Albania ranks second in Europe for cost-of-living difficulties

Eurostat data indicates that nearly half of the population in Albania (46.3%) struggles to cover monthly living expenses, ranking the country second in Europe for cost-of-living difficulties, following Greece at 67%. Within Albania, 32.9% report difficulty closing the month, while 13.4% face severe hardship.

This economic pressure is linked to low regional wages. In 2025, Albania's average gross monthly wage was approximately 860 euros, significantly lower than Serbia (1,290 euros), Bosnia and Herzegovina (1,245 euros), Montenegro (1,206 euros), and North Macedonia (1,100 euros). Kosovo reported the lowest regional average at 713 euros.

Additionally, food prices in Albania reached 102.9% of the European Union average in 2025, surpassing the EU average for the first time. This contrasts sharply with the EU average, where only 17.6% of the population reports difficulty meeting monthly expenses.