What are Bulgarians paying more for this year?

One third of Bulgarian citizens' expenditure goes on food and non-alcoholic beverages. Another 16.6% is spent on rent, 15.5% on taxes and social security contributions, and 11.6% on transport and communications. This is according to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) published on Friday.

According to the data, the average quarterly expenditure per household member for the period January-March 2025 is BGN 2,861 (13.3% annual increase), with an increase observed in all categories.

For example, while in the first three months of 2024 Bulgarians spent BGN 753 on food and beverages, they now spend almost BGN 850. They used to spend BGN 102 on alcohol and cigarettes, while now the amount is BGN 116.

Housing costs – including water, electricity, heating, furniture and maintenance – have increased from BGN 431 to BGN 475.

There has also been a significant increase in transport costs (from 285 to 331 BGN), entertainment (from 101 to 117 BGN) and taxes and social security contributions (from 375 to 443 BGN).

Changed eating habits

With summer approaching, consumers are turning to healthier foods. For example, the NSI reports an increase in fruit consumption from 12.4 kg to 12.9 kg. The same applies to vegetables, from 14.2 kg to 14.5 kg.

The largest decrease was observed in the consumption of bread and pastries – from 18 to 16.9 kg.

There was no change in the consumption of eggs, mature beans and sugar.

Are wages really rising?

Official statistics show that the average quarterly income per household member in the first quarter of 2025 was BGN 3,271, an increase of 15.2% compared to the same period in 2024.

Logically, wages account for the largest share (56.4%), followed by pension income (31.5%) and self-employment income (7%).

However, it is not wages that are growing the most, but income from self-employment.

Compared to the first quarter of 2024, income from wages increased by 15.5% – from BGN 1,597 to BGN 1,845, while income from self-employment increased by 42.2% – from BGN 161 to BGN 229.

Income from social benefits and assistance increased by 32.2% – from BGN 55 to BGN 73, and income from pensions increased by 15.5% to BGN 1,030 compared to the previous BGN 892.

Translated with DeepL.