Choosing Housing in Bulgaria: How to Find Your Region, Comparing It to Ukraine

Warm climate, advantageous location, and a standard of living that combines European quality and affordability—this is Bulgaria. If you are considering relocating, comparing regions is a must. This is how you find the perfect area for your life.
Here, we’ve gathered not just dry facts—this is the starting point for your comfortable and beneficial new life. Let’s begin!

Odessa—Varna

Capital Alternative: Varna is Bulgaria’s maritime capital, just as Odessa is Ukraine’s maritime capital. It boasts developed infrastructure, modern residential complexes, and plenty of job opportunities in the business sector.
Sea and Entertainment: Varna is the center of beach tourism in Bulgaria, while Odessa is a popular summer destination for tourists in Ukraine. Both cities have developed recreational infrastructure, with restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. The Summer Theater in Varna might remind Odessa residents of the Green Theater, an open space for concerts and performances during warm weather.
Multinational Culture: Both cities have historically been multicultural centers, and Varna and Odessa are home to diverse nationalities.
Standard of Living: Expenses in Varna are lower than in Odessa, especially for housing and food, but European-quality living standards attract Ukrainians.
Varna’s Sea Garden and Odessa’s Primorsky Boulevard are favorite spots for both locals and tourists alike.
For suburban housing near Kyiv, Saint Vlas and the five-star complexes in Ravda offer similar vibes.

Lviv Region—Plovdiv

Cultural Heritage: Plovdiv, like Lviv, is a cultural center with rich history, ancient architecture, and numerous museums. Both cities exhibit European influence and a passion for the arts. In 2019, Plovdiv was chosen as Europe’s cultural capital.
Non-resort Tourism: Lviv attracts visitors with narrow streets, cozy coffee shops, and old-town ambiance. Plovdiv also has ancient Roman ruins and historical districts drawing European tourists.
Housing: Apartments in Plovdiv are cheaper. In 2024, economy-class one-bedroom apartments in Lviv cost €40,000–60,000, while in Plovdiv, they range from €30,000–45,000.
Lviv’s cobblestones, authentic bars downtown, and range of cultural activities make it reminiscent of cities away from the coastal resort towns, like Plovdiv.

Kherson, Mykolaiv—Burgas

Coastal Access: Both Burgas and Kherson Region have access to the Black Sea, but Bulgaria’s infrastructure is more developed, making it more popular among tourists.
Climate: Burgas enjoys warmer and milder weather thanks to the sea breeze, offering comfortable living year-round, unlike Mykolaiv’s heatwaves.
Industry: Both Mykolaiv and Burgas are known for their industries. Mykolaiv excels in shipbuilding, while Burgas has oil refineries and chemical industries.

Ivano-Frankivsk Region—Gabrovo

Mountains: Gabrovo is nestled in the Balkan Mountains, similar to Ivano-Frankivsk Region near the Carpathians. Both areas attract mountain hikers and eco-tourists.
Climate: Bulgaria’s mountainous areas have a milder climate with less severe winters than the Carpathians. Gabrovo might feel more pleasant for year-round living.

Kamianets-Podilskyi, Uzhhorod—Veliko Tarnovo

Uzhhorod is a small yet historically rich town with similar landscapes and beautiful views. Like Veliko Tarnovo, Uzhhorod has a unique historic charm that draws tourists. Kamianets-Podilskyi, with its ancient fortress, picturesque slopes, and old-town feel, resembles Veliko Tarnovo in its architecture and medieval atmosphere.

Zakarpattia Region—Bansko, Pamporovo

Ski Resorts: Bansko is one of Bulgaria’s largest ski resorts, comparable to Zakarpattia’s famous Bukovel. Both regions are winter tourist magnets.
Infrastructure: Bansko boasts modern hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, appealing to international investors. Zakarpattia, including Bukovel, is catching up to this level but not as developed yet. Pamporovo stands out as modern and well-equipped.

Kyiv—Sofia

Capital Status: Both cities are capitals with vibrant lifestyles. Sofia, like Kyiv, is the largest economic, political, and cultural hub, with over a million residents.
Housing Prices: Apartments in Sofia are cheaper than in Kyiv, though this depends on the district. Overall, the cost of living in Sofia is slightly lower.
If a one-bedroom apartment in Kyiv costs €50,000–100,000 now, in Sofia, it’s slightly less: €40,000–90,000.
International Relations: Like Kyiv, Sofia hosts numerous international companies and diplomatic missions, giving it global significance. Travelers can fly to Italy or Northern Europe on direct flights for €20–30, making it particularly attractive.

Odessa Region—Sunny Beach

Climate: Both regions enjoy warm climates with 28–30-degree summers and mild winters. Sunny Beach is slightly warmer in the winter months, as there are no severe frosts.
Tourism: Sunny Beach is Bulgaria’s most popular resort, just as Odessa Region is Ukraine’s key tourist area. Both places boast well-developed tourist infrastructure.
Real Estate: Property prices in Sunny Beach are affordable, starting at €48,500 for studio apartments. The high standards of new buildings, with no Soviet-era high-rises, attract Ukrainians.

Sunny Beach is a small town bustling in season but calm during the colder half of the year. Casinos and shows make it a destination often referred to as Bulgaria’s Las Vegas.

Which Region Is Best for Buying a Home?

Let’s be honest: most people love the sea and sun. For those who don’t, they’ve long since moved to Germany or the UK. Owning an apartment in a coastal region is a joy for any age or family situation.
How can we help you find the perfect place?
We’ll handle all the “unpleasant” and “boring” processes while exciting you about Bulgaria if you’ve never been here!

Sign up for our info tour and choose the best home for your family! Even if your family consists of just one person—you.
We’ll help you not only explore apartment options but find the ideal place to live, considering all your preferences and budget. Learn more about regions, discounts, and special offers during the tour.

Treat yourself to:
— a trip abroad;
— three nights in a luxury hotel;
— informative meetings about real estate;
— sightseeing tours along the eastern Black Sea coast.

No matter which region of Ukraine you’re from—fill out the form and make your dream of a home by the sea come true today!