Albania is a picturesque country with a vibrant culture and history. The country’s fast internet, growing economy, affordable living, and friendly locals make this one of the top Balkan countries to live in.
However, finding out where to live in this relatively small country can take time and effort. Here are some of the best cities to live in Albania.
Next Read: Read about some of the other beautiful places to live in the Balkans.
Best Places to Live in Albania for…
- Expats: Korça
- English Speakers: Vlora
- Digital Nomads: Tirana
- Solo Travelers: Durres
- Couples: Saranda
- Groups: Shkodra
Top 10 Places to Live in Albania
1. Korça
The Best Place to Live for Expats
Cost of Living: $$
Korça is one of Albania’s most beautiful cities. Also known as the city of festivals, it offers cultural festivals throughout the year and is the country’s brewery hub.
Tip: Take a sightseeing walking tour down the city’s cobblestone streets, to see all the breweries, and explore the many other cultural and heritage landmarks.
Who Would Like to Live Here: Expats
Pros:
- Korça has many forms of cultural entertainment
- There are plenty of outdoor activities available
- The city has an incredible café culture
Cons:
- Korça does not offer the best healthcare
- The city is not the cleanest
- Low air quality
2. Vlora
The Best Place to Live for English Speakers
Cost of Living: $
Vlora is located on the northernmost tip of Albania, along the coast where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. It is the third most populated city in Romania and is surrounded by archaeological parks, Greek monasteries, and stunning beaches.
Tip: All the beaches in Vlora are sand-based beaches, a unique feature compared to the surrounding pebbles and rock beaches, meaning it’s the perfect city to go to the beach.
Who Would Like to Live There: English Speakers
Pros:
- Good transport connections to other places in Italy and Greece
- Dominated by fantastic Italian cuisine
- The locals are friendly
Cons:
- It isn’t easy to get around the whole city by bus
- The city is expensive, especially during the summer months
- There are no nearby private medical services
3. Tirana
The Best Place to Live for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living: $$$
Tirana is Albania’s capital and has a little of everything to offer. It is the country’s economic, educational, and medical hub, with a thriving social and cultural scene and plenty of green spaces.
Tip: To soak up some local cultures, visit the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet and the National Arts Gallery.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads.
Pros:
- Internet speed is excellent
- Plenty of international schools
- Well connected by bus and has an international airport
Cons:
- The tap water is not drinkable
- The city has a pretty high cost of living
- English is not well spoken
4. Durrës
The Best Place to Live for Solo Travellers
Cost of Living: $$
Durrës is Albania’s second-largest city. With its rich history, this diverse city offers spectacular beaches, modern life, and an abundance of entertainment.
Tip: Durrës is one of Albania’s most ancient cities and is brimming with archaeological museums and ancient sites, many of which are must-see.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo Travelers
Pros:
- There is an international school
- There is a good private hospital
- The city has fantastic nightlife on offer
Cons:
- Public transportation is not great
- The city gets very crowded during the summer months
- The hawkers in the city can be very aggressive
5. Saranda
The Best Place to Live for Couples
Cost of Living: $$$
Saranda is situated on the Ionian coast and directly across from the Greek Island Korfu; thus, the city has a sizable Greek culture. It offers wonderful beaches and a buzzing restaurant and nightlife scene.
Tip: The city’s promenade is a nightly gathering spot for large crowds and provides the perfect opportunity to network and socialize.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples.
Pros:
- Buzzing nightlife
- Lots of surrounding historical sites
- Internet speeds are reliable
Cons:
- The city gets very quiet in the winter months
- There are often power cuts
- Healthcare in the city is not that great
6. Shkodra
The Best Place to Live for Groups
Cost of Living: $
Shkodra is a small town with a unique blend of urban nature. This modern lakeside town, with its three rivers and at the foothills of the Albanian Alps, offers lovely summer and winter activities.
Tip: Shkodra is known as the unofficial cycling city, so it is easy to get around the town by bicycle.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups
Pros:
- Lively cultural and café and bar scene
- Fantastic Mediterranean and traditional cuisine
- More affordable living than in some of the other major cities
Cons:
- Lacks a good private medical sector
- Not much in the way of nightlife
- Driving on the roads can be difficult, and taxis are expensive
7. Berat
The Best Place to Live for History Buffs
Cost of Living: $
Berat is situated along the banks of the Osum River, along the side of a mountain, with a castle overlooking the city. The city has well-preserved Ottoman architecture and a rich history.
Tip: Become a part of living history by exploring Berat, a well-preserved historic center that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Who Would Like to Live There: History Buffs
Pros:
- Lively café scene
- Outdoor adventures all year-round
- The city is clean and peaceful
Cons:
- Berat does not provide the best private healthcare
- Not a very lively nightlife scene
- English is not widely spoken here
8. Elbasan
The Best Place to Live for Art and Culture Enthusiasts
Cost of Living: $$$
Elbasan is located on the Shkumbin River and is both a city and a municipality. This charming city boasts a rich cultural history with many beautiful sites and landmarks.
Tip: Elbasan is known as the “city of Summer Festivals” and has been the epicenter of Summer Day celebrations in Albania, so it is a must-attend to soak some local spirit.
Who Would Like to Live There: Art and Culture Enthusiasts
Pros:
- Located twenty minutes away from the capital city of Tiran
- The city is safe with a low crime rate
- The locals are friendly
Cons:
- English is not widely spoken here
- Transportation in and around the city is not great
- Not much in the way of nightlife
9. Himara
The Best Place to Live for Sea Lovers
Cost of Living: $$
Himara is situated on the Albanian Riveria and is a peaceful coastal city. The town also has a rich history along with its Mediterranean charm, delicious local seafood, and turquoise sea.
Tip: The surrounding countryside of Himara offers plenty of historical sites, wonderful hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, and other sporting adventures.
Who Would Like to Live There: Sea Lovers
Pros:
- Many fantastic outdoor activities
- Able to get by with English
- Peaceful and clean city
Cons:
- Not many medical centers in the town
- Tap water is not drinkable
- Very little entertainment
10. Kruje
The Best Place to Live for Nature and Wildlife Enthusiasts
Cost of Living: $$
Kruje is a picturesque city with a medieval charm that offers a peaceful lifestyle. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, the surroundings of Kruje are home to many of the country’s animals and birds.
Tip: Take a shopping trip to the Old Bazaar for an assortment of handicrafts and artisan goods.
Who Would Like to Live There: Nature and Wildlife Enthusiasts
Pros:
- There are many restaurants and bars in the town
- Great outdoor adventures
- The locals are friendly
Cons:
- English is not widely spoken here
- The small town has little social entertainment
- Tap water is not drinkable
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