How Cheap Is Bulgaria in 2026? Cost of Food, Drink & Holidays
Planning a holiday to Bulgaria or simply want to get an idea of the cost of living? Let’s look at the cost of food, drink and holidays in Bulgaria in 2026 – and compare it to the UK and other European countries. With a special section for beer prices in Bulgaria!
Bulgaria is Still One of Europe's Cheapest Holiday Destinations
Bulgaria! It’s a popular destination for both summer and winter holidays, and more recently, a very appealing country for expats who wish to set up a life abroad. Many even decide to buy a house in a small village, creating a peaceful base for summer breaks in the Balkans.
Traveling or moving to most other European countries can break the bank. But Bulgaria still remains one of the cheapest options – prices in Bulgaria, while not immune to inflation, manage to remain impressively low. From beer prices to accommodation, the small but beautiful republic respects your wallet and time.
With the rising costs across Europe, Bulgaria’s value remains high, especially considering that locals prioritize high quality food and drink.
READ MORE | Bansko, Bulgaria – Europe’s Best Value Ski Resort
2. Average Prices in Bulgaria (2026)
Let’s look at the cost of food and drink in Bulgaria. How much is a beer in Bulgaria? What are the prices in Bulgaria for basic needs and fancies when on holiday? A lot of people don’t plan these expenses in advance – so here is your Bulgarian prices cheat sheet!
More info about beer prices in Bulgaria and types of beer in the next section.
| Item | Average Prices (BGN) | Price in £ | Price in € | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local beer (0.5L draught) | 4.50 лв | £2.00 | €2.30 | Bar, cheapest in small towns, good quality |
| Supermarket beer (0.5L bottle) | 1.80 лв | £0.80 | €0.92 | Very affordable |
| Coffee (Cappucino) | 3.80 лв | £1.69 | €1.94 | Rich coffee culture |
| Cigarettes (Pack x20) | 6.00 лв | £2.70 | €3.07 | Very cheap, variety |
| Restaurant meal | 20.00 лв | £8.87 | €10.23 | Generous portions |
| Fast food | 10.00 лв | £4.44 | €5.11 | Great value, big doner culture |
| Public transport | 1.75 лв | £0.78 | €0.89 | In most cities |
| Taxi (3 km run) | 6.40 лв | £2.84 | €3.27 | Regulated meters |
As you can see, food and drink prices (and as always, prices of cigarettes) in Bulgaria are still low, especially compared to other European and Western countries. Naturally, resorts will always have a higher mark-up on prices, but resort towns like Bansko (that have a native population) manage to keep a very welcoming price range.
Next up – the Bulgaria cost of beer and holiday & accommodation prices.
3. Beer Prices in Bulgaria (What You’ll Actually Pay)
So – how much for a beer in Bulgaria? Here’s Bulgaria’s beer prices depending on setting, origin and brand. Followed by a quick guide on the types of beer you can find here.
How Much is a Beer in Bulgaria
| Setting | Type of Beer | Price (BGN) | Price in £ | Price in € | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supermarket (0.5L bottle / can) | Local brands (Kamenitza, Pirinsko, etc) | 1.80 лв | £0.80 | €0.92 | Cheap – best for home or while on a walk |
| Supermarket (2L bottle) | Local brands | 3.00 лв | £1.33 | €1.53 | Cheapest – best for self-catering & home parties |
| Bar / restaurant (0.5L pint) | Local brand | 5.00 лв | £2.20 | €2.56 | Friendly prices, especially outside resorts |
| Nightclub (0.33L bottle) | Local & imported | 5.00 лв | £2.20 | €2.56 | Expect markup, especially on imported brands |
| Craft beer bar or shop (0.33–0.5L) | Local & imported | 3.00 – 8.00 лв | £1.33 – 3.55 | €1.53 – 4.09 | Big variety, from IPAs to stouts |
As you can see, the prices in Bulgaria for beer are quite affordable. However, keep in mind that the price may depend on the region – a resort town like Sunny Beach will usually have higher prices than a small town.
But enough about beer prices in Bulgaria. Let’s explore beer culture and what brews you should be on the lookout for.
Beer in Bulgaria: A Short Guide
Fancy a pint? Let’s check out the variety of beers available in Bulgaria and what you should definitely try on your Bulgarian holiday.
Local Beer
Bulgaria’s level of beer quality is high, especially considering the price range. The most notable brands are:
- Kamenitza: A stable draught in many bars, this is one of the oldest and most popular local brands. Crisp, slightly bitter taste.
- Shumensko: Smooth and light, brewed in Shumen – hence the name. An easy-drink, everyday lager.
- Zagorka: Owned by Heineken. Popular, but with a spirit content that might leave you with a headache if overindulged. Zagorka Retro is a classic definitely worth trying.
- White Stork (Byal Shurkel): Sofia-based craft brew. Popular with beer-connoisseurs.
- Glarus: High-quality ales and experimental brews. Varna-based and one of the first dedicated craft-brew brands in the country.
- Pirinsko: Light, go-to local pint from Blagoevgrad, near Bansko. Common in ski towns.
- Burgasko: Popular summer beer. Mild and common in beach bars.
Bulgaria has a great variety of beers and we highly recommend exploring its diverse tastes – especially considering the beer prices in Bulgaria.
Popular Imported Beers
While we firmly believe visitors should mostly try local beers, some imports are very popular in Bulgaria – and for a good reason.
- Stella Artois: A very popular brand in Bulgaria – sometimes considered a premium option. Smooth and slightly malty.
- Heineken: The most common imported beer in Bulgaria. Can be found in virtually any cafe, bar and resort.
- Beck’s: Pilsner with a crisp taste, common in supermarkets, not much more expensive than local beers.
- Corona: Mainly a summer drink, often garnished with a slice of lime. Very refreshing, usually at a higher price. Primarily found in coastal areas.
- Guinness: Needs no introduction. Found in Irish / British pubs and some Bansko bars.
Most local beer fans have a diet of mostly local beers, spruced up with the occasional import. Heineken and Stella are the go to choice for many who prefer the western tastes.
Craft Beers - Visit Pivoteka!
The variety of craft beers in Bulgaria – from locals and imports – is jaw-drapping, to say the least. From IPAs to stouts, pale and dark ales, fruity and bitter tastes – we recommend visiting Pivoteka in Bansko, Bulgaria.
Pivoteka is a notorious beer shop with a huge variety of craft beers, ciders and other beverages from Bulgaria and abroad. They host social events, live music and personalized parties for groups. Click below to get a 5% discount to Pivoteka!
4. Holiday / Accommodation Prices in Bulgaria
Traditional Bulgarian Chalet ‘’Diana-Ross’’
European resorts and cities soar in prices. Meanwhile, Bulgaria continues to offer exceptional value for money. This applies to every type of accommodation – from high-end luxury hotels, accessible hostels and cosy chalets surrounded by mountain ranges. Whether you’re planning a ski holiday or a summer beach escape, prices in Bulgaria are often half of what you would pay in France, Austria and the like.
Average Accommodation Prices in Bulgaria (Per Night, 2026)
| Accommodation Type | Price (BGN) | Price in £ | Price in € | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eco chalet, all-inclusive (BEST value for money ✔️) | 130 лв | £58 | €66 | Catered stays like Snomads chalets in Bansko (meals, drinks, transfers) |
| Mid-range hotel (3–4 ⭐) | 140 лв | £62 | €72 | Central location, breakfast included |
| Budget hotel / guesthouse | 79 лв | £35 | €40 | Good value, usually family-run, AirBnb’s |
| Hostel (shared room) | 22 – 34 лв | £10 – 15 | €11 – 17 | In cities, mountain huts & resorts |
| Luxury hotel (5 ⭐) | 225 лв | £100+ | €115 | Spa resorts like in Velingrad, Bansko, Sofia |
Accommodation and house prices in Bulgaria are, as other things, quite affordable. With a lot of variety comes great budget flexibility for both solo travelers and groups. Of course, stays will be cheaper in smaller towns, compared to bigger cities and resorts.
5. Bansko - Balance of Affordability and Experience
Bansko is a popular destination in all seasons – winter being a prominent ski resort with one of the longest ski runs in the world. And in summer, it’s a prime spot for hiking and other mountain sports.
READ MORE | Ultimate Guide to Bansko in Winter
But here’s why it keeps attracting visitors from across Europe, and often from the UK – before being a resort, it’s an inhabited town. Generations-old families reside in Bansko, and prices keep low to accommodate them. Here you will find the full range of accommodation – from cheap social hostels, to 5-star hotels, and eco ski chalets.
If you choose to visit Bansko, Bulgaria in winter, we recommend the Snomads chalets, 3-time winner of Best Ski Chalet in Bulgaria. Catered weekly stays, transfers and a free concierge service to help you find and book lesser known side activities in and around the town.
Our Bansko ski holiday eco chalets
Catered / Sleeps 25
READ MORE | 30+ Things to Do in Bansko in Winter
6. Bulgaria Prices Compared to UK
To get a better idea on how much money you’re saving from drinks, food, accommodation, etc… Here’s a table of Bulgaria’s prices compared to UK prices of similar items. Adjusted to 2026 prices.
| Item | Price in the UK | Price in Bulgaria |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant meal | £17.00 | £8.87 |
| Fast food | £8.00 | £4.44 |
| Beer (0.5L pint, bar) | £5.00 | £2.00 |
| Beer (0.5L bottle, supermarket) | £2.46 | £0.80 |
| Cigarettes (Pack x20) | £15.00 | £2.70 |
| Groceries (6 days) | £60.00 | £43.00 |
| Public transport | £2.50 | £0.78 |
| Taxi (3 km run) | £4.80 | £2.84 |
| Coffee, Cappuccino | £3.47 | £1.69 |
| 3/4-star hotel, per night | £90.00 | £62.00 |
| Chalet stay, per night | £135.00 | £58.00 |
When you compare the prices in Bulgaria to those in the UK, it’s no surprise British tourists keep revisiting Bulgaria year after year. Considering the variety of winter and summer resorts, as well as city life, this Balkan country keeps it fresh with every visit.
Considering a trip to Bansko, Bulgaria? Send us a message and we’ll give you all the info you need.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the cost of a beer in Bulgaria?
The Bulgarian prices for beer range anywhere from £0.80 for a supermarket beer bottle, to £3.55 for special craft brews. In most bars and restaurants, you can enjoy a 0.5L beer pint for as little as £2.00
2. How are Bulgaria prices compared to UK?
In Bulgaria, prices of things are roughly 50% cheaper than in the UK in regard to consumables and everyday purchases, making it an ideal destination for travelling on a budget.
3. What’s the price of cigarettes in Bulgaria?
The average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes in Bulgaria is 6 BGN, or £2.70. This is over 400% cheaper than most western countries, which is why many people buy cartons upon cartons when they are heading back home.
4. What’s the cost of food and drink in Bulgaria?
A meal in a moderately priced restaurant in Bulgaria is roughly 20 BGN.
The Bulgarian prices for beer range anywhere from £0.80 for a supermarket beer bottle, to £3.55 for special craft brews. In most bars and restaurants, you can enjoy a 0.5L beer pint for as little as £2.00
In Bulgaria, prices of things are roughly 50% cheaper than in the UK in regard to consumables and everyday purchases, making it an ideal destination for travelling on a budget.
The average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes in Bulgaria is 6 BGN, or £2.70. This is over 400% cheaper than most western countries, which is why many people buy cartons upon cartons when they are heading back home.
A meal in a moderately priced restaurant in Bulgaria is roughly 20 BGN.
In this article:
Adrian Stefanov
CONTENT WRITER & WEB DESIGNER
About the author
Experienced writer, web designer and YouTube creator. Primarily writing in the luxury, tourism and internet culture niches.
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