English 
French 
German 
Italian 
Danish 
Mediterranean feel, tasty food, prices that don’t break the bank (compared to Western Europe), and friendly, warm people… if this sounds like your ideal lifestyle, Albania might be where your future home is.
I’ve put together a list of top best expat-friendly cities in Albania to consider moving to.
Tirana
Tirana, the capital of Albania, is where most of the country’s activity and energy is centred. The city has undergone significant changes in recent years in multiple industries, and it continues to develop to this day.
Tirana is home to many cafés, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The centre, Blloku, Lake, and Arena are among the popular areas in the city.
(Speaking of that, feel free to check out my article on the top neighbourhoods in Tirana.)
To be transparent, renting in Tirana around the main areas is not cheap. At least if we take into consideration the average salary of the employees here. It might cost you around €600-€700 per month if you rent in a good area.
At the same time, renting is much more affordable if you compromise on areas like Astir, Kombinat, Fresk, and others located further from the centre.
Public services are available to go around the city and outside Tirana. The bus system is a bit outdated and can get very crowded; I almost always skip this option. Taxis are always available if you prioritize comfort. And if you enjoy walking, Tirana is a city you can easily discover on foot (not a good idea during the summer, though, as it can get very hot).
Tirana offers good public services, including international schools and modern healthcare. Public and private hospitals are scattered around the city.
Green spaces are limited but not absent. The Grand Park is the biggest park in the city, while Parku Rinia (Taivani) is a small park located just next to the city centre
Pallati I Brigadave (The Palace of Brigades) is a hidden gem that gives a royal feeling straight out of a Bridgerton scene. You can visit this spot only on weekends, from 09:00 to 20:00.
In Tirana, you’ll find a community of expats who have decided to make the city their home. You can connect with them through Facebook groups and find events to attend together. This is a great way to find like-minded people and make new friends. Especially with the recent increase in the number of expats and digital nomads moving to Albania.
Albanians are also welcoming and friendly. They are willing to assist you if you ask for help. English is widely spoken, mostly by the younger generation, and many people also know Italian.
Tirana is also a digital-nomad-friendly city. There are many coffee shops and co-working spots from where you can work at your own pace. And you can always enjoy your time off! There’s always something going on in this city.
Durrës
Durrës is the second-largest city in Albania and just a 40-minute drive from Tirana. It’s a nice coastal city located on the Adriatic coast, known for its ancient history, home to a Roman amphitheatre and ancient city walls.
Durrës offers a more laid-back lifestyle than Tirana but still has everything needed for comfortable living. The in-town healthcare is available, with facilities like the American Medical Centre located within easy reach. The regional hospital is also nearby, ensuring access to medical services when needed.
While international school options are limited, Albanian College for English speakers is an institution that expats with families can consider.
Durrës is well-connected with reliable public transportation, including buses and taxis. The city’s compact layout makes walking a pleasant option, especially since you get the chance to enjoy the sea view. The Mediterranean climate in Durrës means mild winters and warm summers, which is perfect for beach lovers.
Restaurants and cafés are plenty, and events take place once in a while.
As you walk through Shëtitorja “Vollga” (Promenade), you’ll find a nice area with well-maintained pathways, relaxing spaces, restaurants, and cafés. You can go for a run, a slow walk, or simply enjoy the sunset sitting near the sea to get the most out of the experience.
Durrës offers a reasonable cost of living, combining the beach life with the city life. Main facilities are available, and the proximity to Tirana and the Tirana International Airport makes it a convenient and appealing destination for expats.
Shkodër
Shkodër is a beautiful city in northwestern Albania. It has a vintage, movie-like vibe, especially since many people use bikes as their mode of transportation.
But Shkodër is also a city full of history. Rozafa Castle, which is associated with the legend of the same name, is one of the signature historical sites.
Shkodër has a friendly atmosphere and hosts various cultural events throughout the year. It’s also more affordable than Tirana and Durrës, making it a good choice for those looking for a lower cost of living while still enjoying a rich cultural experience.
Shkodër offers city bus lines, providing an affordable means of travel within the city. The city centre is compact and easily accessible on foot. However, to truly explore the beauty of Shkodër like a local, consider renting a bike from one of the options, like Shkodra Rent Bike. Metered taxis, such as Speed Taxi, Lux Taxi, etc, provide convenient and cost-effective city navigation options.
To get a glimpse of the beautiful Albanian nature and enjoy the views that will leave you speechless, you can take a trip to Theth (76.2 km). Shkodër’s nature shines with greenery, tall peaks, and colourful plants, and the journey to Theth isn’t just a road trip.
It’s an entire adventure through the untouched beauty of Shkodër, as it reveals the natural wonders that make this part of Albania so special.
Vlorë
Known as the gateway to the Albanian Rivier, Vlorë is located where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, and it’s a city expats and retirees seem to love. Some of the best neighbourhoods here include Lungomare, Transballkanike, Pavaresia or Skela, Uji i Ftohte, Muradie, and Rradhime.
Vlorë has a busy port and is a hub for maritime activities. Its warm weather and attractive beaches are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The city also makes a great destination for those who enjoy beautiful sea views and prefer a relaxed lifestyle.
Historical sites like the Muradije Mosque and Independence Square also add to the city’s appeal.
Public buses and taxis are available to get around. Walking is also encouraged, especially since you get to benefit from the sea views.
Parks are not popular in the city; however, going for a run or a nice walk on the beaches is never a bad idea. On the other hand, Llogara National Park, a beautiful and well-known park in the south of Albania, is about 40 minutes’ drive from Vlorë.
Saranda
Saranda is becoming increasingly expat-friendly, thanks to its appealing coastal setting and growing infrastructure. Its setting, sea views, and pleasant climate throughout the year add to the advantages of living here.
The city’s waterfront promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes, and socialising with other expats is simple, especially with the large expat community here.
Saranda is known for its beautiful beaches, with Ksamil and Mirror Beach, being among the tourist hotspots recently.
The city is a gateway to the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells about the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Local festivals and cultural events often take place in Saranda, especially during the summer.
Saranda offers a more relaxed lifestyle compared to Tirana. Public services and amenities are not as advanced as in the capital; however, you can find essential amenities like healthcare facilities and public services.
The cost of living in Saranda is generally lower than in larger cities (it can get expensive during summer). However, it is worth noting that the city’s infrastructure may not be as extensive as in Albania’s major urban centres, but the warm, welcoming community and beautiful surroundings make it a fantastic place to call home.
Korçë
Often called the “City of Serenades,” Korçë is a city in southeastern Albania, identified with its cultural heritage and traditional atmosphere. Albanians also refer to it as “Little Paris” due to the French cultural influence during World War I.
The city’s mountain views, historical architecture, friendly energy, and affordability make it a pleasant place to live, at least for a short-term period.
Korçë gets specifically popular during winter, as it’s one of the most preferred holiday destinations by natives and tourists.
Korça is accessible by various means, with well-connected road networks linking it to major cities in Albania. Public buses provide convenient transportation options for those travelling to this city.
Korçë offers multiple bus services connecting various cities at different times. The most frequent route is the Korça-Tirana-Korça line, which has multiple departures and returns throughout the day. Other key connections include Durrës, Lushnjë, Fier, Vlora, Berat, Bilisht, Pogradec, Elbasan, Saranda, and Gjirokastër, with specific departure and return schedules. Some routes run daily, while others operate only on certain days of the week.
Dardha and Voskopoja are two picturesque villages in Albania’s Korça region, just a few minutes from the city centre. Each village has its own beauty, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich nature, traditional food, and lovely views.
The city has a few healthcare facilities, including local clinics and the Korça Regional Hospital, which provide basic medical services. Some of the amenities include a variety of local shops, restaurants, and cafes, though the selection may not be as extensive as in larger cities.
When it comes to education, Korçë is home to several public schools with a strong emphasis on cultural and historical education. However, there are no international schools, which might be a deal-breaker for expat families with children.
Korçë is famous for its café culture, the National Museum of Medieval Art, and the beautifully renovated Old Bazaar area.
The city is more affordable compared to larger cities like Tirana, and less developed compared to it.
