As of November 12, 2026, Bulgaria is cheaper than Türkiye for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $83 in Bulgaria against $94 in Türkiye, a gap of 13.3%. Over the past year Bulgaria has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+3.3% after inflation, against −6.5%). Bulgaria carries the lower US advisory (Level 1 against Level 2). Türkiye is the easier of the two to travel.
| Measure | Bulgaria | Türkiye |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $83 | $94 |
| Lean day | $39 | $41 |
| Comfortable day | $176 | $224 |
| Real change, 12 months | +3.3% | −6.5% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +4.5% | +19.0% |
| Versus 5-year average | −5.2% | −22.9% |
| US advisory | Level 1 · Normal precautions | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 4.0 · Well set up | 4.5 · Effortless |
| Index score | 67 | 52 |
| Best months | May, Jun, Sep | Apr, May, Sep, Oct |
| Shoulder months | Apr, Oct, Jan, Feb | Mar, Jun, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
The cheapest country in the EU, now on the euro.
The catchEuro adoption in 2026 removed any currency play for euro earners and brought some price rounding.
The classic lesson in why the exchange rate alone lies: the lira falls, and prices rise faster.
The catchInflation has outrun depreciation for long stretches, so Istanbul can cost more in dollars than it did years ago. Foreigner museum pricing is steep.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.