As seen in the National Geographic, Forbes, and other prestigious news sites, Albania has been listed as a must-visit destination for 2024.
So whether you are considering a visit to Albania or planning an extended stay, this article can provide valuable information.
We have compiled tables detailing price ranges to make it easier for you to understand how much does it cost to live in Albania in 2024.
Let’s begin.
How Much Does it Cost to Live in Albania?
Albania has seen an increase in tourist interest, impacting prices in the past few years. As the country continues to develop, prices may vary. Therefore, we have put together a cost estimation list for 2024, focusing on major cities in Albania. This list aims to give you an idea of the potential living expenses, considering the changing economic conditions in the country.
Which Cities in Albania Are the Most Favourable to Live in?
Certainly, Tirana stands out as the most populated city in Albania, hosting around 1 million people and offering abundant opportunities.
Following closely is Durres, located just a 35-40 minute car ride away from Tirana.
Another attractive city is Vlora, situated by the seaside like Durres. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach Vlora from Tirana.
Other viable living destinations include Shkodra in the north, near Montenegro, Korca in the southeast, and Saranda in the southwest, near Greece.
Now, let’s make a rough estimation of how much does it cost to live in Albania in 2024, focusing mainly on these six key cities mentioned above.
Apartment
When relocating to a new country, the first step is to assess your budget for accommodation. Below, we provide a range for renting and buying properties in major cities across Albania.
Then if you want to buy an apartment in Albania here are the price ranges per square meter.
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| Buy Apartment | In EUR |
|---|---|
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | 980-3300 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | 600-1500 |
Utilities
The utilities vary by location; that’s why we listed a range of prices you can pay monthly. We have included the electricity, heating, garbage, internet and more.
Read More: Property Taxes in Albania
| Utilities | EUR/Month |
|---|---|
| Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | 60-120 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 13-18 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 13-20 |
Transport
Without any existing train lines in Albania (the first one is expected to be finished by 2025), you can rely on transportation options like buses, taxis, or using your own car. Public transport, even in Tirana, is quite affordable. We’ve also taken into account the cost of gasoline, which is relatively expensive, similar to other countries like Italy or France.
| Transport | In EUR |
|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 0,4-0,8 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 1,2-1,8 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 3-5 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 1,5-5 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1,8-2,2 |
Supermarket
In Albania, you’ll find local supermarkets like BigMarket alongside international markets such as Conad, Spar, and Bio Supermarkets like BioJu and more.
While international supermarkets offer more imported products, mostly from Italy, they tend to be more expensive. However, opting for local Albanian products can make grocery shopping quite affordable. Moreover, supermarket prices can vary depending on the location.
| Supermarket | In EUR |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 1,1-2 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 0,5-1,2 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 1-2,6 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 1,9-3 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 6-14 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 3,3-9 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 8-16 |
| Apples (1kg) | 0,6-2 |
| Banana (1kg) | 1,4-4 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 0,8-2,8 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 0,6-2.3 |
| Potato (1kg) | 0,5-1,3 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 0,4-2 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 0,5-1 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 4,5-15 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 0,8-1,7 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 1-2,5 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 3,2-3,8 |
Restaurants
Prices in Albanian restaurants are quite affordable compared to other European countries. The traditional cuisine offers tasty dishes at reasonable prices. Coffee is a significant part of everyday life, costing around EUR 0.5 to EUR 1. However, Asian restaurants in Tirana, mostly, tend to be more expensive than in other countries. Additionally, rooftops and seaside restaurants during the summer also tend to have higher prices.
| Restaurants | In EUR |
|---|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 4,5-15 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 25-60 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 6-8 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 1,2-4 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 2-5 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 0,8-2,5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 1-2 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 0,5-1 |
Sports and Leisure
If you enjoy working out and plan to join a gym, it’s quite affordable in Albania, with many options available. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are public spaces offering tennis or basketball, particularly in the Tirana lake, or Lungomare in Vlora, and other cities. Additionally, if you are a movie lover, there are cinemas like Cineplexx Albania and Kinema Millenium.
| Sports and Leisure | In EUR |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 20-50 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 10-30 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 6-10 |
Education
If you are moving as a family in Albania, it’s important to make a research of the international schools in Albania for your children’s education. To simplify your relocation process, we have crafted an article that covers Canadian, American, English, French, and German schools. Moreover, this article provides information on their programs, fees, and contact details.
Read More: International Schools (Fees, Program and More)
Conclusion
If you are moving as a family in Albania, it’s important to make a research on international schools in Albania for your children’s education Consider choosing the capital city or other major cities like Vlora, Durres, Shkodra, Saranda, or Korca, as they offer more opportunities for expats. It’s worth noting that all international schools are located in Tirana, making it the practical choice for families with children.
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