Roughly 10 percent of people in Bulgaria lack the financial resources to buy a car for personal use, according to 2025 data from Eurostat. segabg.com reported that this figure places the country third in the European Union for households that cannot afford a personal vehicle.
Financial Accessibility Across Europe
The share of Bulgarians unable to buy a car stands at 10 percent, matching a decade-long trend of gradual improvement. segabg.com noted that in 2016, the proportion of the population facing this financial barrier reached 22 percent, marking a 12 percentage point decrease over ten years. In contrast, the average across the European Union sits at 5.5 percent, according to eranova.bg.
Regional comparisons show wide disparities across southeastern Europe and the wider continent. eranova.bg reported that Greece records 7.3 percent of its population without the means for a personal vehicle, while North Macedonia reported 13 percent for 2024. Higher rates appear further inland and among non-EU neighbors, with Serbia at 15.9 percent and Turkey at 20.2 percent.
EU Rankings and Extreme Variations
Bulgaria shares the upper tier of the Eurostat table with Finland at 11.3 percent and Hungary at 10.4 percent. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Cyprus reports just 1.6 percent of its population unable to afford a car, followed by Slovenia at 1.7 percent and Croatia at 2.6 percent, as detailed by segabg.com.
The statistical drop in Bulgaria from 22 percent in 2016 to the current 10 percent reflects broader shifts in household purchasing power over the decade, even as the country remains among the most restricted in the bloc for vehicle ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Affordability
What does Eurostat measure regarding personal vehicles?
Eurostat tracks the proportion of the population that cannot afford a car for personal use due to financial constraints.
How does Bulgaria compare to its Balkan neighbors?
Bulgaria’s 10 percent rate sits below Turkey at 20.2 percent and Serbia at 15.9 percent, but above North Macedonia at 13 percent and Greece at 7.3 percent.
Which European countries report the lowest rates of vehicle unaffordability?
Cyprus records the lowest share at 1.6 percent, followed closely by Slovenia at 1.7 percent and Croatia at 2.6 percent.
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