Inflation in Bulgaria: A Comprehensive Overview

Inflation measures how quickly prices rise over time. This overview examines current inflation trends in Bulgaria, supported by interactive charts with live data.

Introduction

This analysis draws on data published by Eurostat and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). All values are updated in real-time, typically on the 18th–20th of each month when data providers publish final figures. We will examine:

  • Annual inflation (how prices have changed compared to the same month in the previous year)
  • Monthly inflation (price changes compared to the previous month)
  • Price level changes relative to 2015 (which provides a better understanding of changes over time)

As inflation represents a long-term structural trend, the annual rate provides the most meaningful indicator of price dynamics.

Overall Inflation

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria's annual inflation rate amounted to 3.8%, and the monthly rate was 0.4%.
  • For comparison, the annual inflation rate was 2.5% in the European Union and 2.2% in the euro area.
  • Since 2015, consumer prices in Bulgaria have risen by 43.4%, showing the cumulative effect of inflation.

Food

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria's annual food inflation rate was 6.6%, and the monthly rate was 0.4%.
  • For comparison, the annual food inflation rate was 3% in the European Union and 2.4% in the euro area.
  • Food prices in Bulgaria have changed by 82.7% in total since 2015.

Alcohol and Tobacco

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria recorded an annual alcohol and tobacco inflation rate of 7.4%, and the monthly rate was 0.6%.
  • For comparison, the annual alcohol and tobacco inflation rate was 3.9% in the European Union and 2.7% in the euro area.
  • Since 2015, alcohol and tobacco prices in Bulgaria have increased by 40.9%.

Clothing

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria's annual clothing inflation rate stood at 0.1%, and the monthly rate was 6.2%.
  • For comparison, the annual clothing inflation rate was 0.7% in the European Union and 0.6% in the euro area.
  • Clothing prices in Bulgaria have changed by 12.0% since 2015.

Housing and Utilities

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria's annual housing and utilities inflation rate was 8%, and the monthly rate was 0.2%.
  • Across the European Union, the annual housing and utilities inflation rate was 2.4%, compared with 1.6% in the euro area.
  • Since 2015, housing and utilities prices in Bulgaria have changed by 63.5% in total.

Household Equipment

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria's annual household equipment inflation rate amounted to 1%, and the monthly rate was 0%.
  • For comparison, the annual household equipment inflation rate was 0.7% in the European Union and 0.5% in the euro area.
  • Household equipment prices in Bulgaria have changed by 26.6% since 2015.

Healthcare

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria's annual healthcare inflation rate stood at -7.7%, and the monthly rate was 0.1%.
  • For comparison, the annual healthcare inflation rate was 2.9% in the European Union and 2.2% in the euro area.
  • Healthcare prices in Bulgaria have changed by 15.7% since 2015.

Transport

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria's annual transport inflation rate was 0.4%, and the monthly rate was -0.7%.
  • For comparison, the annual transport inflation rate was 1.6% in the European Union and 1.7% in the euro area.
  • Transport prices in Bulgaria have changed by 18.5% since 2015.

Communications

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria recorded an annual communications inflation rate of 5.4%, and the monthly rate was 0.1%.
  • For comparison, the annual communications inflation rate was 0.2% in the European Union and -0.6% in the euro area.
  • Communications prices in Bulgaria have changed by -4.8% since 2015.

Recreation and Culture

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria's annual recreation and culture inflation rate amounted to 4.8%, and the monthly rate was 2%.
  • For comparison, the annual recreation and culture inflation rate was 1.7% in the European Union and 1.3% in the euro area.
  • Recreation and culture prices in Bulgaria have changed by 25.9% since 2015.

Education

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria's annual education inflation rate was 8.6%, and the monthly rate was 1.1%.
  • For comparison, the annual education inflation rate was 4.4% in the European Union and 3.5% in the euro area.
  • Education prices in Bulgaria have changed by 73.6% since 2015.

Restaurants and Hotels

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria's annual restaurants and hotels inflation rate stood at 7.1%, and the monthly rate was -1.1%.
  • For comparison, the annual restaurants and hotels inflation rate was 4% in the European Union and 3.6% in the euro area.
  • Restaurants and hotels prices in Bulgaria have changed by 82.8% since 2015.

Energy

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria recorded an annual energy inflation rate of 1.7%, and the monthly rate was -0.1%.
  • For comparison, the annual energy inflation rate was 0% in the European Union and -0.5% in the euro area.
  • Energy prices in Bulgaria have changed by 35.5% since 2015.

Services

  • In October 2025, Bulgaria's annual services inflation rate amounted to 4.7%, and the monthly rate was 0.2%.
  • For comparison, the annual services inflation rate was 3.7% in the European Union and 3.5% in the euro area.
  • Services prices in Bulgaria have changed by 46.1% since 2015.


Frequently Asked Questions

In October 2025, annual inflation in Bulgaria was 3.8%, representing a change of -0.3 percentage points compared to the previous period.

The current price index (2015=100) shows 143.42 for Bulgaria as of October 2025. This means prices have risen significantly since the 2015 baseline year.

Month-over-month price changes in October 2025 were 0.4% in Bulgaria.

The inflation measurement in Bulgaria is composed of several key components, each with different weights in the overall index (per 1,000 of consumer expenditure):

  • Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 219.66
  • Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics: 56.92
  • Clothing and footwear: 39.75
  • Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels: 96.55
  • Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance: 69.08
  • Health: 76.06
  • Transport: 141.19
  • Communication: 53.84
  • Recreation and culture: 92.04
  • Education: 13.93
  • Restaurants and hotels: 82
  • Miscellaneous goods and services: 58.98
  • Total: 1,000

Inflation in Other Countries

Compare Bulgaria's inflation results with other European countries to explore broader regional trends.


Methodology and Data Sources

This analysis utilizes real-time data from Eurostat, processed and visualized through Monitly's analytics platform. All charts and statistics are updated automatically to reflect the latest available information.