Are you planning to move to Durrës, Albania, for long term?
One of the first questions international clients ask us is: “How much does it cost to rent an apartment long-term in Durrës, and which area should I choose?”
The rental market in Durrës has changed considerably over the last few years. Finding a good apartment for €200–€250 per month, which was once relatively common, has now become increasingly difficult.
Today, rental prices are influenced not only by the size of the apartment, but also by location, furnishing standard, proximity to the sea, building quality and overall demand.
Durrës still offers a very diverse long-term rental market: from older and more economical apartments outside the centre to modern seaside homes and premium properties in Vollga.
For foreign residents, price should not be the only consideration. Transportation, whether you have a car, winter services and whether the property is genuinely available for a full 12-month period can be just as important.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent an Apartment in Durrës?
There is no single rental price that accurately represents the entire city.
The monthly rent depends mainly on:
- Location
- Apartment size and layout
- Furnishing and renovation standard
- Age and quality of the building
- Distance from the sea
- Sea view
- Parking
- Lift/elevator
- Nearby services
- Overall demand in the area
Two apartments with the same layout may differ by several hundred euros in monthly rent simply because one has a better location or has recently been renovated.
Durrës City Centre: Approximately €350–€600+ per Month
For foreigners who want to live close to everything, Durrës city centre remains one of the most practical choices.
Typical rental levels: €350 | €400 | €450 | €500 | €550 | €600+
Older or more simply furnished apartments are generally found towards the lower end of this range.
Recently renovated apartments with contemporary furniture, new appliances, air conditioning and a central location may easily reach €500–€600 or more per month.
For foreigners without a car, living centrally has a major advantage: supermarkets, pharmacies, cafés, restaurants, banks, shops and most everyday services are within easy reach.
Where Can You Live Near the Centre for Less?
If you want to remain relatively close to central Durrës without paying the highest city-centre prices, we often suggest looking at:
- Ish-URT
- Ujësjellësi
- Stadiumi
- Lagjja 5
- Lagjja 6
These areas can offer a good balance between location, accessibility and price.
However, a less central area no longer automatically means a cheap apartment. Owners are increasingly renovating properties and investing in modern kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, lighting, air conditioning and new appliances.
Pallati i Sportit, Blue Star, Flagship, Boulevard, Court & Municipality Area
As you move towards some of the most central and desirable parts of Durrës, rental prices generally increase.
Areas around Pallati i Sportit, Blue Star, Flagship, Bulevardi Dyrrah, the Court, Municipality and Tax Office area are particularly attractive to residents who want an urban lifestyle.
Modern and well-furnished apartments here may easily reach €500–€600+ per month, depending on size, building and furnishing standard.
In these areas, you are not paying only for the apartment. You are also paying for location and everyday convenience.
Vollga: Premium Seaside Living in Durrës
Vollga is one of the most sought-after residential areas in Durrës.
The neighbourhood combines the sea, promenade, cafés, restaurants, modern residential buildings and immediate proximity to the city centre.
Long-term rental prices in Vollga generally start at approximately €500 per month and can reach around €1,500 per month, depending on the apartment, size, furnishing, building and sea view.
It is particularly attractive to international residents who want a high standard of living by the sea without giving up the convenience of central Durrës.
Durrës Beach Area: From Economical Rentals to Modern Seaside Apartments
The Durrës Beach area (Zona e Plazhit) has one of the widest price ranges in the local rental market.
Economical options: approximately €300–€400/month
Modern apartments: approximately €500–€800+/month
The difference depends largely on proximity to the sea and the quality of the furnishing.
Where Can You Find More Economical Rentals?
If keeping the monthly rent low is your main priority and you do not need to live close to the centre or the sea, consider expanding your search towards:
- Spitallë
- Shkozet
- Ish-Kënetë
These areas can still offer some of the more economical rentals in Durrës, particularly when the apartment has older or simpler furniture.
However, this segment of the market is changing too. More landlords are renovating apartments and furnishing them in a modern style.
Modern Furnishing Is Changing the Rental Market
One of the biggest changes in the Durrës rental market is the growing importance of interior quality.
Modern kitchens, renovated bathrooms, new furniture, air conditioning, lighting and quality appliances can completely change the value of a property.
As a result, a modern apartment outside central Durrës may sometimes cost as much as an older apartment in a better location.
Indicative Long-Term Rental Prices in Durrës
| Area | Indicative Monthly Rent | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Durrës Centre | €350–€600+ | City life, walking distance, no car |
| Vollga | €500–€1,500 | Premium seaside living |
| Durrës Beach | €300–€800+ | Beach living and different budgets |
| Ish-URT / Stadium / Lagjja 5–6 | Usually more economical than prime centre | Good location-price balance |
| Spitallë / Shkozet / Ish-Kënetë | Among the more economical areas | Budget-focused tenants |
Prices are indicative and vary according to apartment size, condition, furnishing, exact location, building quality and availability.
What About Shkëmbi i Kavajës, Golem, Mali i Robit and Qerret?
Foreigners searching for rental properties around Durrës will also find many attractive apartments further south along the coast.
Durrës → Shkëmbi i Kavajës → Golem → Mali i Robit → Qerret
These areas can offer an important advantage: you may find modern apartments close to the sea at more economical prices than comparable modern properties in central Durrës or Vollga.
However, the further you move away from Durrës, the more seasonal the area generally becomes.
Shkëmbi i Kavajës
Shkëmbi i Kavajës is usually the first coastal alternative we would suggest outside Durrës.
It offers beach access and a quieter lifestyle while remaining relatively close to the city.
Golem
Golem offers a large number of apartments and residential developments close to the beach.
Modern properties can often provide better value than comparable apartments in central Durrës.
However, Golem is more seasonal than Durrës, and some local businesses and supermarkets may close or operate differently during winter.
Mali i Robit
Mali i Robit offers a peaceful atmosphere with greenery, pine trees, residential complexes and easy access to the sea.
During winter, some supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and seasonal businesses may close.
For this reason, having a car makes year-round living significantly easier.
Qerret
Qerret is further from Durrës and has a quieter, more residential and resort-style atmosphere.
During winter the area becomes considerably quieter, and some local businesses and supermarkets may close.
Do You Need a Car?
If you have a car and want peace and quiet, Shkëmbi i Kavajës, Golem, Mali i Robit and Qerret can all be attractive options.
If you do not have a car, we generally recommend remaining closer to Durrës, particularly if you intend to live in Albania throughout the entire year.
Don’t Judge a Coastal Area Only by What You See in July
This is particularly important for foreigners who first discover Albania during a summer holiday.
In July and August, Golem, Mali i Robit and Qerret are lively, with restaurants, cafés, beach bars, shops and supermarkets open.
Winter can be very different.
Some restaurants, local shops and supermarkets close seasonally, especially in Mali i Robit and Qerret. Parts of Golem can also become significantly quieter outside the tourist season.
Before signing a full-year rental agreement, ask:
- Which supermarkets remain open here in January?
- Is there a pharmacy nearby that operates year-round?
- How easy is it to reach Durrës?
- What transportation options are available in winter?
- Would I need a car for my normal daily routine?
For long-term living, evaluate a location based on how practical it is in January — not only how beautiful it is in July.
Important: Make Sure “Long-Term Rental” Really Means 12 Months
This is one of the most important things foreigners should understand when renting along the Durrës coastline.
A monthly rental does not automatically mean a 12-month rental.
Some owners rent their apartments from September or October until May, then switch to short-term holiday rentals during the summer season.
You may therefore find a beautiful modern apartment at an attractive monthly price, only to discover later that you are expected to leave in May or June.
Always ask:
Is this apartment available on a full 12-month contract, including June, July and August, at the agreed monthly rent?
Ask this question before paying the deposit and make sure the rental period is clearly stated in the contract.
Deposit and Utilities
For long-term rentals in Durrës, landlords commonly request a deposit equivalent to approximately two months’ rent.
Utilities are generally paid separately by the tenant and are not included in the monthly rent.
Before signing your rental agreement, confirm:
- Monthly rent
- Deposit amount
- Contract duration
- That June, July and August are included
- Which utilities you will pay separately
- Any building or maintenance fees
Which Area Would We Recommend to a Foreigner?
For city life without a car:
Durrës Centre, Boulevard, Municipality, Court, Blue Star, Flagship and Vollga.
For good value close to the centre:
Ish-URT, Ujësjellësi, Stadiumi, Lagjja 5 and Lagjja 6.
For beach living:
Durrës Beach area.
For premium seaside living:
Vollga.
For lower-budget rentals:
Spitallë, Shkozet and Ish-Kënetë.
For modern seaside apartments at potentially better value:
Shkëmbi i Kavajës and Golem.
For maximum peace and a relaxed coastal lifestyle:
Mali i Robit and Qerret, especially if you have a car.
Looking for a Long-Term Rental in Durrës?
Whether you are relocating to Albania, working remotely, retiring by the sea or simply looking for a new place to call home, choosing the right area can make a big difference to your everyday life.
At Tuttomondo Real Estate, we help international clients find long-term rental properties in Durrës and the surrounding coastal areas based on their lifestyle, budget and length of stay.
Tell us your monthly budget, preferred area, move-in date, apartment size and whether you have a car. If you need to stay throughout the year, simply tell us that you are looking specifically for a full 12-month rental.
Ready to start your property search?
Call / WhatsApp: +355 69 677 6612
Tuttomondo Real Estate – Durrës, Albania
Your local real estate partner for buying, selling and long-term rentals in Durrës and the Albanian coast.
