Living in Albania Pros and Cons (From a Local’s Perspective) [2025]

Thinking about moving to Albania? You’ve probably seen the stunning photos, read about the low cost of living, and maybe even followed a few expats or digital nomads who’ve made the jump. But here’s the thing: not everything you see online gives you the full picture.

Since I’m a native Albanian from Tirana, I know firsthand what it means to live here day in and day out.

This post isn’t sugar-coated. I want to give you a real, honest look into life in Albania: what’s great, what doesn’t meet expectations, and what you should really know before relocating, investing, or spending an extended stay here.

Let’s go!

Pros of Living in Albania

Here are the main advantages that living in Albania has to offer:

Still Cheaper Than Most of Europe

Despite inflation creeping in, Albania remains a budget-friendly country for most expats. Especially if you earn remotely in euros or dollars, the difference in living costs is noticeable. Eating out, groceries, transportation, and basic services are still affordable compared to Western Europe.

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

Even rent, though rising fast in cities like Tirana, is often much lower than in cities like Rome, Barcelona, or Vienna. That said, buying property is another story (we’ll share more details about that in another article).

Stunning Natural Beauty

It still surprises me how much this tiny country packs into its borders. Despite the area being 28,748 km2, there’s so much to see and do here! One weekend you’re hiking in the Albanian Alps, the next you’re swimming in turquoise Ionian waters.

I’ve lived here all my life and still haven’t seen it all.

From remote mountain villages to hidden lagoons and wild beaches, Albania’s natural beauty feels raw, real, and still largely untouched by mass tourism, if you know where to look.

Also read: 10 Secret Spots in Albania You Won’t Find on Travel Blogs

Locals Are (Usually) Incredibly Welcoming

It’s true: Albanians are generally kind, helpful, and open, especially toward foreigners. You can ask for directions and end up getting invited to coffee. It’s part of the culture to treat guests with generosity, and there’s a strong sense of community here.

In the north, the concept of Besa (keeping a promise) is still a core part of how people live. Of course, you’ll meet all kinds of personalities like anywhere, but overall, people are quick to help and often excited to share stories about their country.

Interesting History and Culture

One of the things I like most about visiting new countries is learning more about their history and culture. There’s something quite interesting about discovering their past, what was it that influenced the country to what it is today, what influenced the citizens, the architecture, the food, and so much more!

The same goes for Albania.

Albania is a treasure chest of history and culture, that’s been shaped by many different civilizations over time. Ancient ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Sites are scattered across the country. Our mixed historical influences show up in everything, from architecture to food to how people interact.

Places like Gjirokastër, Berat, Apollonia, Bunk’Art museums etc, give you a peek into Albania’s soul. And it’s not just about history. It’s also about the everyday rhythm of life here: long coffees, noisy family lunches, and traditions that still hold strong, that personally, I find so interesting!

Cities Like Tirana are Full of Life

Tirana is always buzzing with cafés, events, markets, galleries, live music. It’s not a huge city by European standards, but there’s always something going on here. And, from what I’ve seen and read, this is exactly one of the reasons why people love Tirana! Because of its energy, its chaos, its movement. People feel alive here.

And if you like being around people, socializing and networking are easy and fun.

Also read: June Events in Albania

Outside the capital, cities like Durrës, Vlorë, and Shkodër have their own energy, just at a slower pace. A lot of expats prefer these cities for the peace they offer, and because they can have the slow kind of lifestyle there.

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Pleasant Mediterranean Climate All Year Round

Albania’s Mediterranean climate means mild winters and long, sunny summers. If you’re coming from colder climates, this will feel like a blessing.

But fair warning: summers in the cities can get very hot, especially in July and August. Luckily, the beaches are just a short drive away when you need to cool off.

Growing Expat & Nomad Community

A few years ago, seeing a digital nomad in Tirana felt rare. Now, there are growing pockets of remote workers, retirees, and creatives building their lives here.

Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, and events are popping up in Tirana, Durrës, and even southern towns like Himara and Saranda. The community is growing, and people are generally happy to help newcomers.

This is actually another one of my favourite things about Albania: how simple it is to build connections, learn from others, and overall, become a part of a community of people who love exchanging their experiences, and value growth.

Cons of Living in Albania

Moving to a new country is obviously not just sunshine and rainbows, so here are some of the cons that come with living in Albania:

Property Prices Are Skyrocketing

This might surprise people who still think Albania is “cheap.” Rent might still be manageable, but buying property, especially in Tirana or coastal areas, has become seriously expensive.

Prices in central Tirana have gone up by more than 50% in the past year. If you’re thinking of investing here, do your research. Good deals still exist, but you’ll need local insight (and a lot of patience).

Infrastructure Gaps

Though Albania is steadily developing, its infrastructure still lags behind that of more developed European countries. Public transportation, particularly between cities, can be unreliable, and the healthcare system, though affordable, often lacks modern equipment.

Bus systems remain traditional, with conductors handling fare collection manually. As a native, even though I don’t use public transportation, I find this system to be very uncomfortable.

Driving Can Be… Chaotic

If you’re not used to chaotic driving, Albania will be a shock. Road rules are not always respected, and crossing the street can feel like a game of chance.

This has gotten better in recent years, but don’t expect reliable public transit apps, or calm driving habits.

Limited Local Job Opportunities

This only applies if you plan to find a local (non-remote) job.

Albania’s job market is still developing. While wages are getting better, job options are limited outside key sectors, and many roles require Albanian language skills. If you work remotely or run an online business, this won’t affect you. But if you’re hoping to find work locally, it’s important to have realistic expectations.

Public Healthcare Isn’t Great

While Albania offers private healthcare options that are both available and affordable, the public healthcare system faces significant challenges. It is underfunded and lacks modern amenities. For more serious medical procedures, many locals and expats choose to seek treatment abroad.

Language Barrier in Less Popular Areas

While younger generations and people in tourist areas may speak English, it is less commonly spoken in rural regions. Expats considering living outside major cities may find day-to-day communication more challenging. Also, families should know that international schools are not popular, if not absent, in smaller cities..

Not Everything You’re Used to Is Easy to Find

One thing that surprises a lot of people when they move here is how limited the selection can be when it comes to certain products. Not all international brands are available, and you probably won’t find your favorite shampoo, snack, or tech gadget in local shops.

Ordering online is possible, but between high import taxes and slow delivery times, it’s not always worth it. Most people either adapt to local alternatives or stock up when they travel. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re someone who likes having specific products at your fingertips, this part can take a little adjusting.

So… Should You Move to Albania?

It depends on your goals. If you want a base in Europe that’s affordable, beautiful, and culturally rich…and you don’t mind a few bumps along the way…Albania could be a great fit. If you’re investing or working remotely, the lifestyle here can be really rewarding.

But it’s not the kind of place where everything just works perfectly. Things take time. Systems are still developing. You have to be patient, flexible, and open to learning the local way of doing things.

Personally, I’ve seen this country change so much, and I truly believe it’s on the rise. The charm is real. The opportunities are growing. And if you’re ready for an experience that’s a little less polished but deeply rewarding, you’ll probably love it here.