If you’re an expat looking to relocate to a seaside city that is neither too crowded nor too small, neither too hot nor too cold, and offers the diversity of the big city yet the calming atmosphere of a small town, Varna is the perfect place for you.
Varna is Bulgaria’s sea capital. It’s also the largest city on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast and an attractive destination for thousands of tourists annually.
However, traveling to Varna for a few days or a fun weekend is a lot different than living in the city.
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about living in Varna as an expat. We’ll explore the benefits that the city offers, how much you can expect to pay on a monthly basis for living in Varna, and what the expat community looks like.
By the end of your read, you’ll be ready to pack your bags and make all the right decisions about living in Varna.
Is Varna a nice place to live?
Yes, if you like a city feel blended with coastal living, Varna is the right place to be! If you’ve ever been to Varna, chances are you’ve left part of your heart in Bulgaria’s sea capital. As one of the Black Sea’s oldest cities, Varna has much to offer.
Infrastructure
Varna’s infrastructure has gone through dramatic improvements in recent years. Some of the main boulevards in the city have been redesigned to reduce traffic congestion and make traveling around the city easier.
Bus transportation is well-developed. Buses travel to most parts of the city, even Vinitsa, which is significantly separated from the central parts of Varna. You can hop on a bus from the early morning hours until 11 pm or even midnight, and the bus ticket only costs 1 lv ($0.60/€0.51).
You’ll notice that most street signs around the central parts of the city have been translated into English, but this doesn’t refer to other neighborhoods.
In addition, there are several taxi companies that can provide instant transportation to any desired destination.
You can use Varna’s airport to travel to nearby countries or explore Sofia for the weekend.
Amenities
When it comes to amenities, the city provides everything you need. Most neighborhoods have local bank offices for the major banks that operate in the country.
Varna’s inhabitants also have access to several public hospitals and private medical alternatives.
The city is rich in beauty salons and studios, you can easily find a 24-hour food store at every other corner, and everything is pretty well-connected.
Beaches
Varna’s beaches are perhaps one of the factors that attract expats the most. With miles of sandy beaches, there is much to see and enjoy at this seaside gem.
Some of Bulgaria’s most beautiful and famous beaches can be found in Varna’s territory, where the sea is pure, the nature is stunning, and there are a variety of resorts you can explore.
Is Varna safe?
The city has a population of nearly 340,000 inhabitants and is one of Bulgaria’s safe cities to live in.
You can walk home during the later hours of the day without worrying about pick-pocketing or other attacks.
Of course, there are a few areas in the city that it’s recommended to avoid, but we’ll look at these later on in the article. The most popular types of crime include burglaries and car theft. Violent crimes toward expats are not common, and foreigners will feel safe in the city.
Cost of living in Varna
In general, Bulgaria is among Europe’s most inexpensive places to visit and to live in, and Varna is no exception.
Varna is an extremely affordable place to live as an expat. The average monthly salary of a Bulgarian employee living in Varna is between 1,000 lv ($600/€511) and 1,500 lv ($900/€767).
Renting a quality studio apartment in the central parts of the city will cost you around 400 lv ($240/€405). A 2-bedroom apartment in the central zones will cost anywhere between 600 lv ($360/€307) and 800 lv ($480/€409).
However, renting costs are dramatically lower if you move outside the city center and live in areas like Vinitsa or Asparuhovo.
Purchasing a property in Varna is still less expensive than in other European countries but is considered less affordable for locals working there. Properties located in Varna’s center will cost around 1,000 EU ($1,174) per square meter.
A single person can live comfortably in Varna for around 860 lv ($517/€440) without rent, while a family of four will need about 3,000 lv ($1,801/€1,535)monthly without rent.
Expats living in Varna
Varna attracts digital nomads thanks to its vibrant culture, excellent opportunities to socialize and meet new people, and other advantages. However, it’s also a popular destination for retirees or families with children.
The city offers several prestigious schools like First English Language School, The School of Mathematics, and more.
There are also areas in the city that are highly suitable for retirees looking for a calmer way of life, the opportunity to live in a quiet house with a gorgeous garden and to embrace all that the nature surrounding Varna offers.
You can meet other expats in Varna by attending organized events or joining Facebook groups like Expats in Varna, with nearly 3,000 members.
Best areas to live in Varna
Expat retirees will feel wonderful in areas like Trakata, Vinitsa, or Briz – quieter neighborhoods with stunning properties for rent and purchase. Trakata is famous for having various beautiful houses with spacious gardens.
Younger people prefer the city’s central areas or neighborhoods like Chataldzha, Red Square, Levski, or the zone around the cathedral.
Areas to avoid
Of course, there are always two sides to a coin, and the city also has a few places that it’s best to avoid.
Vladislavovo is one of those places. It’s allocated at the end of the city and is considered the cheapest area with the lowest standards of living.
In addition, it’s best to avoid Maksuda, a neighborhood where crime is common.
Final thoughts on living in Varna
Overall, Varna is a lovely city that certainly deserves your attention.
It can perfectly balance all the amenities and infrastructure of a large commercial city and everything you might look for in a smaller, quieter town.
You might find useful:
- Living In Bulgaria – a detailed guide to moving to Bulgaria and starting your life there;
- The Best Places To Live In Bulgaria For Expats
- The Pros & Cons Of Expat Life In Bulgaria.
Helpful external links:
- Varna Municipality site.
- Public Transport in Varna.
- The cost of living in Varna – Numbeo.
