Living Costs for Retired Couples in Bulgaria vs. UK
2023-04-15
Retirement can be an exciting time to explore new options and experiences, including living abroad.

Bulgaria is a popular destination for retired couples seeking an affordable and peaceful lifestyle. There are numerous reasons why Bulgaria has become an increasingly popular choice for those wishing to start a new life in the sun with lower living costs and in this article, we compare the living costs for retired couples in Bulgaria and the UK.

Housing Costs

One significant advantage of retiring in Bulgaria is the affordable housing. Very low property prices in Bulgaria means it is realistic for many to purchase and own a freehold property outright.

In contrast, UK property prices often mean that even in retirement, many may still be responsible for a mortgage.

Additionally, council tax in the UK is also a significant expense, with an average cost of £1700 per year. A property in Bulgaria worth 75 000 Euros will be a fraction of this amount. 

Food and Grocery Costs

Grocery costs are significantly lower in Bulgaria than in the UK and a monthly grocery and dining out budget of 500 BGN (approximately 250 Euros) will go a long, long way!

It's worth taking a moment to comment on quality of fresh produce; something that is often overlooked. When visiting the UK, Bulgarians are often shocked at the poor quality of the produce available in our supermarket.

Whereas in Bulgaria, high quality tomatoes full of flavour, big salad heads, fresh melons to list but a few can be picked up just about everywhere for a fraction of UK prices.

The cost of living in Bulgaria is generally lower than in the UK, with prices for essential items such as food, drinks, and household goods being significantly cheaper.

Healthcare Costs

Retired couples in Bulgaria can enjoy the benefit of free healthcare, which is provided by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Bulgaria has a universal healthcare system, which means that all citizens and permanent residents can access medical care for free or for a small fee. However, the healthcare system in Bulgaria can be overstretched and have long waiting times, and there may be a lack of English-speaking medical professionals in more remote areas of the country.  

For this reason, some retired couples opt to purchase private medical insurance to supplement their healthcare needs.

The cost of private medical insurance in Bulgaria varies depending on the level of coverage and age of the insured, but it can be relatively affordable.

Retired couples should expect to pay around 100-150 lev per month (for two people) for basic coverage. Despite the additional cost, private medical insurance can provide peace of mind and quicker access to medical care if needed.

Dental treatment in the Varna and Dobrich area is well known throughout the country as being some of the best. Infact, Varna attracts many Western European visitors who come for dentistry treatments at a fraction of the cost back home.

For those on the tightest of budgets there are more options too. Varna is home to a top international dentistry university and for 5 Euros, you can receive check ups and have work done by students in their final year at extremely low cost. But don't worry, all work is done under the watchful supervision of experienced tutors and staff and students speak English!

In contrast, the UK's National Health Service (NHS) is funded through taxation, and retired couples may still be required to pay for certain medical treatments. Long wait times will often still apply and the cost of private medical care in the UK is for many, prohibitively expensive. 

Getting a place at an NHS dentists can be very difficult with again, long wait times for many. 

Transportation Costs

The cost of transportation is also significantly lower in Bulgaria than in the UK. Retired couples can use public transportation, which is affordable and reliable. Taxis are also cheap in Bulgaria, with a typical fare being around 1.20 lev per kilometer.

Overall, ouples seeking an affordable and peaceful lifestyle should consider retiring in Bulgaria.

The cost of living in Bulgaria is generally lower than in the UK, and retired couples can enjoy the benefit of owning a property without the burden of a monthly mortgage payment.

Furthermore, the affordable healthcare system, low transportation costs, and affordable grocery prices make Bulgaria an excellent option for retirees.

In conclusion, retiring in Bulgaria can offer an excellent opportunity for a comfortable and peaceful lifestyle, especially for those who seek to save money and avoid the high costs of living in the UK.

The figures above can vary from region to region and are designed to provide an accurate overview. But as no one size fits all, and everyone's personal circumstances can vary, please keep this in mind!

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