Tirana rent climbs to 77% of average income, making housing unaffordable

Average rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Tirana is projected at €721 per month for 2026, according to local real‑estate agencies. The International Housing Affordability Index deems rent affordable when it does not exceed 30 % of gross household income. Albania’s average gross monthly wage is about 90,119 lek (≈€930), while the net average is roughly 72,000 lek (≈€740). At €721, rent consumes 77 % of gross earnings and about 97 % of net earnings for a single earner, far surpassing the affordability threshold. For a typical three‑person family earning a gross 182,200 lek, rent accounts for roughly 39 % of gross and 49 % of net income.

Food expenses already represent around 40 % of household budgets, well above the EU average of 13 %. Real‑estate agents note that rents have risen 20‑25 % in certain districts such as near Dinamo stadium and the Lake area, with some 1‑bedroom apartments now listed for up to €1,500 per month. While overall household consumption rose modestly in 2024, the structure of spending remains dominated by housing and food, tightening financial pressure on Albanian families.