Average rent in Tirana now almost matches monthly pay

The average rent in Tirana has reached €721 a month, almost the same as an average monthly wage in Albania.

The average net salary is about €740 a month. That means a person renting alone in the capital would spend nearly all their pay on rent.

Housing is usually considered affordable when rent takes no more than 30% of monthly income.

The pressure is also hitting families. A household with two average earners and one child would spend nearly half its net income on rent.

Rents are highest near central Tirana, where one-bedroom flats often cost €600 to €900 a month.

Short-term tourist rentals have reduced the number of homes available for long-term tenants, adding pressure to prices.