Kaohsiung vs. Durres: Detailed 2026 Comparison
Kaohsiung
Image by:Nick Valmores
Durres
Image by:Alban Mehmeti
Kaohsiung, a major port city in Taiwan, stands in stark contrast to Durres, a significant port city in Albania's Western Balkans. Kaohsiung boasts a substantially larger population (around 3.3 million) compared to Durres (around 200,000), reflecting a significant difference in scale. Economically, Kaohsiung operates within the highly developed Chinese economic system, evidenced by its much higher GDP per capita ($47,800 vs. $18,200). Durres, while part of an aspiring EU member, has a lower GDP per capita and a higher population growth rate (0.16% vs. 0.05%). This comparison focuses on cost of living and quality of life metrics, crucial factors for individuals and businesses considering relocation or investment in these distinct urban environments.
Kaohsiung demonstrates a stronger economic foundation with a higher GDP per capita ($47,800) and a higher GDP growth rate (3.9%) compared to Durres ($18,200, 2.3%). This economic vitality translates into potentially more job opportunities, particularly in manufacturing, technology, and services. Housing affordability, measured by the property price-to-income ratio, favors Kaohsiung (5.6x) over Durres (8.7x). While Durres has a lower mortgage interest rate (5.25% vs. 2.35%), Kaohsiung offers significantly lower property prices per square meter ($12,500 vs. $1,789) and a higher average net salary ($6,500 vs. $842). This combination makes housing more affordable relative to income in Kaohsiung, despite the higher absolute property costs. Businesses considering investment might find Kaohsiung's market more attractive due to its economic scale and higher purchasing power, while individuals might find Durres's lower base costs offset by significantly lower salaries.
The quality of life differs markedly between the two cities. Kaohsiung scores significantly higher across key quality-of-life indicators. Its healthcare system is vastly superior, with an index of 86.2 compared to Durres's extremely low 11.1. Commute times are considerably shorter in Kaohsiung (15 minutes) than in Durres (30 minutes). While both have similar pollution indices (82.7 vs. 82.8), Kaohsiung's much better healthcare access is a critical differentiator. The property price-to-income ratio is also much healthier in Kaohsiung (5.6x vs. 8.
Kaohsiung
DurresLocal cuisine & dishes
Kaohsiung
Durres
Kaohsiung
DurresTravel & attractions
Kaohsiung
Durres
Real estate & living comparison
| Kaohsiung | Durres | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | 3290.96 USD | 1144.88 USD |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | 278.06 USD | 331.54 USD |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | 690.85 USD | 466.82 USD |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | 1460.03 USD | 842.37 USD |
| GDP Growth Rate: | 2.71 USD | 3.94 USD |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | 12.63 USD | 18.85 USD |
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | 79.58 USD | 76.8 USD |
| Population | 2,737,660 | 153,614 |
Last updated: 2026-04-23T20:58:48+00:00
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