City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Bulgaria
COL index 34.8
Poland
COL index 51.3
Sofia vs Warsaw — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Sofia is 32.2% cheaper than Warsaw for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Sofia | Metric | Warsaw | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34.8 | Cost of living index | 51.3 | +47.4% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €39,249 | Net at €50,000 gross | €41,568 | +5.9% |
| €620 | Rent — 1BR centre | €950 | +53.2% |
| €978 | Monthly COL (single) | €1,458 | +49.1% |
| €112,784 | PPP — net / COL | €81,028 | -28.2% |
| 21.5% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 16.9% | -21.6% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Bulgaria = €3,271 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Warsaw, you would need roughly €71,454 gross in Poland (≈ €4,822 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€620)
- +Low overall cost of living (index 35)
- +Favourable tax rate (21.5%)
- +Favourable tax rate (16.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, Warsaw delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Sofia carries a lower cost-of-living index; Warsaw has the lighter effective tax burden; Sofia wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Sofia edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Sofia cheaper than Warsaw?+
Sofia is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Sofia 34.8, Warsaw 51.3 — a 32.2% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Sofia and Warsaw?+
Sofia sits at 34.8 on our COL index, Warsaw at 51.3. That works out to roughly 32.2% — Sofia being the cheaper of the two.
Is Sofia a good place to live compared to Warsaw?+
It depends on priorities. Sofia delivers €39,249 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 21.5% effective tax rate. Warsaw delivers €41,568 at 16.9%. Centre 1-bed rent: €620 vs €950.
How do salaries compare in Sofia vs Warsaw?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €39,249/year (€3,271/month) in Sofia and €41,568/year (€3,464/month) in Warsaw.
Which city has lower taxes, Sofia or Warsaw?+
Poland has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Bulgaria 21.5%, Poland 16.9%.