How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Tirana?

Thinking about moving to Albania or just want to know more about the cost of living?

Albania is often seen as an affordable place to live compared to many Western countries and it seems like a lot of digital nomads or/and expats who’ve lived here agree with that. This still holds true, even with the price increases the country has recently experienced.

But how much do you really need to live comfortably in Albania? Let’s break it down.

Renting Costs

Rent is usually the biggest expense in Albania, and prices depend on the location. Popular areas such as “Myslym Shyr,” “Rruga e Kavajës,” “Pazari i Ri,” and “Arena” are more expensive than neighbourhoods located away from the centre. These are the average renting costs you can expect (+/- €50):

• A one-bedroom apartment in Tirana’s city centre: Around €400-€600 per month
• A one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: €200-€350 per month
• A two-bedroom in the city centre: €500-€800 per month

If you move to smaller cities or villages, rent can be much lower.

Note: If you rent, you are required to pay a security deposit, which is usually equivalent to one or two months’ rent, depending on the landlord’s terms.

Utilities & Internet

Electricity & water: €50-€100 per month (depending on usage). Bills can be paid at stores displaying OSHE and UKT signs, as these companies manage electricity and water services. Costs depend on usage. For example, for the month of January, my electricity bill was €71.90 (7122 Lek), and my water bill was €7.53 (746 Lek).

Fast internet: €15-€25 per month

Mobile data: €6-€16 per month for a generous package

Note: You can sign a contract to take advantage of special offers. For instance, I have a fixed monthly contract (with Vodafone) that covers both home internet and mobile data. My total cost is around €23.23 (2300 Lek, for home internet + data for 2 phone numbers). If you use up your data before the month ends and need more, you can purchase additional data and pay when making your monthly payment.

Food & Groceries

For groceries, you can shop at local markets or supermarkets. I suggest checking out local markets for more affordable prices, and purchase other good at supermarkets (like pasta, milk, cereals etc.)

• Monthly grocery bill for one person: €150-€250
• Eating out at a mid-range restaurant: €10-€15 per meal
• Coffee at a local café: €1-€1.50

If you love cooking at home, fresh produce is affordable, and local bakeries have great bread and pastries for under €1 (depending on the type of bread or pastry you choose, for example, integral bread is a bit over €1).

Transportation

Public transport in Albania is inexpensive, but options are somewhat limited. Most people either take buses or taxis, or walk, (cities in Albania are walkable as well) unless you have to go to a large shopping mall or somewhere located away from the centre. There are no metro or tram systems in Albania.

• Bus ticket in Tirana: €0.40 per ride
• Taxi (short ride): €3-€7
• Monthly transport pass (Abone): €16.13 (1600 Lek), except for the bus that takes you in Kamza, that has a different price. Monthly transport pass is free for retirees.
• If you own a car, fuel costs €1.70 (Diesel)-€1.90 (Petrol) per liter

Entertainment & Leisure

Going out and having fun won’t break the bank; however, if not managed wisely, expenses can add up quickly.

• Gym membership: €30-€40 per month, depending on the gym you choose. Classes like pilates cost more (€60 – €250 depending on the pilates studio you choose, whether you prefer pilates mat/reformer, etc.).
• Cinema ticket: €6-€8
• Drinks at a bar: €5 per drink
• A weekend getaway within Albania: €50-€150 (depending on your style)

Healthcare

Public healthcare is available, but most expats and retirees prefer private healthcare.

• Doctor’s visit at a private clinic: €20-€50

Total Monthly Cost for a Comfortable Life

So, how much do you really need? Here’s a rough estimate based on different lifestyles:

• Budget lifestyle (solo, basic needs met, local living): €600-€900 per month
• Comfortable lifestyle (nice apartment, eating out, activities): €1,200-€1,800 per month
• Luxury lifestyle (high-end housing, frequent travel, premium services): €2,500+ per month

Final Thoughts

In Albania you can live well without spending a fortune. If you adapt to local prices and live like a local, you can keep costs low. If you prefer a more Western-style lifestyle, costs will be higher, especially in Tirana and coastal cities. But overall, it’s a great place where your money goes further than in many other European countries.

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