Analysis: An Albanian Needs $28,000 a Year to Reach the “Happiness Threshold

According to an international analysis examining the relationship between income and life satisfaction, the annual income an Albanian needs to reach the “happiness threshold” is estimated at around $28,000.

Data published by Visual Capitalist, based on figures from Remitly, show that the average annual salary in Albania is approximately $10,000. At this level, an average worker manages to earn only 34.8% of the amount estimated to be necessary for well-being, while the annual gap exceeds $18,000.

Calculated on a monthly basis, the income level associated with this threshold in Albania is around $2,316, while the average salary stands at approximately $830.

This threshold does not refer to the minimum income needed to cover basic expenses. It refers to the level beyond which additional money does not significantly affect how individuals assess their lives.

Albania remains among the countries with the lowest salaries in the region.

According to data from INSTAT and Eurostat, the average gross salary in Albania during 2025 was around 10,300 euros per year. In Serbia, the figure reaches approximately 15,500 euros, in Montenegro around 14,500 euros, while in North Macedonia it is approximately 13,200 euros.

The analysis is based on studies by Purdue University that examined the relationship between income and well-being.

Experts emphasize that happiness levels are also influenced by factors other than salary, including health, family relationships, security and living conditions.

In the international ranking, Slovenia was the only country where the average salary was higher than the “price of happiness.”