Cost of living in Elbasan
Elbasan, a city in central Albania, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8.6 on average, with a range between $6.45 and $16.13.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $32.25, with prices ranging from $21.5 to $90.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7, with a range between $6.99 and $7.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.61 to $4.3, imported beer $2.15 to $4.3, cappuccino $1.61 to $2.15, and Coke/Pepsi $1.05 to $2.15.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.18 and $2.11 per liter, averaging $1.77.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.65 and $1.19, with an average price of $0.67.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.68 to $3.87, averaging $2.83.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.86 to $1.61 per kg, while oranges range from $0.53 to $2.9 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.53 and $1.29 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.42 to $2.15 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.43.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.94 and $2.24 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.19, with a cost of $4.3 to $5.38 per km and $16.13 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $193.5 to $268.75, averaging $231.13.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $129 to $193.5, averaging $161.25.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $247.25 to $376.26, averaging $311.75.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $172 to $268.75, averaging $220.38.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $537.51 to $860.01, averaging $698.76.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $645.01.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $53.75 and $182.75, averaging $62.84.
- Internet - Internet services range from $12.64 to $21.5, with an average cost of $14.72.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Albania are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Albania, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Elbasan offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many European cities, with low rental prices and inexpensive dining options.
Transportation costs are minimal, making it easy to navigate the city without a significant financial burden.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though imported goods may be slightly higher in cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Elbasan presents an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in Albania. The city combines affordable housing, low transportation costs, and reasonable grocery prices, making it a viable choice for both locals and expatriates.
Potential residents should consider the balance between lower living costs and the availability of amenities and services when deciding to move to Elbasan.