Wow, you can see that not many people are interested in Albania from the lack of posts on the Albanian forum. Lol.
Even though this is an old post I will try and answer what I can.
1.)In villages I find that food is slim pickings, it’s usually a “makeshift” store set up in the front of someone’s house where you can buy meat, potatoes, drinks, all the usual things. All priced fairly well. When you are in a larger town or city you will have many more choices, and in Tirana Albania there are shops that sell things that are more “American” food items, and imported food items.
2.)Rent is cheap, cheap, cheap, but you also get what you pay for.
3.)I would never attempt to drive in Albania. The roads are narrow, and people drive kind of scary. Public transportation is good though, and also quite cheap.
4.)Not sure about services. Most people use cell phones and not landlines, there are tons if internet cafes. If you would like internet in your house it is possible to rent places with wifi, having it installed in your house is expensive though, better to find something to rent with wifi included.
5.)I don’t think they get taxed? I could be wrong though. I know there is no tax or gst on items you buy in stores.
6.)I have only been to the doctor once in Albania, it was a slightly mortifying experience, however it was free, and I just had to pay for my medication. And if you were to go to a doctor in Tirana there are doctors recommended on the Canadian, British and American government websites.
7.)There is one theatre in Tirana, they have a new shopping centre with a small ice rink and many shops. Tons of “touristy” or fun things to do.

I am from Canada, my husband is Albanian, I have spent time in Albania on separate occasions and each time for an extended period of time.