City Guide 2026
Bulgaria
Living in Varna
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Varna, Bulgaria.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,070
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
65.6/100
Moderate
Avg Temperature
12°C
54°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
DN visa available
Internet Speed
150 Mbps
Fast
Cost of Living in Varna
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $475 | $309 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,050 | $683 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$275/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Varna
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
2.1°
Feb
3.2°
Mar
6.2°
Apr
10.8°
May
16.1°
Jun
20.4°
Jul
23°
Aug
22.8°
Sep
18.5°
Oct
13.6°
Nov
8.4°
Dec
4°
Air Quality (AQI)
42
Good
Avg Rain Days/mo
9
days per month
Beach Distance
0 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
35 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Varna
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
150 Mbps
Cultural Score
65/100
Nightlife
85/100
Outdoor Activities
30/100
English Proficiency
80/100
Expat Community
medium
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Visa & Immigration in Bulgaria
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 90 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Available | 12 months | — |
| Investment Visa | Available | Available | — |
Residency Pathway
5 years of continuous legal residence (at least 30 months physically present).
Tax Overview in Bulgaria
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 10% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 10% |
| Dividend Tax | 10% |
| Interest Income | 10% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 10% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Bulgarian Investor Program (Golden Visa)
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Varna?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Varna costs approximately $1,070-1,712/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $475/month.
Is Varna safe for expats?
Varna has a safety index of 65.6/100 (higher is safer). Varna has moderate safety levels. Standard precautions are recommended, especially at night in less-trafficked areas. Healthcare quality is rated 78/100.
What is the weather like in Varna?
Varna has an average annual temperature of 12°C (54°F). The warmest months reach 23°C and the coolest drop to 2.1°C. Air quality is good with an average AQI of 42.
What is the internet speed in Varna?
Average internet speed in Varna is 150 Mbps, which is excellent for remote work and video calls. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 10% (long-term) and dividends at 10%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Bulgarian Investor Program (Golden Visa)) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a digital nomad visa in Varna?
Yes, Bulgaria offers a digital nomad visa valid for 12 months. The residency pathway is: 5 years of continuous legal residence (at least 30 months physically present)..
Is Varna good for digital nomads?
Varna has fast internet at 150 Mbps, a medium expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 80/100. The cost of living index is 26/100 (NYC = 100), making it very affordable for remote workers.
Compare Varna with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.