What Are the Prices in Albania for Goods and Services for Tourists in 2025?

This is one of the first and most important questions every traveler asks — because it’s based on these numbers that the entire travel budget is calculated. In this article, I will give you a detailed breakdown of prices for everything that might be useful for an average tourist.

Receipt from an Albanian restaurant
A receipt from a typical restaurant in Albania. Dinner for four people — just as they got up from the table. Photo taken when the exchange rate was 100 lek = 1 EUR.

Prices in Albania: General Overview

First, I recommend reading the article about Albanian currency. There, you’ll learn not only that the national currency is the Albanian lek, but also what you can pay for in euros, where it’s better to exchange currency, and where cards are accepted in Albania.

Let me dispel one myth:

Movies and Albania’s frequent inclusion in lists of Europe’s poorest countries have created a stereotype that Albania is an extremely cheap destination where one can live like a king for just €5 a day. However, this is far from the truth. While Albania is indeed affordable, it is not dirt cheap.

To give you a clearer picture of the price levels, here are my key takeaways:

  • Grocery prices are similar to those in Warsaw.
  • Eating out in restaurants is slightly cheaper than in many other countries, but not by much.
  • Car rental prices are quite low, but fuel prices are sky-high—comparable to the rest of Europe.
  • Accommodation, especially on the beachfront during peak season, is far from the €5-a-night range—it is significantly more expensive.
  • Fresh fish, despite Albania being a coastal country, costs as much as in Italy or Spain.

So, while it’s not as expensive as Barcelona or Switzerland, it’s also not Southeast Asia, where $5 is a significant amount of money. Many prices are comparable to those in other European countries—some things are cheaper, while others are more expensive.

Prices in Albania

Now, let’s dive into the actual prices. Keep in mind that I will list prices relevant to tourists visiting for a vacation. If you move to Albania permanently, many expenses will be significantly lower. However, this guide is specifically for travelers.

For convenience, I will list all prices in both Albanian lek and euros. You can always check the latest exchange rate at the top of this guide.

Grocery Prices

fresh fish price in albania
Albanian fish markets offer an excellent selection, but it’s best to arrive early in the morning.
ItemLekEuro
Milk (1.5L)1501,5
Ayran (0.5L)500,5
Eggs (10 pcs)2502,5
Tea biscuits (280g)1501,5
Chicken sausages (600g)4004
Brined cheeses (Feta, Bryndza) per kg100010
Philadelphia cheese (150g)2502,5
Mountain tea (pack)2502,5
Turkish coffee (pack)1501,5
Pasta, spaghetti (pack)1501,5
Rice, bulgur, chickpeas (pack)1001
Water (5L)1001
Canned olives (300g)1501,5
Canned peas (300g)1501,5
Canned beans (300g)1001
Greek yogurt with cucumber (Tzatziki, 1kg)3503,5
Lays chips (small pack)1001
Large Snickers bar1101,1
Toast bread1001
Frozen chicken (1kg)6006
Pork (1kg)8008
Beef (1kg)100010
Fresh fish (per kg, varies by type and size)700-15007-15
Table of food prices in stores

Read all about Albanian stores in this article.

Fruit and Vegetable Prices

Prices in Albania for vegetables and products
You’ll find small fruit and vegetable stalls all over Albania, most of which operate on a self-service basis.

Prices depend heavily on the season. The following prices are for August-October, the peak harvest period. Prices in spring may be higher.

ItemLekEuro
Tomatoes1001
Cucumbers1001
Potatoes500,5
Bell peppers1501,5
Eggplants1501,5
Cabbage600,6
Chestnuts4004
Apples1001
Pomegranates1201,2
Persimmons800,8
Pears2002
Lemons1001
Table of prices for seasonal vegetables and fruits

Alcohol and Cigarette Prices

Useful to know:

Albania is a country where smoking is very common, and there are very few restrictions on smoking in public places.
cigarette prices in Albania
Standard assortment of cigarettes in Albania
ItemLekEuro
Cigarettes (average per pack)3003
Albanian beer (0.5L)1001
Imported beer (0.5L)1501,5
Rakia (0.5L)4004
Skanderbeg brandy (0.5L)5005
Greek Malamatina wine (0.5L)4504,5
Albanian wine (bottle)7007
Vranac wine (bottle)8008
Fernet liqueur (bottle)100010
These are average prices, especially for wines. Some may be cheaper, while others can be significantly more expensive.

For more details about Albanian wines and spirits, check out this article.

How much are Albanian wines
Vranac is the most famous wine across the Balkans.

Prices in Cafes, Restaurants, and Taverns in Albania

Below is a table with average prices you’ll typically find in most restaurants and cafes around the country. Of course, you can find both cheaper and more expensive options depending on the place.

Seafood prices in Albanian restaurants
Seafood in Albania is noticeably more expensive than meat dishes. Pictured: Grilled octopus in a seaside tavern
ItemLekEuro
Salad (large portion, enough for two people)3003
Traditional main course5005
Beer (0.5L)2002
Pasta6006
Soup of the day2502,5
Large pizza6006
Seafood (grilled octopus, shrimp, calamari)around 100010

Useful to know:

The average bill per person in an Albanian restaurant — including a main course, salad, a glass of wine or beer, and a tip — is around 1,000–1,200 lek (approximately 10–12 euros).
For example, dinner for two (a salad, two main dishes, bread, tzatziki dip, and two beers) usually costs 2,000–2,500 lek (or 20–25 euros).

  • You can read more about dining in Albania here, including tips about portion sizes, waiting times, and tipping.

Prices for Hotels, Apartments, and Accommodation

View from high value hotel
Sea view from a hotel in Saranda for 45 euros per night

The prices below are for short-term stays for tourists. If you plan to live in Albania long-term, the rates will be different.

Interesting to know:

If you think Albania is an extremely cheap country, you might be surprised — yes, it’s affordable, but not “for free.”
ItemEuro
Hotels and apartments with sea view (double room, per night)from 30-50
4-star hotelsfrom 50
Hostels (per bed)from 10
Guesthouses in the mountains with breakfast (double room)from 30
Resort apartments with kitchen (no sea view)from 20
Prices are shown in euros, as locals often quote accommodation costs in euros, and paying in euros is usually preferred.

Car Rental, Gasoline, and Parking Prices

A very detailed article about car rental in Albania can be found at the link. In short, Albania is an ideal country for renting a car: it’s safe, traffic is moderate (except for Tirana), and roads are generally good. Public transport is poorly developed, so a rental car makes traveling much easier.

petrol prices in albania
Gasoline is extremely expensive in Albania
ItemEuro
Economy class car rental (low season, per day)15-30
Economy class car rental (high season, per day)30-45
Toll roadsFree and of good quality
Gasoline 95 (per liter)1,8
Paid parking (center of big cities, per hour)0,5-1
Table of car rental, gasoline, and parking prices in Albania

✅ Rental prices are reasonable, but fuel prices are among the highest in Europe. However, distances are short, so you won’t spend much unless you rent a gas-guzzling SUV.

Useful to know:

Renting an economy car for 14 days will cost about 300 euros, plus 70–100 euros for fuel — a fair price to explore the entire country, and 2–3 times cheaper than in Croatia, for example.

Prices for Taxis and Public Transport

Taxi fare in Tirana
Standard yellow taxi in Albania

Here are average prices to give you an idea of transportation costs:

ItemLekEuro
City bus in Tirana (one ride)400,4
Taxi in Tirana (per km)1004
Taxi from Tirana to airport300030
Bus Tirana – Shkoder5005
Bus Tirana – Saranda8008
Airport shuttle to Vlora100010
Transfer Shkoder – Theth120012
Transfer Shkoder – Komani Lake8008
Taxi and public transportation prices

Prices for Tours and Excursions in Albania

Prices for excursions
Tour of the ancient city of Butrint

Albania offers a wide variety of tours. Most tours are in English or Italian.

ItemDurationEuro
Tirana to BeratFull day200
Tirana to Komani Lake + FerryFull day150
Walking sightseeing tour of Tirana3 hours50
Vlora, Saranda, Butrint, Blue Eye, Gjirokaster round tripFull day250
Berat to Osumi Canyon and Bogove WaterfallFull day100
Wine tour from Berat (private winery)4 hours70
Table of excursion prices per person

Full list of tours in Albania with prices and booking tips

Entrance Fees for Attractions

all about ticket prices
Most landmarks in Albania are free, and others charge around 4 euros per person, with only a few costing 8–10 euros.

Below is an incomplete list; you can find the full list in the article about all attractions in Albania.

ItemLekEuro
Dajti Cable Car, Tirana140014
Enver Hoxha’s BUNK’ART7007
Rozafa Castle, Shkoder4004
Himara Castle3003
Berat Castlefreefree
Butrint Ancient City100010
Cost of tickets for attractions in Albania

In reality, the majority of attractions in the country are free. For example, all waterfalls, canyons, and hot springs. The paid attractions are usually man-made.

Prices for Souvenirs from Albania

Souvenirs in Albania cost
Popular souvenirs with the Albanian eagle on a red background

For a full list of gifts that tourists bring from Albania, refer to the article through the provided link.

ItemLekEuro
Magnets100-2001-2
Mugs3603,6
Gift bottle of Skanderbeg5005
Fernet liqueur100010
Albanian Mountain Tea (Mali)2302,3
Woolen crafts (socks, hats, sweaters)from 500from 5
Table of prices for souvenirs from Albania

Prices for Flights to Albania

How much is a ticket to Tirana
Flights to Albania are affordable if you pick the right dates.
  • In short, it is possible to purchase round-trip tickets from major European airports to Tirana for approximately 100-300 euros per person.

Important to know:

For information on how and where to purchase tickets to Tirana with short layovers and convenient arrival times, refer to the article through the provided link.

Final Thoughts

Now you know everything about prices in Albania for tourists in 2025. You can start planning your travel budget.
Sure, Albania is not as cheap as the old stereotypes suggest, but your vacation here will still be relatively affordable compared to many European destinations.
If you don’t go overboard on accommodation and excursions, day-to-day expenses (like food, transport, and small souvenirs) are quite reasonable.

💡 Wishing you smart purchases and fair prices on your Albanian adventure!


Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Albania

  • Flights at the best prices with best discounts
  • Car rental in Albania (cheaper – only by bus):
    • DiscoverCars – a major international resource
    • LocalRent – the leader in the Albanian car rental market. Very low deposits, even in cash.
  • Hotels and apartments throughout the country:
    • TripAdvisor – compares prices among dozens of platforms and offer you the best one.
    • Trip.com – large online booking platform.
  • Budget-friendly vacation packages: CheapOair.
  • Tours, excursions and activities:
    • GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
    • Viator – 1050+ excursions and activities throughout the country
  • Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
  • Internet and Calls:
    • Airalo eSIM in Albania from $4.5
    • DRIMSIM – universal SIM card (or eSIM) in any country in the world.
  • Taxi and airport transfer: Intui.Travel