If you are looking for an affordable, warm and peaceful place to spend your golden years, then Albania should be at the top of your list. And we, the prestigious magazine, are not the only ones saying this. Forbes has included Albania in its list of “Best Places To Retire Abroad 2025”, ranking it alongside popular destinations like Portugal, Spain, and Thailand.
With a unique combination of extremely low cost of living, a mild Mediterranean climate, warm hospitality, and tax benefits, Albania is gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s lesser-known, yet most promising, gems for international retirees. Below, you’ll find 7 reasons why this small Mediterranean country could be just what you need for a peaceful and eventful life.
Cost of Living – Why Albania is so affordable
If there is one reason why Albania stands out for retirees, it is undoubtedly the low cost of living. According to Forbes, living in Albania is significantly cheaper than in Western countries, allowing retirees to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without being financially burdened.
Compared to countries like Spain or Portugal, where prices are rising and the most sought-after areas have become increasingly expensive, Albania still remains an “affordable gem”. Rent and monthly expenses in cities like Tirana, Shkodra or Vlora are significantly lower, creating space for a quiet and balanced life.
For those living on a regular pension, this is a huge benefit. They can have more freedom to spend on healthcare, local travel or simply to enjoy everyday life without having to worry about bills. Affordability is undoubtedly one of the biggest advantages that Albania offers on this prestigious list.
Climate and nature
Albania offers a mild Mediterranean climate that is ideal for those seeking warm, sunny weather for most of the year. The Albanian coastline is crisscrossed by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, with dry summers and mild winters, a combination that many retirees consider perfect for health and well-being.
But Albania’s beauty doesn’t stop at the coast. This small country weaves beaches with majestic mountains, calm lakes and green fields, offering different landscapes for every lifestyle. Want to wake up to the sound of the waves? There are plenty of coastal towns for that. Or do you prefer the fresh air of the mountains? Shkodra and the surrounding area offers tranquility and impressive nature.
For retirees who appreciate nature, outdoor activities and a warm climate, Albania is a place that does not disappoint. Unlike some tropical destinations, here you will not face excessive humidity or major natural hazards.
Security and stable politics
When choosing a place to spend your retirement years, personal safety and political stability are among the most important factors to consider, and Albania offers both. According to Forbes, the country is characterized by stable governance and a low level of serious crime, which gives many foreigners a sense of calm and control over their daily lives.
Albania is a member of NATO and has built strong relations with Euro-Atlantic countries, which increases the sense of security in the region. Furthermore, Albanian cities from Tirana lively Tirana to quiet Shkodra, are known for their friendly and safe communities, where residents feel comfortable walking around at night without any major safety concerns.
Compared to some other destinations on the Forbes list, which can be plagued by political unrest or higher crime rates, Albania presents itself as a balanced and reliable solution for long-term living. For many retirees, a sense of security is as important as the beauty of the landscape, and here, the two come together naturally.
Improving healthcare and care for the elderly
Another essential aspect for retirees is access to quality healthcare, and Albania is making steady progress in this regard. According to Forbes, the Albanian healthcare system is “sufficient and improving,” with an increasing presence of private clinics and hospitals in major cities.
Although not yet at the level of countries with advanced healthcare systems such as Austria or Germany, basic and emergency care is provided in a sustainable manner. Many retirees choose to take out private health insurance, which gives them access to the best clinics within the country. Also, Albania’s geographical location, close to Italy and Greece, makes it easy to travel for specialized services, if necessary.
Furthermore, care for the elderly in Albanian society is rooted in culture. Respect for the elderly and a willingness to help them, especially in more traditional areas, create a warm and humane environment in which to live.
Visa, taxes and minimum requirements
One of the biggest advantages for retirees looking to settle in Albania is the simplicity of the procedures and friendly fiscal approach. Forbes points out that, unlike many European countries that require high incomes or numerous documents, Albania offers a fair and affordable process for obtaining a residence visa for retirees.
The financial requirements are modest and accessible for many individuals with a stable pension, making settling in Albania a realistic alternative without many bureaucratic obstacles. This is especially important for those who want a smooth transition to a new life in Europe.
What makes Albania even more attractive is the fact that foreign pensions are not taxed by the Albanian state. Although there is no tax treaty between Albania and the US to avoid double taxation, Albania chooses not to apply a tax on income from the pensions of foreign citizens. This means more disposable income to enjoy life.
Where to live in Albania
One of the beauties of Albania is the variety of cities that offer different ways of living, depending on your personal style. If you prefer the energy and pace of a big city, Tirana is the ideal choice. The capital offers modern infrastructure, private hospitals, cultural events and a vibrant international community.
For those who dream of living by the sea, Durresi and Vlora are two of the most attractive alternatives. Durrës, in addition to being the country’s largest port, has easy access to Tirana and an increasing number of foreigners are choosing to call it home. Vlora, on the other hand, is the gateway to the Albanian Riviera, with clean beaches, peaceful surroundings and a combination of history and modern development.
If you want a quieter place, with a slightly cooler climate and lots of contact with nature, Shkodra is a fantastic choice. It is located near the Albanian Alps and Lake Shkodra, offering tranquility, tradition and a unique cultural atmosphere.
Each city offers different benefits, but what they have in common is this: low costs, local hospitality and a quality of life that exceeds the expectations of many international retirees.
Albania – a wise choice for the best years of life
When you combine it all, affordable cost of living, pleasant climate, security, improving healthcare system, easy residency procedures and diverse cities, Albania emerges as a smart and balanced choice for those seeking to live with peace and dignity in their retirement years.
For many, it is a surprise that this Mediterranean gem has remained so long outside the wider international spotlight. But as Forbes notes, Albania is no longer a secret; it is a real opportunity waiting to be discovered.
🔍 Ready to explore more? Visit LoveAlbania.al to discover the best places to live, practical guides and experiences from foreigners who have already taken this step.
