More and more Americans are looking for ways to escape the high cost of living in the United States. For travel content creators Alicia Walter and her boyfriend Nate, the solution was simple—move abroad. The couple, known as The Passport Couple, traded their expensive San Diego lifestyle for an affordable, adventure-filled life in Albania. And the best part? They didn’t even need a visa to live there.
Why They Moved to Albania
Living in the US had become too expensive for Alicia and Nate. So they made the bold decision to leave their home country and search for a more budget-friendly place to live. After some exploring, they found what they were looking for in Albania—a small country in Southeastern Europe bordered by Greece and Montenegro.
They chose Albania not only for its affordability but also because US citizens can stay there visa-free for up to 365 days. This made it incredibly easy for them to settle down and enjoy their new surroundings without worrying about paperwork.
Monthly Expenses in Albania
The couple spends about $1,500 per month for everything, including rent, food, travel, and daily needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Rent: $480
Internet: $20
Water & Electricity: $100
Other expenses (food, transport, travel): Included in total
Compared to their life in San Diego, this is a huge saving. Alicia shared that in the US, they could never find a fully furnished, newly-built apartment for less than $500. But in Albania, their flat came ready with everything—from pots and pans to blankets and pillows. They only spent $400 extra to buy a few more home items.
Challenges of Renting in Albania
While Albania is affordable, there are a few challenges when it comes to renting an apartment. Most landlords prefer to be paid in cash, and many buildings are built for sale, not rent. This means the rental market is more personal, and finding the right place can take some effort. But once they found their apartment, it was worth it.
What Life in Albania is Like
Albania turned out to be more than just cheap—it offered the couple a beautiful and peaceful lifestyle. They enjoy the stunning mountains, quiet beaches, and slower pace of life. The low crime rate, warm weather, and friendly locals made it even more attractive.
They live like locals, trying Albanian food, learning about the culture, and travelling around the country—all while working online and maintaining their income through content creation.
Why Albania Might Be Right for You
While many Americans dream of moving to places like Italy, Alicia and Nate found that Albania offers many of the same benefits—without the high prices or complex visa rules. In fact, Alicia believes Albania is one of Europe’s most underrated places to live.
As the cost of living in the US continues to rise, and even six-figure incomes aren’t enough in some cities, more people are looking at cheaper countries to live in. Albania offers an affordable lifestyle, beautiful scenery, and the chance to live a simpler, richer life.
Alicia and Nate’s story shows that moving abroad can be more than a dream—it can be a smart financial decision. With low monthly costs, a relaxed lifestyle, and easy visa rules, Albania gave them the freedom to live comfortably while continuing their work as travel creators. For Americans looking for a fresh start, Albania might just be the hidden gem worth considering.