List/ 50% of food groups cost more in Albania than in Europe, a record in the region

Albania has one of the highest shares of agriculture in the economy in Europe, accounting for nearly 15% of gross domestic product, compared with approximately 2% on average in the European Union and less than 8% in the other countries of the region (see the chart at the end).

But agriculture’s large share is not translating into cheaper food for consumers. On the contrary, Albanians pay more for some basic products than the European average, and significantly more than their neighbors.

The advantage that a broad agricultural production base should theoretically provide is not reflected in the prices paid by households.

Comparable price-level data, in which the European Union average is 100, place Albania at an index of 103.8 for food and non-alcoholic beverages in 2025.

In other words, the price level is 3.8% above the EU average and the highest among the countries of the region. Serbia, the second-most expensive country, has an index of 97.1, Montenegro 86.5, Bosnia and Herzegovina 85.8, and North Macedonia just 74.8.

In a direct comparison, food and non-alcoholic beverages cost around 7% more in Albania than in Serbia, 20% more than in Montenegro, 21% more than in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and nearly 39% more than in North Macedonia.

The difference remains almost the same even when beverages are removed from the group and only food is compared. Albania has an index of 102.9, or 2.9% above the European average, compared with 96.6 in Serbia, 84.6 in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, and 74.3 in North Macedonia.

Food in Albania is around 6.5% more expensive than in Serbia, 22% more expensive than in Bosnia and Montenegro, and nearly 39% more expensive than in North Macedonia.

50% of food groups, including some of the most essential, are more expensive than in the EU

Of the 12 detailed groups reported by Eurostat, prices for six, or half, are higher than the European average.

These include basic products such as milk and dairy products, oils and fats, while meat and fish are also very close to EU price levels.

The largest difference among basic products is in milk, dairy products and eggs. Albania has an index of 135.6, or 35.6% above the EU average.

In Serbia, the index is 107.1, in Montenegro 95, in Bosnia and Herzegovina 92, and in North Macedonia 89.6.

Albanians pay around 27% more for these products than Serbs, 43% more than Montenegrins, and more than 50% more than consumers in North Macedonia.

Prepared food and other food products are also significantly more expensive. Albania’s index reaches 128.2, or 28.2% above the EU average.

Serbia stands at 111.2, Montenegro at 108, Bosnia at 95.5, and North Macedonia at 80.9. Albania is around 15% more expensive than Serbia and approximately 59% more expensive than North Macedonia.

For sugar, confectionery and pastry products, prices in Albania are 23.1% above the EU average, with an index of 123.1.

In this category, Serbia is slightly more expensive, with 125.3, while Montenegro has an index of 120.5. Bosnia stands at 104.2 and North Macedonia at 92.5.

For non-alcoholic beverages, Albania again becomes the most expensive country in the region, with an index of 114.3, or 14.3% above the European average.

Montenegro stands at 105.9, Serbia at 103.2, Bosnia at 97.7, and North Macedonia at 79.9. Compared with North Macedonia, non-alcoholic beverages cost around 43% more in Albania.

Oils and fats are also above the EU average, with an index of 112.5. In this category, Albania is no longer the most expensive in the region: Serbia has an index of 128.4 and Montenegro 119.4.

Bosnia is close to the European average at 99.2, while North Macedonia stands at 95.

For meat and meat products, Albania has an index of 98, slightly below the EU average. But compared with the region, it remains the most expensive country. Serbia has an index of 86.1, Bosnia 83, North Macedonia 77.6, and Montenegro just 71.

Although Albania is a country with abundant water resources, it is the second-most expensive in the region, with only landlocked Serbia behind it.

For fish and seafood, Albania has an index of 96.5. Serbia is more expensive, at 106.7, while Montenegro stands at 90.2, Bosnia at 88.3, and North Macedonia at 80.5.

The paradox of a country where agriculture accounts for a large share of the economy is also evident in products that are widely produced domestically.

For fruit and nuts, Albania has an index of 92.1, below the European average but well above most of the region. Serbia is slightly more expensive, at 95.9, while Montenegro stands at 77.9, Bosnia at 71.2, and North Macedonia at just 52.4.

Compared with North Macedonia, the price level in Albania is around 76% higher.

For vegetables, potatoes, cooking bananas and pulses, Albania has an index of 91.2, practically the same level as Serbia, at 91. But it is around 20% more expensive than Bosnia, 22% more expensive than Montenegro, and 27% more expensive than North Macedonia.

Even for cereals and cereal products, where Albania’s index is 84, prices are higher than in Bosnia, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Only Serbia, with an index of 87.3, is more expensive.

The most expensive product in Albania is alcoholic beverages. Albania has an index of 159, or a full 59% above the European Union average.

No other country in the region comes close to this level. Montenegro has an index of 128.8, Serbia 116.3, North Macedonia 99, and Bosnia and Herzegovina 92.6.

In the broader category of “alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics,” Albania has an index of 81.7. Although below the EU average, this is still the highest level in the region, ahead of Serbia at 72.5, Montenegro at 69.7, Bosnia at 63.6, and North Macedonia at 58.5.

The data highlight a stark contrast in the Albanian economy: agriculture accounts for around 15% of GDP, a share many times higher than in the European Union, yet Albanian consumers face food prices that in many categories are not only the highest in the region but also above the European average.

The advantage that a broad agricultural production base should theoretically provide is not reflected in the prices paid by households. The cheapest product in Albania is tobacco, which is obviously harmful to health!/Monitor