Bulgaria's capital Sofia is the most expensive city in Bulgaria, followed by Varna, according to the Industry Watch cost of living index for November 2007.

Average salaries for middle-level positions in Sofia, Varna and Bourgas were almost equal and were the highest in the country, the Industry Watch report said as quoted by the Bulgarian news agency BTA.

Salaries in Plovdiv and Stara Zagora were more than 10 per cent lower.

Labour was the least expensive in Sliven and Yambol, but living was least expensive there too. Purchasing power of one lev in Sliven and Yambol was 26 per cent higher than in Sofia.

Middle-level positions were considered those, where employees could easily change jobs or even industries. Typical middle -level employees were aged 25 to 45, spoke some English and would adapt quickly to new environments and functions, Industry Watch said.