Cost of Living in Malta

The reasonable cost of living in Malta is one of the archipelago's major drawcards. While it's true that Maltese salaries are significantly lower than in much of Europe, so is the cost of living, evening out into a comfortable and affordable lifestyle.

Valletta, the Maltese capital, and Sliema are popular with expats. They offer resorts, retail shops and modern housing, and are more expensive and populated than other areas.

Cost of accommodation in Malta

It’s possible to find a modern, furnished property with a small garden and one to three bedrooms at better value for money in Malta than in major European destinations such as the UK. Utilities are also less expensive, and most rentals come furnished.

Being selective about the area one chooses to live in can make a difference when it comes to rental costs. Accommodation in smaller outlying towns is cheaper than living in major cities. In larger cities, the city centre will have the highest rental costs with prices decreasing the further away one moves from the city centre. Newer property developments are more expensive than older homes.

Cost of food and clothing in Malta

Local products are cheaper than imported brands, and supermarkets are cheaper than smaller grocery stores. Produce from roadside markets is cheap as well as fresh. Eating out in Malta is cheaper than much of Europe.

The cost of clothing is on par with the rest of Europe, and expats will be able to find many of the same designers and brands, though taxes push up the cost of imported items. Since Sliema and Valletta cater to tourists and expats, high-end clothing shops and small retail stores are easy to find.

Cost of transport in Malta

Thanks to the island's small size, it's easy and cheap to get around. Most expats find the bus and ferry system to be adequate for their needs, using taxi services as an adjunct where necessary. Cars are a more expensive option due to the costs of tax, insurance and petrol. Street parking is usually free of charge but spaces are limited.