One loaf of bread, a few eggs and… How do the 23% of Albanians living on 681 lek per day survive?

Last year, 23.4% of Albania’s population lived on 8.3 dollars (681 lek per day based on the lek-USD exchange rate), according to official data from the World Bank. The figures show that Albania had the highest poverty level in the region in 2025, together with Kosovo, and is expected to continue having it at least until the end of the decade.

A quarter of the country’s population remains outside normal consumption, as a shopping basket with this amount is extremely limited and barely enough for survival. Educational and healthcare services, as well as rent, are completely unaffordable at this income level.

The World Bank’s methodology estimates that around 60% of the 681 lek amount, roughly 400 lek goes toward daily food, while the remaining 281 lek must cover all other expenses.

What can 400 lek per day buy for food?

With a food budget of 400 lek per day, 23.4% of Albania’s population is forced to rely entirely on very limited basic basket products, without meat, since this amount is only enough for a modest diet. This spending level requires strict management and eliminates the possibility of consuming many essential products.

To stay within this 400 lek limit, a person in one day can buy one loaf of bread costing around 100–120 lek, two eggs costing around 50–60 lek, one cup of yogurt or milk costing around 60–80 lek, half a kilogram of potatoes or a few apples costing around 50–70 lek. In addition, one portion of beans, rice, or pasta costs around 70–90 lek.

This budget leaves no room for products such as beef or pork, since their cost exceeds daily means. Expenses for sweets, soft drinks, or coffee at cafés are also impossible.

Another 281 lek for electricity and water

Forty percent of the total 681 lek, or 281 lek, goes toward paying electricity and water bills. Electricity and water for minimum consumption are estimated at around 150 to 200 lek per day, and although the state provides subsidies of around 648 lek per month for vulnerable categories, the burden remains high.

The situation becomes even more difficult if a person needs transportation for work or education, as public transport costs around 80 lek per day for a round-trip ticket. This expense immediately pushes the daily budget into deficit, forcing individuals to choose between walking or cutting food consumption even further. Meanwhile, basic hygiene products such as soap or toothpaste take another 20 to 30 lek from this modest budget.

What 23% of the population cannot afford

The category living on 681 lek per day remains with critical needs completely unmet. Rent in suburban areas, costing around 1,075 lek per day, is unaffordable since it exceeds the entire daily budget. Likewise, purchasing medication or accessing private medical visits is impossible without additional assistance. Education also remains a challenge, as university fees require drastic savings or additional employment. As for clothing, buying clothes or shoes is possible only through long-term savings or support from relatives abroad. This category also cannot afford vacations, eating out, or participating in cultural activities.

“KORÇA BOOM”