Life in Tirana

Tirana isn’t large by international capital standards, but it feels alive and residential. The apartment I stayed in was in a quiet neighborhood with bakeries, supermarkets, and everyday services within 15 minutes’ walk — an ideal setup for longer stays. Air conditioning and a kitchen made life comfortable even on the hot days. A friend was with me, so we booked a large, two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. The per-person daily cost was $20. Daily life here feels residential rather than touristy — local bread shops, neighborhood cafés, and familiar routines that make it a true home base rather than a stopover. Prices are generally low for groceries, household essentials, most dining options, and taxis. 

Some practical differences took a minute to figure out:

• Addresses can be confusing at first

• Showers may have unfamiliar layouts

• English isn't widely spoken, but learning a few Albanian words like përshëndetje (hi) and faleminderit (thank you) make daily interactions easier

• Without an Albanian bank account, cash was necessary for most app-based services 

Life in Golem

Compared with Tirana, Golem offered a slower pace by the coast. These weeks on the water added a contrasting lifestyle layer to the urban experience — beach access and generally quieter streets were part of that rhythm. Housing was more expensive than Tirana, presumably due to beach proximity during a peak vacation period. Still, for a large, two-bedroom, two-bedroom apartment with a huge balcony, the per-person daily cost was $24.  

Coastal living also involves different day-to-day patterns: markets and services are smaller, and planning ahead for groceries and transportation is more practical than expecting walkable city density. Still, I could easily walk to purchase produce from street vendors, and several grocery stores were within a 15-minute walk from the apartment. 

Housing

• Central Tirana furnished apartments can be affordable compared with major European cities

• Expect that tap water is not drinkable; check on the availability of hot water before booking

• Coastal rentals for extended stays tend to be lower off peak

Utilities

• Electricity, water, and internet costs are typically modest and included with most rentals

• Internet in central Tirana is usually reliable for remote work

Food & Groceries

• Local markets, street vendors, and grocery stores offer low-cost staples

• Eating out ranges from inexpensive local menus to pricier tourist restaurants

Transportation

• Ride-hailing services operate in cities

• Public transport is inexpensive but basic; schedules, when available, are often unreliable 

• Schedule taxis ahead for important things, such as airport transportation

Because costs shift with housing, location, and lifestyle, comparing expected budgets with real long-stay conditions prevents surprises.