Is Bulgaria Expensive?

Is Bulgaria expensive to visit?

While Bulgaria is a popular destination, it is also fairly affordable and not very expensive to visit. Compared to other countries in Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, travelers find it to be a reasonably affordable country. Ranked in the top 25% of countries in Europe for its affordability, our cost analysis found it to be comparable to countries such as Poland and Belarus.

Bulgaria is not frequented by travelers as much as other countries, but it still offers destinations that attract plenty of visitors. One of the most expensive places to visit in Bulgaria is Plovdiv. For more affordability, you can visit Sofia.


Average daily price of selected cities in Bulgaria, by affordability
City Average Daily Cost
Plovdiv $93
Varna $81
Sofia $76


Varna, Bulgaria

How expensive is Bulgaria?

The average daily spending amount for tourists in Bulgaria tends to be around $77 (U.S. Dollars). Keep in mind that your travel style, spending habits, and trip length will influence these costs. However, you can keep fairly close to this budget if you opt for moderately priced hotels, dine at economical restaurants, and make use of public transportation when available. See more travel costs for Bulgaria here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Bulgaria?

On average, a one week trip to Bulgaria costs about $541 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one week trip costs $1,083.

How expensive is a two week trip to Bulgaria?

A two week trip to Bulgaria costs about $1,083 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a two week trip costs $2,166.

How expensive is a month long trip to Bulgaria?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one month trip to Bulgaria costs around $2,320 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one month trip costs $4,641.



Sofia, Bulgaria

Is it expensive to backpack in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is a somewhat popular destination for backpackers, offering over 30 hostels around the country. The average cost for a dorm room in one of these hostels is around $14 per night. (See details on hostel prices in Bulgaria here.) Backpackers often head first to hostels in Sofia and Varna. For budget-friendly options, Plovdiv offer some of the most affordable hostels, averaging $11 per night. Conversely, you'll find the most expensive hostels on average in Sofia with an average cost of $15 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Bulgaria.

  • $8 for a dorm bed at Hostel Mostel in Sofia
  • $9 for a dorm bed at Yo-Ho-Hostel in Varna
  • $11 for a dorm bed at Hostel Old Plovdiv in Plovdiv

Where to find affordable hostels in Bulgaria
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Sofia 11 $15
Varna 6 $12
Plovdiv 6 $11

Are hotels expensive in Bulgaria?

When considering the analysis of hotel prices in Bulgaria, it becomes apparent that they are notably more budget-friendly compared to other countries. The average nightly price for a hotel room is around $49. However, within Bulgaria, be aware of varying prices across cities, with destinations like Albena commanding a higher average of $188 per night. For those looking for more economical choices, Yambol offers a budget-friendly alternative, with hotel prices averaging $33 per night.


Where to find affordable hotels in Bulgaria
City Average Hotel Price
Albena $188
Dospat $98
Balchik $84
Velingrad $72
Melnik $71
Sofia $45
Pavel Banya $36
Shabla $35
Sliven $35
Sandanski $33
Yambol $33

21A Zdrave Str., Sofia
Overall Rating 9.2
Kavatsi Beach, Sozopol
Overall Rating 8.5


Plovdiv, Bulgaria

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Bulgaria?

Activities and things to do in Bulgaria can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $10 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.

  • Sofia: Night Electric Scooter Guided Tour: $35
  • Day Tour to Rila Monastery and Boyana Church: $36
  • Food Walk Plovdiv: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour: $37
  • Sofia: Guided Street Art & Stunning Graffiti Walking Tour: $39
  • Sofia: Tour&Tasting Beer and Wine with Traditional Meze: $51
  • Full-Day Tour to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi: $62
  • From Sofia: The Seven Rila Lakes Full-Day Self-Guided Tour: $62
  • Experience Vitosha Mountain, a private hiking tour: $73

Is food expensive in Bulgaria?

Food in Bulgaria can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $27 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

Is transportation expensive in Bulgaria?

Local transportation in Bulgaria can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $14 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

Intercity transportation in Bulgaria can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $35 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.

More for Bulgaria

If you're planning a trip to Bulgaria, check out these other informative travel guides.



We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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