If you are or will be retired – discover the surprising Eurostat findings

The decision about where to live during retirement increasingly depends not only on the amount of pension received. Equally important are the costs of everyday life, property prices, climate, safety and the quality of available services.

That is why more and more people planning their future analyse not only the amount of income, but above all its real purchasing power in a particular country.

One of the valuable sources of such information is Eurostat – the Statistical Office of the European Union – which presents differences between EU countries.

The same amount of money can mean completely different opportunities

The level of income does not always show the full picture. The same monthly amount can provide completely different possibilities depending on the country where we live.

The differences are influenced by, among others:

• property purchase and rental prices,
• costs of maintaining a home or apartment,
• prices of services,
• everyday living expenses.

Therefore, when choosing a place to live, it is worth looking not only at income levels, but also at the relationship between income and local living costs.

What do the latest Eurostat data show?

According to Eurostat data for 2025, consumer price levels in Bulgaria were approximately 63% of the European Union average (EU-27 = 100), while in Poland they were around 73% of the EU average.

This means that the prices of many basic goods and services remain lower in Bulgaria than in many other European Union countries.

Even more interesting are the figures concerning Actual Individual Consumption (AIC), an indicator showing the actual volume of goods and services available to households.

In 2025, Bulgaria`s AIC reached approximately 77% of the EU average, increasing by 4 percentage points within one year.

This was the highest annual increase of this indicator among all European Union countries in 2025.

This shows an important change – Bulgaria, which for many years belonged to the EU countries with lower consumption levels, is gradually improving its economic situation and the level of goods and services available to its residents.

Additionally, according to Eurostat data, housing costs in Bulgaria were among the lowest in the entire European Union and amounted to approximately 41% of the EU average level.

Source: Eurostat – GDP per capita, consumption per capita and price level indices

Why is Bulgaria attractive for people planning a calmer lifestyle?

For many years Bulgaria has attracted people looking for an alternative to more expensive Western European countries and large metropolitan areas.

The advantages most often mentioned include:

• a milder climate and a long sunny season, especially on the Black Sea coast,
• access to the sea and attractive seaside towns,
• lower everyday living costs,
• a calmer lifestyle,
• membership in the European Union,
• the possibility of purchasing your own property in attractive locations.

If you are or will be retired – discover the surprising Eurostat findings

The decision about where to live during retirement increasingly depends not only on the amount of pension received. Equally important are the costs of everyday life, property prices, climate, safety and the quality of available services.

That is why more and more people planning their future analyse not only the amount of income, but above all its real purchasing power in a particular country.

One of the valuable sources of such information is Eurostat – the Statistical Office of the European Union – which presents differences between EU countries.

The same amount of money can mean completely different opportunities

The level of income does not always show the full picture. The same monthly amount can provide completely different possibilities depending on the country where we live.

The differences are influenced by, among others:

• property purchase and rental prices,
• costs of maintaining a home or apartment,
• prices of services,
• everyday living expenses.

Therefore, when choosing a place to live, it is worth looking not only at income levels, but also at the relationship between income and local living costs.

What do the latest Eurostat data show?

According to Eurostat data for 2025, consumer price levels in Bulgaria were approximately 63% of the European Union average (EU-27 = 100), while in Poland they were around 73% of the EU average.

This means that the prices of many basic goods and services remain lower in Bulgaria than in many other European Union countries.

Even more interesting are the figures concerning Actual Individual Consumption (AIC), an indicator showing the actual volume of goods and services available to households.

In 2025, Bulgaria`s AIC reached approximately 77% of the EU average, increasing by 4 percentage points within one year.

This was the highest annual increase of this indicator among all European Union countries in 2025.

This shows an important change – Bulgaria, which for many years belonged to the EU countries with lower consumption levels, is gradually improving its economic situation and the level of goods and services available to its residents.

Additionally, according to Eurostat data, housing costs in Bulgaria were among the lowest in the entire European Union and amounted to approximately 41% of the EU average level.

Eurostat indicators are presented relative to the European Union average (EU-27 = 100). A value below 100 indicates a level lower than the EU average.

Data source: Eurostat – GDP per capita, consumption per capita and price level indices.

Check the official Eurostat data

Why is Bulgaria attractive for people planning a calmer lifestyle?

For many years Bulgaria has attracted people looking for an alternative to more expensive Western European countries and large metropolitan areas.

The advantages most often mentioned include:

• a milder climate and a long sunny season, especially on the Black Sea coast,
• access to the sea and attractive seaside towns,
• lower everyday living costs,
• a calmer lifestyle,
• membership in the European Union,
• the possibility of purchasing your own property in attractive locations.

The Black Sea coastal towns are particularly popular, offering both holiday apartments and properties suitable for year-round living.

Owning property as part of planning your future

For many people considering a change of residence, purchasing their own property is one of the most important elements of such a decision.

However, it is worth remembering that buying property abroad requires proper preparation, knowledge of local procedures and a careful analysis of all costs.

Before making a decision, it is worth learning more about:

• the reasons why investing in Bulgarian real estate may be worthwhile,
• procedures and costs of purchasing property in Bulgaria,
• economic changes connected with Bulgaria joining the euro area.

Buying property in Bulgaria with ILS POLAND GROUP

Since 2008, ILS POLAND GROUP has been helping clients interested in real estate in Bulgaria.

Our goal is not only to present available offers, but above all to provide clients with complete information, transparent cooperation principles and safe support throughout the entire purchase process.

Thanks to many years of experience and knowledge of the local market, we help people who want to better understand the opportunities connected with purchasing property and living in Bulgaria.

ILS POLAND GROUP Team