Salaries in Bulgaria in 2026: average salary by city and take-home pay
The average salary in Bulgaria depends heavily on the city: Sofia is well ahead of every other region. Below are NSI figures for Q2 2026 for the seven cities we compare on this site, and roughly what is left after tax and contributions.
In short: the average gross salary in Sofia is €1,943; in the other six regions it ranges from €1,112 to €1,360. Take-home pay is about 78% of gross. A one-bedroom flat outside the centre takes from 24% of take-home pay (Stara Zagora) to 43% (Burgas).
Average salary by city, Q2 2026
Gross is the average monthly salary for the region (for Sofia, the capital), before tax and contributions. Take-home pay is our approximate calculation.
| City | Gross | Take-home, approx. | 1-bed rent outside centre | Rent as share of take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia | €1,943 | €1,508 | €541 | 36% |
| Varna | €1,360 | €1,055 | €421 | 40% |
| Stara Zagora | €1,230 | €954 | €226 | 24% |
| Plovdiv | €1,228 | €953 | €343 | 36% |
| Ruse | €1,185 | €920 | €268 | 29% |
| Burgas | €1,175 | €912 | €390 | 43% |
| Veliko Tarnovo | €1,112 | €863 | €235 | 27% |
Working out take-home pay
Employees pay social and health contributions of 13.78% of gross, then a flat 10% income tax on the rest. That leaves about 77.6% of gross. Example: a gross salary of €1,943 gives about €1,508 take-home.
Employers pay their own contributions on top of gross, so the full cost of an employee is higher. Rates and exceptions are explained in Taxes in Bulgaria.
Salary and rent
A higher salary does not always mean more money after housing. In Burgas a one-bedroom flat outside the centre takes about 43% of average take-home pay; in Stara Zagora about 24%. Compare every city by rent, climate and size in the city guide, or let the city match pick one for your family.
What to keep in mind
- This is the average, not the typical salary. High earners pull the average up, so most employees usually earn less than the average.
- Region, not just the city. NSI reports the average for the whole region; pay in the regional capital is usually higher than in the villages around it.
- Quarterly data. These are Q2 2026 figures; we update the table when NSI publishes a new quarter.
- Your job matters more than the city. IT, finance and energy pay well above average; retail, tourism and agriculture below.
FAQ
What is the average salary in Bulgaria in 2026?
It depends on the region. NSI figures for Q2 2026: Sofia €1,943 gross; the other six regions on our list €1,112–€1,360.
How much of a Bulgarian salary do you take home?
About 78% of gross: employees pay 13.78% in contributions and a 10% income tax on the rest. A gross salary of €1,943 leaves about €1,508.
Where are salaries highest in Bulgaria?
In Sofia, which has the most offices of international companies, IT firms and government bodies. Next on our list is Varna at €1,360 gross.
What is the minimum wage in Bulgaria in 2026?
€620.20 a month (BGN 1,213) from 1 January 2026, set by a Council of Ministers decree, according to BTA.
📚 Sources: 3
For information only; not legal advice.
