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Here you can find the updated version for 2026 with the latest rental prices and cost of living insights.
View the 2026 GuideMalta is one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for expats and digital nomads. Located in the Mediterranean, its warm climate, rich history and English-friendly environment make it highly appealing, but understanding the true cost of living is essential before making the move. In this article we break down what you can expect to pay in rent, property purchase, utilities, groceries, transport and leisure across Malta’s most popular areas – including Gozo – so you can plan your budget with confidence.
Rent and housing
Average rental prices in popular locations
- Sliema: €1,200–€1,800 per month for a one-bed flat in the town centre; around €900–€1,200 further out.
- St Julians: €1,300–€2,000 for a one-bed apartment near Paceville and Spinola Bay; €1,000–€1,300 in quieter zones.
- Valletta: €1,100–€1,600 for a refurbished one-bed apartment in the heart of the capital; €800–€1,000 on its outskirts.
- St Paul’s Bay & Bugibba: €800–€1,200 for a one-bed, ideal for a more relaxed, coastal lifestyle.
- Gozo: €600–€1,000 for a one-bed flat; rural villages such as Għarb and Xagħra can be even more affordable.
Factors influencing rent
Proximity to the sea, amenities and public transport strongly affect rental costs. Modern complexes with gyms, swimming pools and covered parking command premiums of 10–20 percent. Furnished apartments typically cost more, but you can negotiate long-term leases (12 months or more) to secure rent reductions of up to 10 percent.
Buying property
Average purchase prices by area
- Sliema & St Julian’s: €3,500–€4,500 per square metre in new developments; €2,500–€3,500 / m² for second-hand.
- Valletta: €4,000–€5,500 / m² for fully renovated townhouses; €3,000–€4,000 / m² for units requiring modernisation.
- Northern coast (St Paul’s Bay, Mellieha): €2,000–€2,800 / m² for apartments with sea views.
- Gozo: €1,500–€2,200 / m² for houses of character; €1,000–€1,600 / m² in village outskirts.
Additional costs
- Stamp duty: 5 percent on property value up to €400,000, 7 percent between €400,000–€700,000, 8 percent thereafter.
- Notary and registration fees: around 1 percent combined.
- Agency fees: commonly 2 percent of sale price plus VAT.
Tips for buyers
Consider off-plan developments for lower per-m² rates and staged payments. Engage a local lawyer to conduct due diligence and check whether the property falls under “development permission” constraints, especially in heritage zones like Valletta.
Utilities and daily necessities
Average monthly utility bills
- Electricity, water and refuse: €70–€120 for a one-bed apartment (depending on usage and air-conditioning needs).
- Internet: (fibre 100 Mbps): €30–€40.
- Mobile phone plan: (5–10 GB data): €10–€15.
Groceries and household essentials
- Milk (1 litre): €1.20
- Loaf of bread (500 g): €1.50
- Eggs (12): €2.50
- Chicken breast (1 kg): €8.00
- Rice (1 kg): €1.50
- Local cheese (1 kg): €9.00
- Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables: €1.20–€3.00 per kilo
- Weekly shop for one person: €30–€50
Shopping tips
Visit local farmer’s markets in Marsaxlokk (Sundays) or the weekend markets in Ta’ Qali for fresh produce at lower prices. Big supermarket chains are also to be found in Malta and Gozo for those that prefer to go this route. The ever popular corner store can be found in every village and neighbourhood and here you will find anything from cleaning equipment to bread, wine and fresh vegetables.
Transport
Public transport
Malta’s Public Transport operates an island-wide bus network. A single journey costs €2.00, with a pre-paid Tallinja Card reducing it to €1.50. A monthly pass is €26 for unlimited travel on all buses.
Taxis and rideshare
Taxis have a flag-down rate of €4.50, plus €1.00 per km. Ride-hailing services such as Bolt operate in urban areas with similar pricing to taxis, often slightly cheaper during off-peak hours.
Driving
Many expats choose to rent or buy a car. Fuel costs average €1.55 per litre for unleaded petrol. Annual car registration and insurance can add €500–€800 to your budget. Parking permits in Sliema or St Julian’s cost around €140 per year.
Leisure and entertainment
Eating out
- Regular cafe lunch or takeaway: €8–€12
- Mid-range restaurant three-course meal for two: €50–€70
- Coffee (cappuccino): €2.00–€2.50
- Beer (0.5 litre draught): €3.00–€4.00
Gym and fitness
Monthly gym membership: €30–€50. Boutique studios (yoga, pilates) charge €12–€18 per drop-in class or €70–€100 for monthly passes.
Cinema and nightlife
- Cinema ticket: €7–€10
- Nightclub entry (weekend): €10–€20
- Cocktail in a bar: €8–€10
Weekend getaways and leisure activities
With its compact size, day trips to Gozo or Comino are popular. A return ferry ticket to Gozo is €5.00. Diving excursions around the Blue Hole and crystal lagoon start at €50 per dive. Car hire on Gozo is about €40 per day.
Healthcare and insurance
Public healthcare
Malta offers an excellent public healthcare system free at point of use for appointment cost. Expats with a Maltese work permit enjoy full access.
Private insurance
Many expats opt for private health insurance, costing €400–€700 per year depending on coverage. Dental and optical add-ons typically raise premiums by €100–€200.
Education and child care
International schools
Annual fees at international schools range from €5,000 to €16,000 per child depending on age and curriculum (British, American or International Baccalaureate).
Childcare
Full-time nursery care: €400–€600 per month. Government subsidies are available for those meeting residency criteria.
Gozo-specific considerations
Property and rent
Gozo remains more affordable than Malta’s main island. Popular towns like Victoria and Xlendi offer one-bed flats from €600–€900 monthly.
Utilities and groceries
Utility costs mirror Malta’s main island. Expect slightly higher grocery prices in remoter villages due to transport costs.
Transport
The Gozo Channel ferry runs every 45 minutes; cars and passengers share the same deck. Buses connect Gozo’s towns for €1.50 per trip.
Leisure
Gozo’s slower pace appeals to hikers, cyclists and divers. Boat tours around Comino and the famous Blue Lagoon cost around €35–€45.
Budgeting tips for expats
Set a realistic monthly budget
A single expat should budget €1,500–€2,000 per month excluding rent. Couples can expect €2,500–€3,500 excluding rent, depending on lifestyle choices.
Factor in visa and residency costs
Application fees for the Maltese residence card stand at around €300. Proof of income or savings and health insurance are mandatory.
Plan for one-off costs
Include furniture purchases (€1,000–€2,500 for a basic furnished apartment), deposit payments (commonly two months’ rent) and potential agency fees.
Conclusion
Malta’s high quality of life, English-speaking environment and strategic location makes it very attractive to expats. Assisting expats for many decades, Frank Salt Real Estate is one of Malta’s most established and trusted property agencies, offering comprehensive support to expats looking to rent, buy or relocate. With over 56 years of experience in the local market, our team provides expert guidance when it comes to property rentals or purchases. With our holistic, full circle of services we assist with every step of the entire process: from property sourcing and legal paperwork to negotiating contracts and advising on residency requirements. Our dedicated relocation service makes us your most valuable partner when moving to Malta!
