Within the region, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia have similar income levels to Albania, whereas Serbia and Montenegro enjoy a higher standard of living.
These figures are indicative, as they vary depending on the methodology used. However, there remains a significant income gap between the Western Balkans and the European Union, where the income difference is approximately four times greater.
With the decline in population, as reflected in the 2023 Census data, and an economic growth rate of around 4% in 2024, the average annual income of Albanians has risen to $9,300, reaching the standard of prosperity.
However, despite this increase, poverty levels remain high, affecting approximately 23% of the population.