Working in Varna
Situated on the Black Sea coast, Varna offers breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coastal landscapes. The city’s proximity to the sea provides endless opportunities for relaxation, water sports, and outdoor activities. Varna is the third-largest city of Bulgaria, with a population of roughly 350,000.
Start living and working in Varna when you prefer life in a relaxed, coastal, and seasonal destination. Next to this you can enjoy the low costs of living and the active café culture of Varna. Keep reading to find out about this, and more about working in Varna!
Life in Varna
Varna is rich in history and cultural heritage. The city boasts archaeological treasures, such as the Roman Thermae, the Archaeological Museum, and the Roman Baths. Varna is also home to numerous theaters, art galleries, and music venues that offer a diverse and vibrant cultural scene.
Varna has a rapid growing economy, attracting businesses and professionals from various industries. The city is a major center for trade, tourism, and services, creating a wealth of employment opportunities for residents.
Work in Varna
- Average working hours per week: 40 hours, 8 hours 5 times a week
- Typical working day: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Number of vacation days: 20 days / 4 weeks
- Commute: Mostly by bus, metro, and tram
- Work culture: Tends to be a bit hierarchical in businesses.
FAQ
You can move to Varna by yourself, with a friend or as a couple. There are pros and cons to all of the situations. If you consider moving abroad with any kind of friend it can be a really good idea to sit down and talk through practical and everyday stuff such as economy, bills, cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking vs ordering, going out/staying in, how you deal with potentially going out without each other as well as having friends and family visiting (from near and far and extended visits). Apart from the practical arrangements, life is fun when you can share your new core memories with other people – so it is very recommendable to move abroad together. Moving with a friend can cause you to interact less with new people compared to if you move abroad by yourself. But if this is a good or a bad thing entirely depends on your personal goals and wishes as well as your personality.
Conclusion: communication is key if you and your friend decide to move abroad together
Getting around Varna is convenient with its efficient public transportation system. Buses and minibusses cover the city and nearby areas, offering affordable and reliable services. Taxis are also widely available. The prices for public transport in Varna:
- 1-hour bus ticket: 1 Bulgarian lev (≈ €0.50)
- All-day bus ticket (unlimited trips): 4 Bulgarian lev (≈ €2)
- Monthly public transport passes: 50–96 Bulgarian lev (~€25–€50)
Some of the best and most affordable places to live in Varna include Primorski Park, Briz, and Vinitsa. These areas provide a combination of proximity to the beach, green spaces, amenities, and affordable housing options. The average rent prices in Varna will be something like this:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €350-€500
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €300-€450
- Room in a shared apartment: €100-€150
- Spring: 10–18°C. Gradually warming, fresh and green.
- Summer: 23–30°C. Warm, sunny, and dry.
- Autumn: 12–22°C. Mild and pleasant.
- Winter: 2–8°C. Relatively mild compared to inland Bulgaria.
How expensive is living in Varna?
When you start living and working in Varna, of course you want to know more about the costs of living there. We already told you about the housing and public transport prices, but a fun life abroad is much more than just that:
- Groceries: €150-€200 a month
- Meal at a regular restaurant: €7-€8
- 0.5L beer in a bar: €0,75-€2
- Cofee in a café: €1-€2
- Gym membership: €20-€30 a month
- Cinema ticket: €6-€8
Still not sure about living and working in Varna?
Living and working in Varna is more than just being in a relaxed destination. The city offers a lot of fun things to see, do and experience:
- Varna hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Varna Summer International Music Festival and the Varna Film Festival. These events showcase local and international talent, adding excitement and cultural enrichment to the city’s calendar.
- The city is also known for its green spaces, with numerous parks and gardens scattered throughout the city. The Sea Garden, the largest park in Varna, is a favorite among residents and visitors, offering beautiful pathways, playgrounds, and breathtaking views of the sea.
- Varna is known for its warm and friendly locals who embrace diversity and make newcomers feel welcome. The city has a strong sense of community and offers a high quality of life, with a mix of modern conveniences and a relaxed coastal ambiance. The presence of educational institutions adds to the city’s youthful energy and intellectual atmosphere.
- After work or in the weekends you can enjoy one of the long sandy beaches in Varna. These beaches are lively in the summer, but more relaxed outside the peak season. Perfect for a day of swimming in the warmer months and for a freshening walk in the colder periods.
In summary, living in Varna offers a harmonious blend of coastal beauty, cultural richness, economic opportunities, and a high quality of life. Whether you’re drawn to the sea, cultural experiences, career prospects, or a vibrant community, Varna has much to offer as a place to call home.
