Bulgarians Cannot Choose Between Varna and Burgas. Can you?

Same, But Different

Both cities are called the capitals of the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria: Varna is the northern one, and Burgas is the southern one. Each is surrounded by resort villages, among which Sunny Beach stands out in the Burgas region, while  Golden Sands represents the vicinity of Varna.

These are the two main ports and industrial centers. Both cities are large by Bulgarian standards. Varna is the third by population (370 000 inhabitants), Burgas is the fourth one (225 000) after Sofia and Plovdiv. By the occupied area, Burgas is the second.

You have probably noticed a significant difference in the number of residents. It also defines some differences between cities. There are more opportunities for work and study in Varna, but it is also a more noisy and restless city. In Burgas, life is more tranquil.

Varna (on the left) and Burgas (on the right). The first one is more noisy,  the second one is more relaxed.

Daria Borzova

Oazis Realty

Tourists and potential buyers of real estate are usually more into Varna. It is big, more developed and well-known. Foreigners know less about Burgas, although, Sunny Beach is quite famous. At the same time, Burgas is good for its cleanliness and neatness. The mayor is very popular in the country, he does a lot for the development of the city: building of new roads, development of the public transport network, modern sports facilities are appearing.

Climate is Identical

The distance between the cities along the Black Sea coast is a little more than 130 km. The climate is essentially the same. The swimming season lasts from May to September. Temperatures vary, but only by tenths of a degree. It is slightly colder in Varna (the average temperature in July is 22.4 °C, and in Burgas it's 22.7 °C, and a little more rainy – 20.7 days for the summer against 19.9). If anyone feels the distinction, great.

However, there are differences. The climate of Varna is considered to be milder, the city is better protected from the winds. The sea in Burgas is shallower, perhaps the conditions here are better for children who cannot swim.

History

Both cities trace their history back to ancient times, when it was the territory of ancient Thrace. Near Varna, you can still find the ruins of Roman baths, and lovers of antiquity should visit the archaeological museums that exist in both cities.

There are more attractions in Varna, but the center of Burgas is interesting for architecture lovers: there are many buildings in the city of the first half of the XX century – remarkable examples of Art Nouveau and Constructivism.

However, the famous satellite cities located nearby are even more interesting. First of all, the amazing Nessebar, which is located near Burgas, an ancient city on a peninsula with ancient ruins, Christian churches and many restaurants. In the northern part of the coast there is a Balchik with a palace and a botanical garden.

The historical buildings of Nessebar (on the left) and the Botanical Garden in Balchik (on the right).

Bulgarian ia a Must

If you are moving to Bulgaria for good or plan to live here for a long time, it is much more important to evaluate the roads, schools, hospitals, shops. And here both cities are on top today.

Buses and trolleybuses run in both cities, domestic trips will not be a problem. There are railway stations, and most importantly, large international airports, so it will not be difficult to get home. The distance to Sofia is also comparable: 384 km from Burgas and 445 km from Varna on good highways. That is, you will get to the capital by car in four to five hours.

Bulgaria is small, and both cities are located near the border: it is easier to get from Burgas to Turkey (340 km to Istanbul), and from Varna to Romania (270 km to Bucharest).

Varna and Burgas airports: spot the difference.

It is better to go to Varna for higher education. There are already five universities here that provide an opportunity to get humanitarian, technical, medical and other professions. However, for those who want to connect their lives with chemistry, medicine or technology, it makes sense to look at the state University in Burgas. There is also a private university in this city, more focused on humanitarian specialties. However, Bulgarian higher education is not very prestigious.

The Faculty of Pharmacy of the Medical University of Varna (on the left) and Burgas Free University (on the right).

Where is shopping better? It's hard to say. For example, on Tripadvisor, four establishments in Varna and only two in Burgas entered the top 10 shopping centers in Bulgaria, but the latter are on the top line by a large margin. Interestingly, there were only three objects in Sofia in the top ten.

Shopping centers Varna Mall in Varna (on the left) and Mall Galleria Burgas in Burgas (on the right).

It Is Not Hard to Find a Good Job

Employees are always required in large cities. In terms of the number of vacancies, Varna is ahead of Burgas, and both cities are near the capital in terms of salaries. These are the industrial and educational centers of the country, where highly qualified specialists are in demand. Do not forget: we are talking about the main resorts of Bulgaria, where hundreds of thousands of tourists rested in the pre-pandemic years. Therefore, it is easier for those who want to open their own business and work in the service sector to find an option here. However, there are "buts".

Daria Borzova

Oazis Realty

There is enough work for technical specialists in Bulgaria. Locksmiths or engineers are simply torn off with their hands, pensioners are also taken to such places, if health allows them to work. At the same time, there are noticeable gaps in terms of service in many areas in Bulgaria, so there are plenty of opportunities to start a business. I see how people open bakeries, restaurants, organize master classes, children's camps, schools. There are no problems with opening your own business here. But if a foreigner wants to work for hire, they will have to overcome the local bureaucracy, since the state believes that it is impossible to take away places from local residents.

Goryan Varbanov

New Estate

Serious economic growth began in Bulgaria after last year's impact of the pandemic, at the level of 4-5%. There are a lot of jobs now and not enough people. You'll find signs "Looking for staff" everywhere. However, a foreigner needs to learn a language at least to start working. It is also necessary to know Bulgarian laws, understand the document flow, otherwise big problems are inevitable. If you make pancakes, you won't earn much. The chance to get a place depends on the qualification: for example, doctors and programmers are always in demand, and it may be more difficult with other specialties.

Real Estate: the Price Range is Noticeable

Real estate is one of the few noticeable differences between Burgas and Varna. First of all, because there is more space for construction around Burgas. Accordingly, the offer is larger and the price is lower. We can say that Varna is a resort where people come to relax more often, and Burgas is a place for permanent residence.

Buyers also differ. Romanians prefer resorts near Varna (remember: the Romanian border is nearby), they choose Balchik, Kavarna, Kranevo, Golden Sands. Poles, Germans, and Israelis buy property in Burgas and the surrounding area. However, in recent years, especially during the pandemic, Bulgarians themselves have become the main buyers on the coast,the share of transactions with their participation is about 80%. In absolute terms, more transactions are obtained in Varna simply because the city itself is larger.

The view from the window of a residential complex in the resort of Golden Sands.

But it is important to distinguish real estate in the city and in suburbs. There are different dynamics, different demand and different prices.

Lyudmila Shabanina

New Estate

Urban real estate has its own rhythm. Both Varna and Burgas are similar to other major cities in Bulgaria: they are like Sofia or Plovdiv, only by the sea. Good offers  desappear immediately. This is a very dynamic market, where prices are higher than on the coast, and there are few offers. If you want to buy a house in the city, you can't wait two or three months. And in the resort areas, the dynamics are completely different: there are more offers, especially on Sunny Beach, and therefore everything is calmer.
Prices in cities start from €1 000 per square meter, and on the coast comparable objects can be twice as cheap. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city can cost €50 000-60 000, and about €25 000-30 000 on the coast. There is a simple explanation for such a difference: a person comes to the resort for several weeks, the requests are more modest. But people want to have high-quality housing in the city. I will also note that there is a demand for new buildings in both places, but since Varna is larger than Burgas, it offers more new buildings.

Check out what you can buy in the area and how much it costs:

48 500 €

Apartment at Golden Sands, Bulgaria

67 sq.m 2 1

The apartment is located on the second floor in Paradise Green Park complex. It comprises of a living room with kitchenette, one bedroom, one terrace, bathroom with bath tub and toilet. The apartment is furnished, equipped with appliances, air-conditioned and is ready to move in. The luxury residential complex Paradise Green Park is located on...

New Estate

120 000 €

Apartment in Byala, Bulgaria

121 sq.m 3 2 1

No maintenance fee! We offer you a two-bedroom apartment with a total area of 121 sq.m. It is located on the 4th last floor of a residential building with an elevator. The apartment has an underground garage. The location is east, south and west. The property consists of 2 bedrooms, a comfortable living room with a dining area and a kitchen,...

IBG Property

85 000 €

Flat in Byala, Bulgaria

128 sq.m 3 2 2

IBG PROPERTY offers to your attention: NO MAINTENANCE FEE! Separate plots for electricity and water! Act 16! Housing status - apartment! 200 m to the shops! 700 m to the beach! 500 m to the center! The offered apartment is actually located on the 2nd floor, as we only go up to the 1st floor. The distribution consists of an entrance hall, a...

IBG Property

66 500 €

Flat in Byala, Bulgaria

94 sq.m 2 1 1

IBG Property offers you a two-room apartment in the city of Byala. The apartment has a total area of 94 sq.m. Layout: corridor, spacious living room with kitchen, bedroom, large panoramic terrace overlooking the sea and the city. The apartment is in very good condition and is offered fully furnished and equipped. The building with Act 16,...

IBG Property

560 000 €

House in Alen mak, Bulgaria

270 sq.m 5 4 4

Panoramic modern new house with an attractive location in the Alen Mak area! Close to Kabakum Beach! Sea panorama! Furnished! We offer you a three-storey house, located in the area of "Alen Mak", 1.5 km from the "Kabakum" beach, 10 km from the center of the city of Varna. The property has an area of 270 sq.m., with the...

STEFANOV INVEST

206 000 €

House in Byala, Bulgaria

157 sq.m 4 2 2

iBG Property offers a luxury two-storey house in Byala NO MAINTENANCE FEE! Luxuriously furnished house in meters from the sea! We are pleased to present to your attention an excellent house suitable for both leisure and/or rental, as well as for year-round living. The house is located a few meters from one of the beaches of Byala and it...

IBG Property

36 500 €

Flat in Byala, Bulgaria

42 sq.m 1 1

Online Viewing Remote Transaction

IBG Property offers you a cozy studio in Byala. The apartment has an area of 42 sq.m., located on the 2nd floor of 5, there is an elevator. It consists of: an entrance hall, a rectangular room, a combined bathroom and a terrace. The terrace offers partial sea views. The apartment is offered with a complete turnkey finish: laminate and granite...

IBG Property

95 500 €

Apartment in Byala, Bulgaria

140 sq.m 3 2 2

Online Viewing Remote Transaction

Buy an apartment in Byala. We offer for sale a spacious apartment with 2 bedrooms on the first line in the Silver Beach complex. The apartment has an area of 140 sq.m, is located on the 4th floor and consists of an entrance hall, a living room with a kitchen area, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a terrace with sea views. Apartment with...

Grand Estates Group

46 800 €

Flat in Byala, Bulgaria

64 sq.m 2 1 1

NO MAINTENANCE FEE! IBG PROPERTY offers to your attention: 200 m to the store, playground, church, 500 m to the center, 1 km. near the beach! Separate batches of electricity! Act 16! The status of housing is an apartment! The building has a barbecue and parking. The offered apartment is located on the 1st floor (ground floor) with a...

IBG Property

65 600 €

Flat in Byala, Bulgaria

63 sq.m 2 1 1

Furnished one-bedroom apartment within walking distance from the beach. The apartment is located on the third floor and is oriented to the south and west. It consists of an entrance hall, a bedroom, a living room with a kitchenette, a terrace and a bathroom. The net living area is 55.55 sq. m, and the total area is 62.96 sq. m. The apartment is...

IBG Property

120 000 €

Apartment in Varna, Bulgaria

72 sq.m 2 1 1

The ATLANTA real estate agency offers for sale a two-room apartment in the Evksinograd area. PARKING SPACE IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE!!! ACT 16! Total area: 72 sq.m. Floor: 3/6 The apartment consists of: corridor, living room with kitchen, bedroom, dressing room, bathroom + toilet and terrace. Exposition: East, completely covered; Made according...

ATLANTA BG

63 600 €

House in Burgas, Bulgaria

150 sq.m 7 4 2

vHouse in the mountains, 25 km from the sea, Bulgaria! Village of Kosti is located in south-eastern Bulgaria, Tsarevo municipality, Burgas region. This is a small picturesque village located on the Strandzha slopes and along the Veleka River. The house is located on an asphalt street in the middle part of the village, from where a wonderful...

BulgarianESTates Ltd.

85 000 €

Apartment in Burgas, Bulgaria

65 sq.m 2 1 1

Online Viewing Remote Transaction

Buy an apartment in Burgas by the sea. We offer for sale a two-room apartment in a new luxury residential building Bay View Family, c ACT 16. The apartment, with an area of 65 sq.m., is located on the 2nd floor and consists of an entrance hall, a bathroom with toilet, a living room with a kitchen area, a bedroom and a terrace with sea views....

Grand Estates Group

76 500 €

Apartment in Varna, Bulgaria

55 sq.m 2 1 1

Real estate agency ATLANTA offers for sale a TWO-ROOM APARTMENT at the address: st. Vazrazhdane 3, Varna. The apartment is located in a new building, act 16. Total area: 55 sq.m. Floor: 4/5, there is an elevator. The apartment consists of: living room with kitchen and dining room, bedroom, bathroom, terrace. Exposition - east. Construction...

ATLANTA BG

29 850 €

Apartment at Golden Sands, Bulgaria

49 sq.m

#32763826 Studio hotel apartment is offered for sale Price: 30,000 euros Location: Golden Sands Rooms : 1 Total area: 49 sq. m . Floor: 5 Service fee: 550 euros per year Construction stage: the building was put into operation-Act 16 We offer for sale an apartment in the Berlin Green Park complex. The apartment has an entrance...

OAZIS REALTY

53 000 €

Flat in Byala, Bulgaria

75 sq.m 2 1 1

Online Viewing

A good option for a 2-room apartment in a luxury complex in Byala The one–bedroom apartment is located in a gated complex in the flat part of the city – not far from the central alley, where everything is within walking distance - the beach, supermarkets, shops, restaurants. The complex is built in the form of a horseshoe with a...

Korekt Estejt - Byala i Obzor

174 500 €

Flat in Varna, Bulgaria

73 sq.m 2 1 1

THERE ARE TWO- AND THREE-BEDROOM APARTMENTS TO CHOOSE FROM! TOP LOCATION! SEA VIEW! Code: 16144. A newly built residential complex in one of the most preferred areas of the city of Varna - zh.k. Chaika.Advantages:-Location in a prestigious residential area of Varna-Stylish and impressive facade of the building-The upper floors offer a unique...

STEFANOV INVEST

84 900 €

Flat in Byala, Bulgaria

98 sq.m 3 2 2

Online Viewing Remote Transaction

IBG Property offers a two-bedroom apartment in Byala. The apartment has a total area of 98 square meters, located on the second floor of a five-storey building with an elevator. It consists of: a corridor, a living room with a kitchen area with access to the terrace, two separate bedrooms, a second terrace, a combined bathroom and another...

IBG Property

101 900 €

Flat in Chajka, Bulgaria

61 sq.m 2 1 1

IBG PROPERTY offers to your attention: A unique 2-room apartment on the seafront with a breathtaking sea view is for sale! It is located in a new premium complex in the picturesque area of Kabakum beach and Sunny Day resort. It is located on the first residential floor (actually second floor) and has a total area of 61 sq.m. The apartment...

IBG Property

355 000 €

Apartment in Saints Constantine and Helena, Bulgaria

129 sq.m 3 2 2

Real estate agency ATLANTA offers for sale a THREE-ROOM LUXURY APARTMENT in the resort complex St. St. Constantine and Helena. Total area: 129.1 sq.m. The apartment is FULLY furnished and equipped. And it consists of a spacious living room with kitchen - 44 sq.m. with access to the terrace, two bedrooms of 12 sq.m. each. and 13 sq.m., two...

ATLANTA BG

See more 377 similar properties

About Money

The investment prospects in both cities are unlikely to impress the imagination. However, if you choose between them and the surrounding area, it is better to stop at the first option. The tourism sector is not so stable yet. Having a medium-sized apartment allows you to earn an income in the range of €250-350 per month, which corresponds to an annual profit of 3% after paying all taxes.

Housing prices in Bulgaria are growing, as well as almost all over Europe, but not too fast. The growth in Varna last year was 2.4%, and 3.5% in Burgas. However, some forecasts for 2021 do not exclude double-digit growth.

P. S. Varna and Burgas are very different cities that give their residents different perspectives, which are not determined by the "better – worse" scale. Therefore, it is better to see it once. 

Quoting conditions of Prian.info materials