At a glance
- Total time
- Visit before you sign
- Official fees
- Rents below Sofia
- Where
- imot.bg or a local agency
- Bulgarian needed?
- Helpful with landlords
Plovdiv and Varna are Bulgaria’s second and third cities, and both are popular with expats. Rents are lower than in Sofia, and both are easy to live in without a car if you choose the right area. Here is a first look at the neighbourhoods expats choose.
Plovdiv
| Area | What it is like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Centre and the Old Town | Pedestrian main street, Roman ruins, cafés, the Kapana creative district | Living without a car, nightlife, short stays |
| Karshiyaka | North of the river, quieter, many newer buildings, near the Rowing Canal park | Couples, families, runners and cyclists |
| Kamenitsa | Residential area just south of the centre | Walking to the centre with quieter streets |
| Trakia | Large eastern district of apartment blocks and parks | Lower rents and lots of space |
| Hristo Smirnenski | South of the centre, many new buildings | Modern flats with parking |
Plovdiv summers are hot, so ask about air conditioning. Look at our Plovdiv city guide for the bigger picture.
Varna
| Area | What it is like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Centre | Next to the Sea Garden and the beach, shops and restaurants | Living without a car, close to everything |
| Chaika and Briz | Popular residential areas near the sea, many newer buildings | Families and anyone who wants the sea close by |
| Levski and Mladost | Large residential districts away from the sea | Lower rents, local shops and schools |
| Vinitsa | Seaside suburb to the north, mostly houses | A house with a garden |
| St. Constantine and Helena | Resort area north of the city | Sea views; very quiet out of season |
| Asparuhovo and Galata | South of the bay, greener and hillier | Space and views, if you drive |
Many flats in Varna rent to tourists in summer, so long-term leases are easier to find from autumn to spring. See our Varna city guide.
How to choose
- Decide what you need to reach every day: an office, a school, the beach or the bus station.
- Visit at different times. A quiet street at noon can be busy at night, especially near bars.
- Ask about heating. Central heating, a heat pump or air conditioning makes a big difference to winter bills. See our utility bills guide.
- Check parking. Older blocks often have none.
- Compare rents on imot.bg or alo.bg, and read our renting guide before you sign.
Common mistakes
- Signing a year’s lease in Varna in July, at summer prices.
- Choosing a top-floor flat without a lift, or without air conditioning in Plovdiv.
- Not checking that the landlord will sign your address declaration.
Sources
Based on the experiences of expats in Plovdiv and Varna. Areas change quickly, so visit before you sign.