When talking about Bulgaria, we rarely consider it a wealthy place. However, as everyone that has actually been to Bulgaria knows, there is a lot of money flowing around the small Balkan country, especially in the larger cities. It should come as no surprise that the richest cities in Bulgaria are also the bigger ones. However, the order is not what one might expect.
Plovdiv
Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria and one of the most beautiful. If you have ever been there, you have to admit that the vibe is unique and charming. The hills, the ancient ruins, the old town, and the city center are all great. Because it’s a large city with a tourist industry, Plovdiv is rather wealthy by Bulgarian standards. However, it is also rich due to the many industries and companies that are situated in and around the city. Whether you’re a tourist or an investor, Plovdiv is worth the visit.
Varna
Well known among the beachgoers, Varna is another obvious addition to the list of richest cities in Bulgaria. The Seaside city has a large port, an active airport, and a lot of people that create wealth and equity. The so-called seaside capital of Bulgaria is a great city and you will notice quite a few fancy cars, restaurants and houses if you walk around it. A lot of the money comes from tourism, but Varna is also the home of a few of Bulgaria’s largest companies.
Stara Zagora
This might be unknown to many foreigners. Stara Zagora is not very popular with tourists, and it’s a bit off the beaten path, but this is the second richest city in Bulgaria. The reason why is simple: industry. Due to its geography, Stara Zagora has a lot of plains and fields which have helped it establish itself as the industrial and agricultural hot spot for the region of central Bulgaria. While there aren’t too many interesting landmarks for tourists, this is a very well-kept and pretty city, that shows you what normal life in Bulgaria is like for a lot of people. If you want a less touristy destination to explore, Stara Zagora is great.
Sofia
Sofia is a true behemoth for Bulgaria. The capital city is huge, bigger than all of the other ones on the list combined. Big businesses, banks, foreign headquarter, and the government are all located here. This means that the prices and the salaries are quite a bit higher than in the other regions of the country and the wealth discrepancy between Sofia and the rest of Bulgaria is very noticeable. If you want a luxurious stay while in Bulgaria, Sofia is the city that can offer you the best opportunities.
