Cost of Short-Term and Long-Term Rental of Residential and Commercial Properties in Different Cities of Albania

Albania, a Mediterranean gem nestled along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, has emerged as a hotspot for tourists, expats, and investors, driving a dynamic real estate market. With its affordable cost of living, stunning coastlines, and vibrant cultural heritage, the country offers a range of opportunities for renting residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re a digital nomad seeking a short-term beachfront apartment, a family looking for a long-term home, or a business owner scouting commercial spaces, understanding the rental market across Albania’s key cities is essential. This comprehensive guide explores the costs of short-term and long-term rentals for both residential and commercial properties in Albania’s major cities, including Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Sarandë, and Shkodër, as of August 2025. All prices are based on recent market data and reflect averages for furnished properties unless otherwise noted.

Why Rent in Albania?

Albania’s rental market has seen remarkable growth, fueled by a tourism boom and increasing foreign interest. In 2024, the short-term rental market alone generated €85 million, nearly double the previous year’s revenue, driven by platforms like Airbnb. The country’s cost of living is approximately 46% lower than in the United States and 31.8% lower than in Germany, with rents up to 39.6% cheaper than in Germany. This affordability, combined with Albania’s 476 km of coastline, 310+ days of sunshine, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, makes it a prime destination for renters. Cities like Tirana offer urban vibrancy, while coastal hubs like Sarandë and Vlorë cater to tourists and expats seeking scenic retreats. The rental market varies significantly by city, property type, and season, making it crucial to understand regional differences.

Residential Rental Costs in Albania

Short-Term Residential Rentals

Short-term rentals, typically booked through platforms like Airbnb or Booking, cater to tourists, digital nomads, and seasonal visitors. These rentals are popular in coastal cities and Tirana, with prices fluctuating based on season, location, and property amenities. As of April 2025, Albania had over 23,000 short-term rental units, a 38% increase from the previous year, though only 3,318 were officially registered for tax purposes. The average daily rate for short-term rentals has slightly decreased to €59.4 ($66.48) due to increased supply, compared to €67.8 ($75.90) in 2019.

Tirana

• City Center: A one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Tirana, near Skanderbeg Square or the trendy Blloku district, costs €30–€60 per night during peak season (June–August). Off-season rates drop to €20–€40 per night. Two-bedroom apartments range from €50–€100 per night in summer, with high-end properties reaching €120.
• Suburbs: Outside the city center, in areas like Liqeni i Thate, short-term rentals are more affordable, with one-bedroom apartments at €15–€35 per night and two-bedroom units at €30–€70.
• Example: A furnished one-bedroom apartment near the city center with fast Wi-Fi and a balcony averages €35 per night in spring, while a three-bedroom unit in Blloku can cost €80–€100 per night in summer.

Durrës

• City Center: As a coastal city 40 minutes from Tirana, Durrës is popular for beach access. One-bedroom apartments near the promenade cost €25–€50 per night in peak season, dropping to €15–€30 in winter. Two-bedroom units range from €40–€80 per night.
• Suburbs: In areas like Vala Park, short-term rentals are cheaper, with one-bedroom apartments at €15–€30 per night and two-bedroom units at €30–€60.
• Example: A two-bedroom apartment in Vala Park, fully furnished with an elevator, costs €40 per night in summer.

Vlorë

• City Center/Lungomare: Vlorë’s scenic Lungomare is a hotspot for tourists. One-bedroom apartments with sea views cost €30–€60 per night in summer, while off-season rates are €20–€40. Two-bedroom units range from €50–€90 per night.
• Suburbs: Outside Lungomare, prices drop to €15–€35 for one-bedroom apartments and €30–€70 for two-bedroom units.
• Example: A one-bedroom apartment in Lungomare, 64 m², rents for €40 per night in peak season.

Sarandë

• City Center: Sarandë, a tourist favorite on the Albanian Riviera, sees high demand in summer. One-bedroom apartments cost €35–€70 per night, while two-bedroom units range from €60–€120. Off-season rates are 30–50% lower, at €20–€40 for one-bedroom units.
• Suburbs: Outside the city center, one-bedroom apartments cost €15–€35 per night, and two-bedroom units are €30–€70.
• Example: A beachfront studio in Sarandë with a sea view costs €35 per night in spring, rising to €50 in summer.

Shkodër

• City Center: Shkodër, a quieter northern city, offers budget-friendly short-term rentals. One-bedroom apartments cost €15–€35 per night, while two-bedroom units range from €30–€60.
• Suburbs: Rentals outside the center are even cheaper, at €10–€25 for one-bedroom apartments and €20–€50 for two-bedroom units.
• Example: A one-bedroom apartment near the city center costs €20 per night year-round.

Long-Term Residential Rentals

Long-term rentals (monthly or yearly leases) are ideal for expats, families, or digital nomads planning extended stays. Prices are significantly lower than short-term rates, but demand in popular cities like Tirana has driven up costs, particularly in central areas. The supply of long-term rentals has decreased due to the shift toward short-term tourist rentals, inflating prices in urban and coastal areas.

Tirana

• City Center: One-bedroom apartments in central areas like Blloku or near Skanderbeg Square cost €400–€750 per month. Two-bedroom apartments range from €600–€1,200, and three-bedroom units can reach €1,500–€2,000 for high-end properties.
• Suburbs: In areas like Liqeni i Thate or the suburbs, one-bedroom apartments cost €250–€400, two-bedroom units range from €400–€750, and three-bedroom apartments are €600–€1,000.
• Example: A furnished two-bedroom apartment near the main boulevard costs €700 per month, while a one-bedroom in the suburbs averages €350.

Durrës

• City Center: One-bedroom apartments near the promenade cost €250–€500 per month. Two-bedroom units range from €400–€700, and three-bedroom apartments are €700–€1,000.
• Suburbs: Outside the center, one-bedroom apartments cost €150–€300, and two-bedroom units are €300–€600.
• Example: A two-bedroom apartment in Vala Park, furnished with an elevator, costs €470 per month.

Vlorë

• City Center/Lungomare: One-bedroom apartments cost €300–€500 per month, with two-bedroom units at €400–€700 and three-bedroom apartments at €800–€1,200. Prices rise in summer due to tourism.
• Suburbs: Outside Lungomare, one-bedroom apartments cost €200–€350, and two-bedroom units are €350–€600.
• Example: A 64 m² one-bedroom apartment in Lungomare rents for €400 per month year-round.

Sarandë

• City Center: One-bedroom apartments cost €300–€500 per month, with two-bedroom units at €400–€800 and three-bedroom apartments exceeding €1,000 for modern properties. Seasonal fluctuations increase summer rates.
• Suburbs: Outside the center, one-bedroom apartments cost €200–€350, and two-bedroom units are €350–€600.
• Example: A one-bedroom apartment in central Sarandë costs €350 per month in winter, rising to €450 in summer.

Shkodër

• City Center: One-bedroom apartments cost €200–€400 per month, two-bedroom units range from €300–€600, and three-bedroom apartments are €500–€800.
• Suburbs: Outside the center, one-bedroom apartments cost €150–€250, and two-bedroom units are €250–€500.
• Example: A one-bedroom apartment in central Shkodër costs €250 per month.

Commercial Rental Costs in Albania

Commercial properties, including office spaces, retail shops, and bar-restaurants, are in high demand in urban and tourist-heavy areas. The commercial rental market is less saturated than residential, but prices vary significantly based on location and property type. Data on commercial rentals is less comprehensive, but recent listings provide insight into costs as of 2025.

Tirana

• City Center: Office spaces in Blloku or near the main boulevard cost €10–€20 per m² per month. A 100 m² office averages €1,000–€2,000 per month. Retail spaces, such as shops or cafes, range from €15–€30 per m², with prime locations reaching €3,000 per month for 100 m².
• Suburbs: Office spaces outside the center cost €5–€10 per m², averaging €500–€1,000 for 100 m². Retail spaces are €8–€15 per m².
• Example: A 48 m² office in a favorable complex costs €440 per month, while a 100 m² retail space in Blloku rents for €2,000.

Durrës

• City Center: Office spaces cost €8–€15 per m² per month, averaging €800–€1,500 for 100 m². Retail spaces near the promenade range from €12–€25 per m², or €1,200–€2,500 for 100 m².
• Suburbs: Office spaces cost €4–€8 per m², and retail spaces are €6–€12 per m².
• Example: A 62 m² commercial space near the fire station costs €300 per month.

Vlorë

• City Center/Lungomare: Office spaces cost €8–€15 per m² per month, averaging €800–€1,500 for 100 m². Retail spaces, popular for bars and restaurants, range from €12–€20 per m², or €1,200–€2,000 for 100 m².
• Suburbs: Office spaces cost €4–€8 per m², and retail spaces are €6–€12 per m².
• Example: A 100 m² retail space in Lungomare costs €1,500 per month.

Sarandë

• City Center: Office spaces cost €7–€12 per m² per month, averaging €700–€1,200 for 100 m². Retail spaces, especially near the promenade, range from €10–€20 per m², or €1,000–€2,000 for 100 m².
• Suburbs: Office spaces cost €3–€7 per m², and retail spaces are €5–€10 per m².
• Example: A 100 m² retail space in central Sarandë costs €1,200 per month in peak season.

Shkodër

• City Center: Office spaces cost €5–€10 per m² per month, averaging €500–€1,000 for 100 m². Retail spaces range from €8–€15 per m², or €800–€1,500 for 100 m².
• Suburbs: Office spaces cost €3–€6 per m², and retail spaces are €5–€10 per m².
• Example: A 100 m² office in central Shkodër costs €700 per month.

Factors Influencing Rental Costs

1. Location: Central areas and tourist hotspots (e.g., Tirana’s Blloku, Vlorë’s Lungomare) command higher rents due to demand and proximity to amenities. Suburbs offer significant savings.
2. Seasonality: Coastal cities like Sarandë and Vlorë see 30–50% price increases in summer for short-term rentals, while long-term rentals may require negotiation to maintain off-season rates.
3. Tourism Boom: The rise in tourism (10 million visitors expected in 2025) has increased demand for short-term rentals, reducing long-term rental availability and inflating prices.
4. Property Type and Condition: Furnished, modern properties with amenities like elevators or sea views cost more. Older properties or those needing renovation are cheaper but may require investment.
5. Agency Fees: Many rentals involve real estate agencies, adding fees (typically one month’s rent). Independent landlords offer savings but may be harder to find.
6. Economic Growth: Albania’s 16.4% GDP per capita growth over the past five years and 8–10% annual property value increases in Tirana make rentals a lucrative investment, pushing prices upward.

Tips for Renting in Albania

• Short-Term Rentals: Book through platforms like Airbnb or Booking for convenience, but check for tax-registered properties to avoid issues. Negotiate off-season rates in coastal cities.
• Long-Term Rentals: Use platforms like Indomio.al or Realting.com, or contact local agencies like Albania Property Group for personalized assistance. Inspect properties for quality and verify contracts.
• Commercial Rentals: Focus on high-traffic areas for retail or tourist-heavy locations for short-term gains. Long-term commercial leases (1–5 years) offer stability but require careful negotiation.
• Budget Planning: Account for utilities (€50–€100/month), internet (€15–€30/month), and taxes (e.g., €9.6–€48 annual waste collection tax).
• Legal Considerations: Foreigners face no restrictions on renting, and property purchases can lead to a one-year renewable residence permit. Work with reputable agents to navigate local laws.

• Sustainability: The tourism boom strains infrastructure, so consider properties with modern utilities to avoid outages in high-demand areas.

Why Albania’s Rental Market Stands Out

Albania’s rental market offers exceptional value compared to Western Europe, with rental yields of 3.0–5.7% for investors. The country’s affordability, coupled with its growing tourism sector (up 120% in short-term rental properties since 2019), makes it a magnet for renters and investors alike. Whether you’re seeking a cozy apartment in Shkodër for €200/month, a luxurious seafront villa in Sarandë for €1,000/month, or a commercial space in Tirana’s bustling Blloku for €2,000/month, Albania caters to diverse budgets and preferences.

Start Your Albanian Journey with Albanian Century

From the vibrant streets of Tirana to the turquoise waters of Ksamil, Albania’s rental market offers something for everyone. Whether you’re renting short-term for a holiday, securing a long-term home, or investing in commercial spaces, the country’s affordability and charm are unmatched. For expert guidance on rentals or property investment, contact Albanian Century at +355 69 517 3114 (WhatsApp, Telegram) or email office@albaniancentury.com. Visit https://albaniancentury.com to explore properties and plan your Albanian adventure today!