Budapest vs Sofia

Budapest 🇭🇺
Sofia 🇧🇬
Population 1,768,073 1,270,169
Official language(s) Hungarian Bulgarian
Level of English High High
Main airport Budapest Ferihegy International Airport (BUD) Sofia International Airport (SOF)
Most common months to visit March - June, September - November April-June, September-October
Currency HUF - Hungarian Forint (Ft) BGN - Bulgarian Lev (лв)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere, cash needed for small shops Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No No
Average monthly costs $1230 $1289
Rent $499 $567
Groceries $108 $10
Dining out $202 $227
Cafe $29 $27
Coworking space $120 $140
Mobile internet $9 $10
Public transportation $36 $30
Taxis $27 $12
Shared bicycles and scooters $13 $40
Sport and cultural events $24 $18
Museums and sights $7 $12
Nightlife $43 $82
Gym $37 $23
Yoga $48 $62
Massage $26 $29
SIM card options Vodafone, Telenor A1, Telenor, Vivacom
Tipping 10 - 15% at restaurants and bars 10% in restaurants, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafés
Taxi apps Bolt, Fotaxi TaxiMe, TaxiStars
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine Magyar cuisine makes extensive use of creams, cheeses and sauces primarily in beef, chicken and pork dishes, mixed with seasonal vegetables, fruits and rich desserts. Vegetables and mild spices are often mixed with dairy products to create rich chicken and pork products. Seafood dishes also popular in some regions of the country, making them popular in the capital.
Local food specialities Goulash, Fisherman's soup, Főzelék, Somloi Galuska, Pörkölt and Paprikás, Kürtös Kalács, Hungarian Lecsó, Lángos Kebapche, Bulgarian musaka, lyutenitsa, shkember chorba, kyufte, kavarma, banitsa and tarator
Eat like a local Local markets, cafés, taverns, street food, traditional restaurants Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas.
Vegetarian / vegan options 47 options on HappyCow 20 options on HappyCow