Cost of Living in Sofia
How much does it cost to visit Sofia? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Alexander Popov / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
BGN 70
per day
Weekly: BGN 490
Monthly: BGN 2100
Examples
- 🏨Hostel Mostel Sofia dorm bedBGN 20
- 🍽️Burek from a local bakery and a Banitsa from a street vendorBGN 10
- 🚌Single bus ticket for multiple journeysBGN 4
- 🎟️Visit the National Historical Museum (entry fee)BGN 16
- 🎟️Explore Vitosha Mountain via public bus and hikingBGN 20
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
BGN 150
per day
Weekly: BGN 1050
Monthly: BGN 4500
Examples
- 🏨Hotel Cube private roomBGN 70
- 🍽️Lunch at Made in Home (Bulgarian cuisine)BGN 30
- 🍽️Dinner at Mamma Mia (Italian)BGN 35
- 🚌Day pass for public transportBGN 10
- 🎟️Visit the National Palace of Culture and its parkBGN 5
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
BGN 300
per day
Weekly: BGN 2100
Monthly: BGN 9000
Examples
- 🏨Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia suiteBGN 180
- 🍽️Fine dining lunch at The View RestaurantBGN 70
- 🍽️Tasting menu dinner at Sense Hotel Rooftop RestaurantBGN 100
- 🚌Taxi for convenient travel throughout the dayBGN 40
- 🎟️Private guided tour of Sofia's historical centerBGN 10
Cost by Category
accommodation
50-150 BGN
food
30-70 BGN
Transport
5-15 BGN
activities
15-40 BGN
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center | Mid-range | At center | first-timers, culture |
| Lozenets | Luxury | Slightly higher | couples, luxury |
| Oborishte | Luxury | Slightly higher | culture, couples |
| Studentski Grad (Student City) | Budget | Much lower | budget, nightlife |
Money-Saving Tips for Sofia
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
Find the best hotel deals in Sofia
Compare prices from BGN 70/night across thousands of hotels.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Found your hotel in Sofia?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
FAQ: Sofia Costs
How much does it cost to visit Sofia?
Budget travellers can visit Sofia for around BGN 70/day (BGN 490/week). Mid-range travellers should budget BGN 150/day, while luxury travel costs around BGN 300/day.
Is Sofia expensive?
Sofia is moderately priced. At BGN 70/day for budget travellers, it offers good value compared to major Western capitals.
How much should I budget per day in Sofia?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Sofia, budget BGN 150/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Sofia?
Budget travellers in Sofia can get by on BGN 70/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.