Cost of Living

The high taxes and production costs in EU countries can make holidays and second homes there an expensive experience. Bulgaria by contrast is low cost, remarkably so. The local currency, the Lev, is pegged to the Euro and does not reflect its true intrinsic value. In other words, it's not as highly valued as it should. This helps Bulgarian exports and foreigners who wish to invest in Bulgaria. The country seems determined to join the EU in 2007, so this window of opportunity is limited.

The incredibly low cost of living makes it easy to take full advantage of all that the country has to offer. With a three course meal and wine for two rarely exceeding £9, beers for as little as 30p, and delicious wine at £2 a bottle it's too tempting to pass up. Public transport in urban areas comes to around £2 for a taxi ride and 25p flat fare for bus journey. It is possible to traverse the whole country on intercity buses and trains for under £20.