Sofia - Post Report Question and Answers
How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
I would say it is similar to the same in the US. We have Lidl, Kaufland, and Billa which resemble US smaller size supermarkets depending on which location you go to. Metro is like a Sams Club| Costco. You can find dupes for mostly everything you want but if you are brand specific you may want to see if you can get it sent. Many people use Ebag which is a grocery delivery app. It's convenient and has same day delivery which is nice. - Jun 2023
The cost of goods was surprisingly cheap, but sometimes it would be hard to find specific. Some of the items included coriander, chocolate chips, and american style beef. The biggest problem was finding convenience foods like canned soup of boxed meals. We learned very quickly that if we saw a food or brand we really wanted, we should buy it immediately. It might not be there next time you go to the shop. - Mar 2019
Most things are available and relatively cheap. You can get fantastic yogurt and produce, usually fresh bread. There are tortillas, loaf style bread, pinto beans, bio / organic items, etc. However, things like chocolate chips and specialty items like gluten free flours are expensive if available. - May 2016
Widely available and about 20% cheaper than in the U.S. - Dec 2014
Same or higher than DC. - Nov 2014
We shop only from Metro (German chain) and spend about 150 lev a week for groceries. - Aug 2014
Groceries are about 10-20% cheaper than in the States, though with the plummeting dollar they are getting more expensive. I usually shop at Carrefour, which is similar to WalMart. Some people go the Belgian owned Piccadilly chain, which is more expensive. There's also a Costco type place called Metro, which is German. They have also recently opened quite a few European chain DIY stores, so shopping now is really convenient. - Jun 2011
We actually spend quite a lot on food, but we are a big family with 4 kids. We are probably spending 200 to 300 leva per week. - Oct 2009
Groceries are comparable to the U.S. in terms of price. There are a number of the German Metro supermarket chains which offer good variety. Carrefour is set to open its flagship hypermarket in Sofia very soon. - Feb 2008
