Living In Albania: Pros And Cons

Published on October 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Albania, this small Balkan country long isolated, is increasingly opening up to the world and attracting a growing number of expatriates. With its white sand beaches, majestic mountains, and rich cultural heritage, Albania offers a unique experience for those who dare to venture there. But like any expatriation, settling in Albania comes with its share of advantages and challenges. Let’s dive into the realities of expat life in this rapidly transforming country.

An economic El Dorado within reach

One of Albania’s main assets for expatriates is undoubtedly its particularly attractive cost of living. Compared to most Western European countries, living in Albania allows for substantial savings on many aspects of daily life.

Increased purchasing power

Expatriates in Albania benefit from significantly higher purchasing power than they would have in their home countries. The cost of living is on average 40% lower than in France. This difference is particularly noticeable in essential areas such as:

• Housing: Rents are about 60% cheaper than in France, even in the capital Tirana. A downtown apartment costs between €250 and €600 per month depending on size and location.
• Food: Local products are very affordable. A kilogram of potatoes costs between €0.50 and €1, while a meal at a local restaurant costs €5-10, compared to €15-20 in France.
• Transportation: Public transport tickets cost less than one euro, which is 2 to 3 times cheaper than in France.

This cost difference allows expatriates to enjoy a comfortable, even luxurious, standard of living with a modest budget. Many can afford services they couldn’t access in their home countries, such as housekeeping or frequent dining out.

Tempting investment opportunities

Albania also offers interesting prospects for investors. The real estate market, in particular, shows significant growth potential. Property prices remain relatively low compared to other Mediterranean destinations but are steadily rising, especially in tourist areas like Saranda or the Albanian Riviera.

The Albanian government has implemented incentive measures to attract foreign investors, particularly in the tourism sector. For example, investors in new and tourist real estate can benefit from attractive tax advantages. The tax on rental income is about 15%, which remains competitive on a European scale.

An enriching but sometimes disorienting cultural shock

Expatriating to Albania also means immersing oneself in a rich and fascinating culture that can sometimes bewilder Westerners. This cultural confrontation is both a challenge and a source of personal enrichment.

Legendary hospitality

One of the most striking aspects of Albanian culture is undoubtedly the exceptional hospitality of its people. Albanians are renowned for their warm welcome and generosity toward foreigners. It’s not uncommon to be invited to share a meal or coffee with people you’ve just met.

This openness greatly facilitates the integration of expatriates, who quickly feel accepted and welcome in their new community. Many expatriates report forming deep and lasting friendships with Albanians, which significantly enriches their expatriation experience.

A different pace of life

The pace of life in Albania can surprise expatriates accustomed to the stress of major Western cities. The concept of time is more flexible, and punctuality isn’t always observed. This more relaxed approach to life can be frustrating for some, but it also teaches one to let go and enjoy the present moment more.

Social relationships occupy a central place in the daily lives of Albanians. Cafés are always crowded, and it’s common to spend hours chatting over an espresso. This importance given to social interactions can be disorienting for expatriates used to a more individualistic lifestyle, but it also offers the opportunity to develop a rich and varied social network.

Language challenges to overcome

The language barrier constitutes one of the main challenges for expatriates in Albania. Albanian, a unique and complex language, has no connection to Latin or Germanic languages. Learning it therefore requires a significant investment of time and energy.

Although English is increasingly spoken, particularly among younger generations and in the tourism sector, it’s not always sufficient for navigating daily life, especially outside major cities. Expatriates who make the effort to learn Albanian, even at a basic level, find that it greatly facilitates their integration and opens new doors in their professional and personal lives.

A transformative personal adventure

Expatriating to Albania is much more than a simple change of residence. It’s a true personal adventure that can profoundly transform those who undertake it.

A return to basics

Albania offers a life experience that strongly contrasts with the frantic pace and overconsumption of Western societies. For many expatriates, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with simpler, more authentic values.

Proximity to nature is one of the most appreciated aspects of life in Albania. The country is full of breathtaking landscapes, from the pristine beaches of the Adriatic coast to the wild northern mountains. This natural wealth encourages a healthier and more active lifestyle, with many opportunities for hiking, cycling, or water sports.

Furthermore, the freshness and quality of local products encourage healthier eating. Markets are full of seasonal fruits and vegetables, often grown traditionally and without pesticides. This reconnection with more natural food is often cited as a major benefit by expatriates.

A stimulating personal challenge

Adapting to life in Albania requires certain flexibility and open-mindedness. Expatriates face many daily challenges, from navigating a sometimes opaque administrative system to learning local cultural codes.

These challenges, although sometimes frustrating, are also a source of personal growth. They push one to develop new skills, demonstrate creativity in problem-solving, and step out of one’s comfort zone. Many expatriates report gaining self-confidence and autonomy through this experience.

A new perspective on the world

Living in Albania offers a unique perspective on Balkan history and geopolitics. The country, which experienced one of Europe’s most closed dictatorships until 1991, is now undergoing rapid transformation. Observing and participating in this rapid evolution is a fascinating experience that considerably broadens horizons.

Furthermore, Albania’s geographical position makes it an ideal base for exploring neighboring countries. Expatriates can easily travel to Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Kosovo, further enriching their understanding of this complex and exciting region.

The practical challenges of daily life

Despite its many assets, life in Albania also comes with its share of practical challenges that expatriates must learn to overcome.

A developing healthcare system

The Albanian healthcare system, although constantly improving, remains below Western standards. Public hospitals often lack modern equipment, and medical staff, although competent, aren’t always trained in the latest techniques.

Faced with this situation, many expatriates opt for international health insurance that covers medical evacuations to neighboring countries like Greece or Italy in case of serious problems. It’s also common to go to private clinics for routine care, where service quality is generally better but costs are higher.

Infrastructure undergoing modernization

Albania is heavily investing in modernizing its infrastructure, but there’s still progress to be made. Power outages, although less frequent than before, can still occur, especially in rural areas. Water supply can also be irregular in some regions.

The road network is improving rapidly, with the construction of new highways, but many secondary roads remain in poor condition. Public transportation, although cheap, isn’t always reliable or comfortable. Many expatriates therefore choose to have their own vehicle, which requires adapting to a sometimes chaotic driving style.

Sometimes complex bureaucracy

Navigating Albanian administration can prove to be a real challenge for expatriates. Procedures are often lengthy and complicated, and information isn’t always clearly communicated. Obtaining a residence permit, for example, can take several months and require numerous visits to immigration offices.

Furthermore, corruption, although declining, remains present in some sectors of the administration. Expatriates must be vigilant and well-informed to avoid traps and bribe requests.

An evolving job market

For expatriates seeking to work in Albania, the job market can present challenges. Local salaries are generally low, which can be problematic for those without external income. Professional opportunities for foreigners are mainly concentrated in tourism, language teaching, and international NGOs.

However, with the country’s economic development, new opportunities are emerging, particularly in technology and services sectors. More and more international companies are establishing themselves in Albania, creating positions suited to international profiles.

Conclusion: Albania, a promising expatriation destination

Albania proves to be a fascinating expatriation destination, offering a unique blend of economic advantages, cultural richness, and stimulating challenges. For those ready to venture off the beaten path and embrace a different life experience, this Balkan country can become a true favorite.

The economic benefits are undeniable, with a very attractive cost of living that allows expatriates to enjoy a comfortable standard of living. Immersion in Albanian culture, characterized by legendary hospitality and a more relaxed pace of life, offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and broadening horizons.

Certainly, life in Albania comes with its share of challenges, from the language barrier to developing infrastructure. However, these obstacles are often perceived by expatriates as opportunities for learning and personal development.

Albania is a country undergoing rapid transformation, offering the unique possibility to witness and participate in rapid and exciting change. For those ready to embrace the adventure, expatriation in Albania can prove to be a deeply enriching and transformative experience.