Estimating the Costs of Living in Tirana, Albania

17 Dec

Posted by Elvis as Albanian Blogger, Daily Life in Tirana, Entertainment & Media, Social Issues, Traveling & Leisure

In the past few weeks I’ve had a couple of people write to me to ask about the costs of living in Albania. While, I am not the expert in this case I did a little bit of research to put together some information on the living costs for a single person living in Tirana. In needs to be said that Tirana is the capital and the main city in Albania to do business. About 90% of all major enterprises are based here, while over 80% of foreign companies are here as well, according to the Tirana Municipality site.

Based on several estimates this is a summary of major annual expenses in USD for a single person living in Tirana.

Rent and Utility (Gas and Electric, Water, Phone, Internet);	3600
Transportation (Car Loan, Gas, Repairs and Maintenance);	750
Medical, Dental and Life Insurance;	800
Food;	2600
Clothes and Shoes;	650
Entertainment;	300
Miscellaneous	700
Total	9400

I need to stress that these are not the most accurate estimates, since I only spend very little time putting them together, so with your input, suggestions and corrections I would like to update them.

6 Responses

Ted

December 17th, 2009 at 4:28 PM
1

Thats useful information, would you mind sharing it in The Expat Directory?
Elvis

December 17th, 2009 at 4:36 PM
2

Just did it. Here.
Ted

December 17th, 2009 at 4:48 PM
3

That was quick, Thank you.
Fiona Bosticky

December 18th, 2009 at 10:09 PM
4

Hmmmm, interesting. Good starting point.

Must be renting a very cheap place in Tirana, unfurnished, nowhere near the centre.

I think this is a bit low, not really taking into account Mobile Phone costs, which are quite high in Albania. Fast broadband internet can be expensive too ($35/month). And not really considering an active social life – coffees, eating out, clubs, etc…

Also the car expenses would be a lot higher, as driving is really only the way to get around. Unless it’s a micra, which is over $1,000 a year in petrol, and more like a mercedes, this would be closer to $2,000.

I would think medical and dental would be a lot lower, unless you have ongoing problems.

Maybe bump the total up at least 20%…
katy

December 26th, 2009 at 2:28 PM
5

Sir, your write up is informative regarding life in Albania.
katy

December 26th, 2009 at 2:30 PM
6

Significantly informative.