Bulgaria attracts Ukrainians with its sea, mild climate, and relatively affordable living. The country is often seen as a more budget-friendly alternative to Portugal, Spain, or Italy. However, after moving, one may encounter rising prices, strict parking rules, and isolated displays of hostility. They spoke about this in a conversation on the channel Natali Velesevich.
Two Ukrainian women shared their experience living in the country. Yuliana moved from Odesa in 2024, first settling in Sunny Beach, then moving to Varna. Yulia chose Bulgaria after three years in Portugal, where rent and other daily expenses began to rise quickly.
According to her, Bulgarian everyday life and mentality are in many ways reminiscent of Ukrainian ones. Therefore, it was easier for her to get used to the new country than to life in Portugal. At the same time, both women noted that Bulgaria is gradually ceasing to be as cheap as many imagine before moving.
How much Ukrainians need to live in Bulgaria
According to Yuliana, utilities for her and her husband used to cost about 200 leva per month. After the country switched to the euro, expenses, by her estimate, rose to about 200 euros. Groceries also became more expensive, although the price increase for them was less sharp.
For a comfortable life for two adults with their own car and a dog, about 2,000 euros per month is needed. The family spends about 500 euros on rent and another 500 on groceries. The rest of the money goes to utilities, fuel, car maintenance, pet needs, and everyday purchases.
Yulia's expenses are higher. She pays 900 euros per month for a two-bedroom apartment with panoramic windows. The grocery basket costs 600–700 euros, and utility bills range from 120 to 200 euros depending on the season.
The Ukrainian woman named parking as a separate problem. Her car has already been towed twice. To get the car back, she had to pay about 40–45 euros. Therefore, drivers are advised to carefully check road signs and the rules of a specific parking zone.
According to Numbeo, the average monthly expenses for one person in Bulgaria without rent are about 616 euros. The cost of living in the country is approximately 45.2% higher than in Ukraine.
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs on average 316 euros. For similar housing in central areas, you will have to pay about 412 euros. The final amount depends on the city, district, condition of the apartment, and proximity to the sea.
How Bulgarians treat Ukrainians
Yulia's first impression of communicating with locals was mixed. Bulgarians seemed too blunt and emotional to her. Over time, the Ukrainian woman came to the conclusion that such a manner of communication is more often associated with a southern temperament rather than personal hostility towards foreigners.
Yuliana also encountered outright negative situations. Once, a local resident, hearing Ukrainian speech, told her: "You are guests here." In another case, a man near a lake set his dog on a Ukrainian couple and demanded that they leave the country.
After such episodes, the Ukrainian woman became more cautious in communicating with strangers. At the same time, she emphasized that in Bulgaria she had many pleasant acquaintances and examples of friendly attitudes. Locals helped her solve household issues and adapt after the move.
According to the women, individual conflicts do not reflect the position of all Bulgarians. The overall impression of the country largely depends on the city, social circle, and willingness to learn the local language.