Cost Of Living For a Student in Sarande 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Sarande

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Sarande?

Students in Sarande spend around 140,000 ALL per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 22,000 ALL or as high as 950,000 ALL. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Sarande?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Sarande typically spend from 14% to 25% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 19% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 34,000 ALL with expenditure ranging from 5,200 ALL to 230,000 ALL. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Sarande ranges from 4% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 5,700 ALL with 870 ALL and 38,000 ALL being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 1,500 ALL to 67,000 ALL in a month on commuting with 10,000 ALL being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 4% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 10%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Sarande is 29,000 ALL. The cost of groceries can range between 4,300 ALL to 190,000 ALL. Students spend on average about 23% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 17% and 27% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Sarande allocate 6% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 1,300 ALL to 57,000 ALL with 8,600 ALL being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 1,100 ALL to 48,000 ALL with 7,200 ALL being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 18% of the monthly expenditure of students with 11% and 23% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 27,000 ALL per month with 4,100 ALL being the minimum spent amount and 180,000 ALL being the maximum.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

• 50% for needs and financial obligations

  This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

• 30% for wants and discretionary spending

  This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

• 20% for savings and emergency fund

  This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

Affordable living in Sarande

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Sarande?

Around 58% of surveyed students think that living in Sarande is affordable with proper budgeting while 42% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Sarande

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked students how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options56%

Few low-cost options44%

Based on the survey, 56% of the students living in Sarande have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 44% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Students

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked students of Sarande whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes58%

No42%

Based on the survey, 42% of the students living in Sarande said that they don't have an emergency fund while 58% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Albania

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy55%

We asked student guardians and parents in Sarande whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 45% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 55% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.

Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether students of Albania have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 36% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 64% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance36%

Easily manages finances64%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Sarande

Rent Cost in Sarande

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

24,000 ALL

36,000 ALL

97,000 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$250

$380

$1,000

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

36,000 ALL

58,000 ALL

140,000 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$380

$600

$1,500

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

48,000 ALL

72,000 ALL

190,000 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$500

$750

$2,000

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

58,000 ALL

97,000 ALL

260,000 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$600

$1,000

$2,700

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

120,000 ALL

290,000 ALL

580,000 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,200

$3,000

$6,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

97,000 ALL

140,000 ALL

410,000 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,000

$1,500

$4,300

House monthly rent cost

120,000 ALL

290,000 ALL

580,000 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,200

$3,000

$6,000

Villa monthly rent cost

140,000 ALL

360,000 ALL

580,000 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,500

$3,800

$6,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Sarande ranges between 24,000 ALL and 97,000 ALL, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 36,000 ALL to 140,000 ALL. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 48,000 ALL and 190,000 ALL per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 58,000 ALL to 260,000 ALL. The average rent of a townhouse in Sarande is around 140,000 ALL while house rental costs can be as high as 290,000 ALL per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 140,000 ALL to 580,000 ALL per month.

Apartment and house prices in Sarande

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

4.8M ALL

7.2M ALL

14M ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$50,000

$75,000

$150,000

1-bedroom apartment price

5.8M ALL

9.7M ALL

36M ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$60,000

$100,000

$380,000

2-bedroom apartment price

9.7M ALL

29M ALL

58M ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$100,000

$300,000

$600,000

3-bedroom apartment price

32M ALL

48M ALL

140M ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$340,000

$500,000

$1.5M

Townhouse price

41M ALL

97M ALL

360M ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$430,000

$1M

$3.8M

House price

48M ALL

290M ALL

410M ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$500,000

$3M

$4.3M

Villa price

58M ALL

320M ALL

480M ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$600,000

$3.4M

$5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Sarande can range from 4.8M ALL to 14M ALL depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 5.8M ALL to 36M ALL. A villa can cost you 320M ALL on average with prices ranging from 58M ALL to 480M ALL.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Sarande can be x87 to x187 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x87 multiples of the average monthly salary in Sarande.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Sarande is around 28%. This means that people pay 28% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 18% to 38% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Sarande

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Sarande

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

870 ALL

5,700 ALL

38,000 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$9.1

$60

$400

Internet and cable cost

1,600 ALL

3,100 ALL

4,200 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$16

$33

$44

Mobile phone bill and charges

1,300 ALL

2,100 ALL

6,300 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$13

$22

$65

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 5,700 ALL. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 1,600 ALL to 4,200 ALL with 3,100 ALL being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 2,100 ALL but can range between 1,300 ALL and 6,300 ALL depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Sarande is around 5.8%. This means that people pay 5.8% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.9% to 9.7% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Sarande

Prices and cost of goods and services in Sarande

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

310 ALL

630 ALL

1,000 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.3

$6.5

$11

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Sarande is approximatly 630 ALL with meal cost ranging from 310 ALL to 1,000 ALL. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

1,000 ALL

1,500 ALL

3,000 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$10

$16

$31

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 1,000 ALL and 3,000 ALL with 1,500 ALL being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Sarande.

Fine dining meal for one price

2,000 ALL

3,000 ALL

12,000 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$21

$31

$130

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 2,000 ALL to 12,000 ALL with the average cost being 3,000 ALL for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Sarande.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

260 ALL

420 ALL

630 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.7

$4.4

$6.5

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Sarande is around 420 ALL. Price ranges between 260 ALL and 630 ALL depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

210 ALL

250 ALL

310 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.2

$2.6

$3.3

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Sarande is 250 ALL. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 310 ALL and the minimum being 210 ALL depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

160 ALL

210 ALL

310 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.6

$2.2

$3.3

A dozen eggs costs around 210 ALL on average with 160 ALL and 310 ALL being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

360 ALL

460 ALL

650 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.7

$4.8

$6.8

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Sarande is between 360 ALL and 650 ALL depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 460 ALL.

Pack of beef price

420 ALL

630 ALL

1,300 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.4

$6.5

$13

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 630 ALL. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

170 ALL

230 ALL

330 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.8

$2.4

$3.4

A bag of rice in Sarande costs around 230 ALL on average with prices rangeing between 170 ALL and 330 ALL depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

63 ALL

84 ALL

160 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.65

$0.87

$1.6

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 63 ALL to 160 ALL. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

110 ALL

150 ALL

240 ALL

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.2

$1.5

$2.5

A bag of apples costs 150 ALL on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Sarande is around 26%. This means that students spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students