You don’t have to live in an expensive city to earn a good salary. In fact, if you’re working for a U.S. or EU-based company, moving to Albania could save you up to $2,000 a month without compromising your lifestyle.
It’s no news that Albania is far more affordable than most European countries, and definitely cheaper than the U.S. The more people discover just how much they can save by living here, the more interest grows.
A lot of digital nomads and expats say the same thing:
Living in the U.S. just isn’t cost-effective.
And they’re not wrong.
Salaries in Albania might not be high for locals, but for remote professionals, it’s the best of both worlds:
Live in a beautiful, low-cost country, and keep your international salary.
Let’s break down exactly how much you can save and what life as a remote worker in Albania really looks like.
Why Albania Makes Sense for Remote Workers
Albania is much cheaper than some European countries and the U.S. But beyond that, it’s easy to stay here long-term. If you’re from the U.S., you can stay in Albania for up to one year without a visa.
Cities like Tirana offer everything a remote worker needs: cafés with fast internet, coworking spaces, and a walkable city center. And on weekends, you can explore a lot! There are beaches, lakes, and mountain towns within a few hours of Tirana, so that work-life balance is highly rewarding here.
Want to relocate to Tirana? We can help you get started.
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Here’s what an average remote worker might spend in a month:
Expense | New York | Tirana, Albanien |
---|---|---|
Rent (1-bedroom) | $2,000+ | $400–$600 (depending on the area, type of accommodation, etc) |
Utilities + Wi-Fi | $200 | $60–$90 |
Lebensmittel | $500 | $150–$250 |
Eating Out | $400 | $100–$200 |
Transport | $150–$300 | Under $50 |
That’s a difference of at least $2,000 per month without giving up basic comforts. In fact, you might even live better.
Where to Live and Work Remotely
Tirana



Most remote workers choose to base themselves in Tirana. It’s the capital and the most developed city in the country when it comes to infrastructure, coworking, and networking. English is widely spoken, and there are plenty of international restaurants, events, and things to do.
You’ll meet people easily, get your work done, and settle into local life without the hassle of hunting for an apartment right away.
Vlora



If you want to live by the sea without losing access to city life, Vlora is a solid pick. It’s a coastal city that stays lively year-round, with a growing number of cafés, a new marina, and fast access to the Albanian Riviera.
- The city is walkable and affordable, with cheaper food prices than Tirana
- Good Wi-Fi and lots of places to work from, especially in summer
- Great for those who want the beach close by and prefer a more laid-back vibe
Saranda



Saranda is smaller and more seasonal, but remote workers love it especially in spring and fall. In summer, it gets busy, but in the off-season, it’s peaceful, beautiful, and still very affordable.
- Sea views from most apartments
- Perfect for quiet working days with an incredible view
- Plenty of cafés, but coworking options are limited
Shkodër



Up north, near the border with Montenegro, Shkodër is a charming, creative city. It has a strong café culture, a local art scene, and is known for being bike-friendly.
- Close to nature, ideal if you enjoy hiking, lakes, or weekend escapes
- The city is compact, and most people speak at least basic English
- Slower pace, less traffic, and a strong sense of community
Korça


Kora is a small mountain town with clean air, cool summers, and an artsy feel. It’s known for its beer, books, and quiet streets. This is the kind of place where you can focus, work undisturbed, and enjoy a simpler lifestyle.
- Good cafés and places to work
- Very walkable and peaceful, especially in spring and autumn
- A good fit for creatives or anyone who wants to disconnect from city noise
What Is Life Like in Albania?
Albania is simple, affordable, and easy to adjust to. Some things you’ll notice right away:
- Coffees cost about $1. There are cafés on every corner.
- The tap water isn’t drinkable, but bottled water is cheap and everywhere.
- Groceries are fresh and affordable. Local fruits and vegetables are easy to find.
- Public transport is basic, but cities are walkable or easy to navigate by taxi.
- Healthcare is private for foreigners, but prices are much lower than in the West.
- The pace of life is slower, which many remote workers actually prefer.
Plus, there’s a growing expat and digital nomad community, especially in Tirana and along the coast in summer.
Get weekly updates on the recent news and events happening in Albania:
Coworking Spaces in Tirana
Tirana has a growing number of coworking spaces quiet, friendly places with fast internet where you can work comfortably and meet other remote professionals.
Some popular options:
- Innospace
- Niederländischer Hub
- Coolab
- Kreativzentrum Destil
- Social Hub
Many cafés in Tirana are also laptop-friendly with fast Wi-Fi, but if you need quiet and long work sessions, these coworking spaces are worth it.
Die besten Cafés in Tirana für Fernarbeit
Is It Worth Moving Here?
If you’re getting paid a U.S. or European salary, then yes, it’s absolutely worth it.
You’ll keep earning the same but spend much less. That gives you the chance to:
- Save more
- Travel more
- Invest or pay off debt
- Just enjoy life without the financial pressure
Instead of trying to stretch your income in a big city, you can relocate to Albania and still live well while spending far less.
Autor
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Sara verkörpert die Definition von Kreativität in ihrer Rolle als Inhaltserstellerin in unserem Team. Als albanische Muttersprachlerin konzentriert sie sich auf das Verfassen von qualitativen Beiträgen, meist gut recherchierte Artikel und informative Blogbeiträge. Sie spielt auch eine Schlüsselrolle bei der Erstellung von ansprechenden Beiträgen in den sozialen Medien, um eine gleichgesinnte Gemeinschaft von Albanisch-Liebhabern aufzubauen und sie bei der Stange zu halten. Zu ihren Qualifikationen gehören unter anderem ein von Reuters anerkanntes Zertifikat in Journalismus, ein Sprachzertifikat, ein Praktikum in Bukarest und eine Ausbildung in digitalem Marketing. Wenn Sara nicht an ihrem Schreibtisch sitzt und Inhalte erstellt, kann man sie beim Lesen eines guten Buches oder beim Aufschreiben ihrer Gedanken in ihrem Tagebuch antreffen.
Sie können ihre Worte auch bei Momentum Group, Bulls Media Albania, 112hub und Ajroni finden.