Pros And Cons Of Living In Albania

Considering buying a one-way ticket to Europe and spending your days surrounded by impressive mountains, and beaches with crystal clear water? Albania might just be the place for you.

Check out these pros and cons of living in Albania first.

Albania is a small but charming country located in the Balkan Peninsula in South Eastern Europe with Adriatic and Ionian coastlines.

It has a population of about 2.9 million people and is known for its beautiful beaches, mountains, and rich history.

There are several castles and archaeological sites across the country, so it’s the perfect place for those interested in history and learning about medieval times.

If you’re considering moving to Albania, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons of living in this country.

In this post, we’re going to dive into the pros AND cons of living in Albania to give you an insight into what to expect.

Pros Of Living In Albania

There are many pros to living in Albania, here we will go through some of them to help you decide if living in Albania is the right choice for you.

Cost of Living

One of the biggest advantages of living in Albania is its low cost of living.

The cost of living in Albania is significantly lower than in many other European countries, which makes it an attractive option for people who are looking to live abroad but still want to save money.

The cost of housing, food, transportation, and other daily necessities is very affordable in Albania.

The country’s capital city, Tirana, has the highest cost of living in the country, but it is still relatively low in comparison to other European capitals.

Natural Beauty

Albania is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its beaches, mountains, and lakes. This makes it an ideal destination for people who love the outdoors and want to live in a place with a strong connection to nature.

Albania provides opportunities for hiking, skiing, swimming, and other outdoor activities, making it a great place for people who are looking for an active lifestyle.

A must-see while in Albania is Lake Bovilla. This is a massive reservoir located around 15 km from the country’s capital and is a truly breathtaking sight to enjoy.

Here you can hike Gamti mountain to get an even better view of the lake, this is around a two-hour hike and provides spectacular views along the way.

Albania is also home to several incredible beaches. Top of your list to visit should be Ksamil, a small coastal town with turquoise water which feels like you have arrived at a tropical destination.

Culture

Albania has a rich cultural heritage, with a history that dates back thousands of years.

Albania declared its independence in 1912, but after years of being invaded by different countries, it has a hugely varied and interesting past.

The country has been home to several different civilizations over the centuries, and its cultural heritage is evident in its many ancient ruins, monuments, and museums.

Albania is also known for its traditional festivals and celebrations, which are a great way to experience the country’s unique culture.

Friendly People

Another pro to living in Albania is the people. Albania is known for its warm and friendly people, who are always willing to help visitors and newcomers to the country.

This can make it easier to adapt to living in a new country and can help you make friends and build a new community quickly.

There is also a growing expat community in Tirana and in some coastal beach towns which makes it easier for expats to find friends and settle in.

Cons Of Living In Albania

There are also some cons to consider when thinking about relocating to Albania. Here we will go through some of the main ones that would affect expats moving to this country.

Lack Of Infrastructure

The first con you must be aware of is the lack of infrastructure in Albania. While Albania has made significant progress in recent years, its infrastructure is still somewhat lacking in some areas.

This can make it more difficult to get around and may impact the availability of basic services like healthcare, internet, and other essentials.

However, this is constantly improving and will soon reach the same standard as other European countries.

Language Barrier

Albania is a country with its own language, Albanian, and while many people speak English, there are still many who do not.

This can make it difficult to communicate with locals and make it harder to navigate daily life in the country.

To help you get by when you first move to Albania, it is important to learn some basic phrases to help you with day-to-day interactions with locals.

Economic Challenges

Albania is still a developing country, and this can mean that there are economic challenges that need to be overcome.

This can make it more difficult to find work and can impact the standard of living in the country.

If you are working online, this won’t be an issue. However, if you are looking for work locally, you may have a tough time finding a job.

Final Thoughts On Living In Albania

Now you’ve read all about the pros and cons of living in Albania, does it seem like the right place for you?

If you’re interested in the low cost of living, natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and friendly people, Albania could be an excellent option for you.

However, the lack of infrastructure, language barrier, and economic challenges might be a dealbreaker for you, you might wish to keep searching for your dream location.

If you want to compare Albania with other destinations, check out these posts:

• Pros and cons of living in Serbia
• Pros and cons of living in Greece
• Pros and cons of living in Romania