Luxury (€100–200+ per day)
Boutique hotels and spa resorts, gourmet restaurants, private tours, wine tastings in Thrace, all-inclusive resorts on the coast. Bulgaria's luxury segment is growing — offering 5-star quality at 3-star prices compared to Western Europe.
Tipp
Bulgaria's biggest money-saving hack: The lunch menu (Обяд/Obed). Many restaurants offer a three-course lunch menu (soup, main course, dessert) for €4–7. Often the best and cheapest meal of the day. In Mehanas, dinner with Rakia and Shopska salad is still rarely over €15.
Money-Saving Tips
Bulgaria is already affordable — but with a few tricks, it gets even cheaper:
- Travel in the off-season: May/June and September/October offer pleasant weather and up to 50% cheaper hotels than in July/August. The difference is greatest on the coast and in ski resorts.
- Long-distance buses instead of trains: Bulgaria's buses (Union Ivkoni, Biomet, Etap) are modern, punctual, and affordable. Trains are even cheaper but often slow and less comfortable. Sofia–Plovdiv by bus: €7 in 2 hours (train: €5 in 3–4 hours).
- Use supermarkets: Lidl, Billa, and Kaufland have the best prices. Local markets (Пазар/Pazar) are ideal for fresh fruit, vegetables, and cheese — often directly from the farmer and dirt cheap.
- Tap water: In Sofia and most larger cities, tap water is drinkable. In Sofia, the water comes from the Vitosha Mountains and tastes excellent.
- Currency exchange: Never exchange money at the airport or in street exchange offices — the rates are predatory. Best option: withdraw cash from an ATM. The rate is always the fixed rate (1€ = 1.9558 BGN).
- Free entry: Many churches and monasteries are accessible for free. Parks and nature reserves as well. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, the Rila Monastery (courtyard), and countless churches charge no admission.
- Rakia from the farmer: In rural areas, farmers sell homemade Rakia by the roadside — a liter for €3–5. Quality varies, but the experience is priceless.
- Sofia Card: For 25 BGN (~€13), you get free entry to 9 museums, discounts in restaurants, and free city tours. Worth it from 2 museum visits.
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