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Is Albania a “too poor” country for Expats?
There is no denying that Albania is a poor country. But is it too poor for Expats? That’s a tough question to answer. It all depends on your definition of “too poor.”
If you are used to living in luxury and can’t imagine living without your daily manicure or afternoon latte, then yes, Albania is probably “too poor” for you.
But if you are willing to rough it a bit and are open to new experiences, then Albania just might be the place for you.
Albania is a country rich in culture and history. It has stunning scenery, friendly people, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
And best of all, it’s relatively inexpensive to live here. You can get by on as little as $30 USD per day if you’re careful with your money.
Of course, your costs will go up if you want to live like a king or queen. But even then, you’ll still be spending far less than you would in most Western countries.
One of the best things about living in Albania is the food. Albanian cuisine is a delicious mix of Italian, Greek, and Turkish influences.
And because the country is so poor, most of the food is locally grown and organic. You can get a huge plate of pasta with freshly made sauce for less than $3 USD, and a bottle of Albanian wine will only set you back about $5 USD.
Of course, there are downsides to living in Albania as well. The infrastructure is not great, and there are often power outages. Internet speeds can be slow, and cell phone coverage can be spotty.
In addition, because Albanians are not used to foreigners, you may find yourself the subject of stares and comments from curious locals.
But these inconveniences are more than offset by the many advantages of living in this beautiful country.
Why Albania May Not Be the Place for You If You’re an Expat.
You’ve been thinking about it for years and you’ve finally taken the plunge. You’re moving to Albania! But is this really the right decision for you?
Let’s take a look at a few things you should consider before making the move.
Albania is a poor country. There’s no denying that. In fact, it’s one of the poorest countries in Europe. According to World Bank data, nearly 30% of the population lives below the poverty line.
That means that if you’re used to a comfortable lifestyle, you may have to make some sacrifices.
The cost of living in Albania is also very low. And while that may sound like a good thing at first, it can actually be quite difficult to adjust to.
For example, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Tirana, the capital city, can be as low as $200 per month (at the time of writing). But salaries are also low, so you’ll likely be doing a lot of budgeting.
Another thing to consider is the infrastructure in Albania. The country has come a long way in recent years, but there are still some areas that are lagging behind.
For example, the healthcare system is not up to Western standards and environmental regulations are not as stringent as they are in other countries.
This can make it difficult to live a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
Albania is definitely not for everyone. If you’re used to a certain standard of living, you may find it difficult to adjust to life in this poor and often unpredictable country.
However, if you’re willing to make some sacrifices and are prepared for a bit of an adventure, Albania could be the perfect place for you! But before you take the plunge, here below are some pros and cons to consider first.
The Pros and Cons of Moving to Albania as an Expat.
When most people think of Albania, the first thing that comes to mind is probably “poor.” And it’s true; Albania is a relatively poor country. However, that doesn’t mean that Expats can’t live comfortably here.
In fact, there are plenty of Expats who have made the move to Albania and are very happy with their decision. Here are some things to consider before taking the leap.
The Cost of Living in Albania.
One of the biggest draws of Albania for Expats is the low cost of living. In general, prices for groceries, rent, and utilities are all quite reasonable.
Of course, this will vary depending on where in the country you choose to live. For example, prices in the capital city of Tirana will be higher than in more rural areas.
However, even in Tirana, it’s possible to find a comfortable place to live without breaking the bank.
And, when compared to Western European countries like France or Italy, the cost of living in Albania is very affordable. This makes it a great option for retirees or anyone else on a fixed income.
The Quality of Life in Albania.
In addition to being relatively affordable, Albania also offers a good quality of life for Expats. The people are friendly and welcoming, and there’s a strong sense of community here.
In addition, because Albanians are such hospitable people, it’s easy to make friends and build a support network.
Of course, no place is perfect and there are some downsides to living in Albania as well.
For example, the infrastructure isn’t always great and there can be problems with electricity and water outages from time to time.
On top of that, Albanian bureaucracy can be notoriously slow and inefficient. However, these things are relatively minor inconveniences when compared to the many benefits of living here.
Conclusion.
So, is Albania a too poor country for Expats to live in comfortably? While it’s true that Albania is not a wealthy country, it’s also true that Expats can find comfortable places to live here without spending a fortune.
One last thing to consider is that the quality of life is generally quite good thanks to factors like the friendly locals and a strong sense of community.
Overall, Albania is definitely worth considering for anyone thinking about moving abroad.