Coimbra vs Varna on €40,000: take-home pay, rent and cost of living in 2026
On a gross salary of €40,000 a year, a single employee takes home €2,308 a month in Coimbra (69% of gross) and €2,728 a month in Varna (82%), after income tax and social security contributions.
Varna is 26% cheaper than Coimbra overall (cost-of-living index 26.4 vs 35.6, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about €561 a month in Varna and €772 in Coimbra, which leaves €2,167 and €1,537 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about €1,455 a month in Varna — this salary leaves €1,273 a month on top.
By category, groceries cost 0% more in Varna than in Coimbra, eating out 11% more and rent 17% less.
| Coimbra | Varna | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | €40,000 | €40,000 |
| Take-home pay per month | €2,308 | €2,728 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | €772 | €561 |
| Left after rent | €1,537 | €2,167 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 35.6 | 26.4 |
How each figure is taxed: Portugal tax calculator and Bulgaria tax calculator. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.
Questions about Coimbra vs Varna
Is Varna, Bulgaria more expensive than Coimbra, Portugal?
Varna, Bulgaria is 26% cheaper than Coimbra, Portugal overall. On a gross salary of €40,000 a year, you take home €2,308 a month in Coimbra, Portugal and €2,728 a month in Varna, Bulgaria after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in Varna, Bulgaria vs Coimbra, Portugal?
Keeping the same standard of living as in Coimbra, Portugal, you could save about €1,273 a month (€15,280 a year) in Varna, Bulgaria on this salary, after rent and living costs.
What taxes will I pay in Bulgaria vs Portugal?
On €40,000 gross a year you take home €2,308 a month in Portugal and €2,728 a month in Bulgaria. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.