General Information

Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria. It is situated in the Sofia Valley at the foot of the Vitosha mountain, in the western part of the country. The city is built west of the Iskar river and has many mineral springs, such as the Sofia Central Mineral Baths. It has a humid continental climate.

• Population: 1,280,000+
• Area: 492 km²
• Coordinates: Latitude: 42.700000762939, Longitude: 23.329999923706
• Timezone: Timezone info not available
• Current Local Time: ailab

Living Expenses

• Rent 1 Bedroom (City Center): 900 - 1,400 BGN
• Rent 1 Bedroom (Outside Center): 600 - 900 BGN
• Rent 3 Bedroom Apartment (City Center): 1,800 - 2,800 BGN
• Rent 3 Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center): 1,200 - 1,800 BGN
• Monthly Groceries Per Person: 350 - 500 BGN
• Dining Out (Cheap Meal): 15 - 25 BGN
• Dining Out (Mid-range 3-course meal): 50 - 80 BGN
• Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water): 180 - 300 BGN per month
• Internet: 20 - 35 BGN per month
• Fitness Club / Gym: 40 - 80 BGN per month
• Childcare / Preschool (Private): 600 - 1,200 BGN per month
• Public Transport Monthly Pass: 50 BGN
• Car Fuel (1 liter): 2.60 - 2.90 BGN

Transportation

• Public Transport Monthly Pass: 50 BGN
• Single Ticket: 1.60 BGN
• Metro System: Yes (3 lines)
• Taxi Start Price: 1.20 - 1.50 BGN

Salaries

• Average Monthly Salary (Net): 1,800 - 2,300 BGN
• IT Professionals (Junior): 2,500 - 3,500 BGN
• IT Professionals (Senior): 4,000 - 6,500 BGN
• Engineering (Entry Level): 2,000 - 3,000 BGN
• Engineering (Experienced): 3,500 - 5,000 BGN
• Teaching (Public School): 1,500 - 2,000 BGN
• Teaching (University): 2,000 - 3,000 BGN
• Healthcare (Nurses): 1,800 - 2,500 BGN
• Healthcare (Doctors): 3,500 - 6,000 BGN
• Finance / Banking: 2,500 - 4,500 BGN
• Administrative Jobs: 1,600 - 2,200 BGN
• Retail / Sales: 1,500 - 2,000 BGN
• Freelancers / Consultants: 2,500 - 6,000 BGN

Average Monthly Cost for a Family

• Rent 3 Bedroom Apartment (City Center): 1,800 - 2,800 BGN
• Groceries (Family of 4): 1,200 - 1,800 BGN
• Utilities: 250 - 400 BGN
• Internet: 20 - 35 BGN
• Transportation (Monthly Pass for 2 Adults): 100 BGN
• Dining Out: 200 - 350 BGN
• Childcare (1 child private): 600 - 1,200 BGN
• Miscellaneous / Entertainment: 300 - 500 BGN

Tourist Attractions

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• Vitosha Mountain
• Boyana Church (UNESCO)
• National Palace of Culture (NDK)
• Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Major Events

• Sofia Film Fest (March)
• Sofia Music Weeks (May-June)
• Spirit of Burgas (Summer)
• Christmas Market (December)