Calculating Life in Malta: Realistic Budgets for International Singles and Families – Cost of Living

Cost of Living in Malta 2025: The Honest Reality Check

Ive lived in Malta for three years now, and heres what I can promise you: those Instagram sunset photos from Sliema only show half the story. Sure, life here is great—but it costs more than most online calculators claim.

What Malta Really Costs: Understanding the Basics

Malta has become expensive. Significantly so. Five years ago, you could rent a decent one-bedroom apartment for €600. Today, youll pay at least €900—and thats without a sea view. The reason? The island is booming, remote work is standard, and everyone wants a piece of Malta.

Why Standard Cost Calculators Miss the Mark

Most “cost of living” sites churn out numbers that are way off base. They use average prices from across Malta, ignoring the fact that 90% of the interesting jobs and apartments are in the Northern Harbour Region—the priciest corner of the island.

What I Actually Spend After Three Years in Malta

Heres what I genuinely spend monthly as a single person in Sliema: – Rent (1-bed, shared kitchen): €950 – Utilities: €80 – Groceries: €350 – Transport: €45 (bus ticket plus occasional Bolt rides) – Phone/internet: €25 – Eating out/restaurants: €400 – Miscellaneous: €200 That totals just under €2,050 a month. And I dont live lavishly.

Housing in Malta: What Rent and Utilities Really Cost

Housing is your biggest expense in Malta. Period. Expect to spend 40–60% of your budget on rent—depending on how close you want to be to St. Julian’s or Valletta.

Rental Prices in Malta 2025: The Unfiltered Overview

Utilities in Malta: These Extra Costs Await You

Rent is only the start. You’ll also have to budget for:

• Electricity: €60–120/month (higher with heavy AC use in summer)
• Water: €15–25/month
• Internet: €20–35/month
• Common areas: €30–80/month (in apartment blocks)
• Rubbish collection: €80/year (one-off payment)

Pro tip: Always ask if utilities are included in rent. For many landlords, “utilities included” means just water—electricity is often extra.

Flatsharing in Malta: Money Saver or Stress Factor?

A shared flat can halve your living expenses—but comes with Maltese quirks. I spent eight months in a three-person flatshare in Gzira:

• Pros: Rent only €450, split utilities, social connection
• Cons: Air-conditioning debates, cleaning rota drama, clashing party habits

Most flatshares in Malta are international—Germans, Italians, French. It’s enriching, but can be exhausting when three different kitchen cultures collide.

Groceries & Dining Out: Your Monthly Food Budget in Malta

Eating in Malta is a double-edged sword. Restaurants are pricey, but local ingredients are fantastic. Your food budget will range from €250–600, depending on how often you cook at home.

Supermarket Shopping in Malta: What’s in Your Cart?

Malta’s supermarket scene is straightforward: Lidl (cheap), Carrefour (variety), Welbee’s (premium), Park’s (local). Here’s a realistic price breakdown:

My insider tip: Tas-Sajjied Market in Marsaxlokk on Sundays. You’ll find unbeatable prices on local veggies and fish—and pick up some Maltese along the way.

Restaurant Prices in Malta: From Pastizzi to Fine Dining

Malta’s dining scene is varied—but not cheap. Here’s how to plan your budget:

• Pastizzi (Maltese snack): €0.40–0.60 each
• Sandwich in a local bar: €3–5
• Pizza (restaurant): €8–15
• Pasta (mid-range restaurant): €10–18
• Main course (Maltese cuisine): €15–25
• Fine dining menu: €35–80 per person
• Beer (0.5L in restaurant): €3–5
• Wine (glass): €4–8

My Monthly Food Spend: Realistic Breakdown

As someone who loves to cook but also enjoys Malta’s nightlife:

• Supermarket shopping: €200/month
• Lunches out: €80/month (4x/week at €5)
• Dining out (evening): €120/month (2x/week at €15)
• Drinks/nights out: €100/month
• Total: €500/month

That’s a comfortable budget. If you stick to home-cooking and go out occasionally, you can manage with €300/month.

Transport in Malta: Bus, Car or Bike – Whats Worth It?

Getting around Malta can be an adventure. The bus system works—mostly. A car is a luxury but sometimes necessary. Cycling? For the brave only.

Malta Public Transport: Your Ticket to the Cheapest Rides

The Maltese bus system is your best friend if you want to save money:

• Single ticket: €1.50 (winter) / €2.00 (summer)
• 7-day pass: €21
• Monthly pass: €26
• Annual pass: €312

The catch? Buses run on ‘Maltese time’. “10 minutes late” is normal, and on Sundays, there might only be one bus per hour. On the upside, theyre air-conditioned and pretty clean.

Car in Malta: Freedom Comes at a Price

A car gives you flexibility, but gets expensive fast:

Pro tip: Parking in Sliema and St. Julian’s is scarce and costly. Expect €2–3 per hour or €40–60/month for a reserved spot.

Alternatives: Bolt, eCabs & Co.

For occasional rides, the local taxi apps are hard to beat:

• Bolt: €8–15 for trips inside the capital region
• eCabs: Slightly pricier, but more reliable
• Cool Travel: Cheapest, but often a longer wait

If you only use taxis 2–3 times weekly, its cheaper than owning a car.

Healthcare & Insurance: Costs You Need to Expect

Malta’s healthcare system is free—in theory. In practice, you’ll want to pay for most important things privately. Especially if you don’t fancy hours waiting in Mater Dei Hospital.

Health Insurance in Malta: Public vs. Private

As an EU citizen, you’re entitled to public healthcare. Reality check:

• Public system: Free, but months of waiting for specialists
• Private health insurance: €80–200/month depending on age and coverage
• Private one-off treatments: GP €40, specialist €80–150

Dentists in Malta: Pricey Smiles

Dental care isn’t cheap in Malta:

• Routine checkup: €50–80
• Dental cleaning: €80–120
• Filling: €100–200
• Crown: €400–800

Many Germans fly to Hungary or Poland for major treatments—it’s actually cheaper than Malta.

Other Insurance: What You Really Need

• Home insurance: €20–40/month (recommended)
• Liability insurance: €15–30/month (mandatory for drivers)
• Life insurance: Depends on age and sum insured

Singles vs. Families: Realistic Monthly Budgets for Malta

Living costs in Malta don’t scale linearly. Families benefit from economies of scale, but childcare and schools can be expensive.

Single Budget in Malta: Three Lifestyle Levels

Family Budget in Malta: Extra Costs With Kids

Kids bring significant extra costs:

• Childcare (nursery): €400–800/month per child
• Private school: €3,000–8,000/year per child
• Bigger apartment: +€500–1,000 on top of single rental
• Car becomes essential: +€400/month
• Pediatrician (private): €60 per visit
• Leisure activities: +€200–400/month

Family With 2 Kids: Realistic Numbers

For a family of four in Malta (comfortable standard):

• 3-bed apartment (Gzira): €1,600
• Utilities: €150
• Groceries: €700
• Car (essential): €500
• Childcare (2 kids): €1,200
• Family healthcare: €300
• Leisure/sports: €400
• Other: €300
• Total: €5,150/month

Excluding private school fees. International school adds another €500–1,500 per child per month.

Hidden Costs in Malta: What You Should Be Ready For

Malta has its quirks—and they cost money. Here are the hidden expenses not found in standard budget calculators.

Air Conditioning: The Summer Bill Shock

From June through September, the AC runs 12–16 hours a day. My power bill: – Winter: €35/month – Summer: €120/month In poorly insulated apartments, the gap can be even bigger. Always ask for the latest summer electricity bill before signing a rental.

Furniture and Appliances: Island Prices

Everything needs importing here, so prices are high:

• IKEA delivery from Italy: €200–400 in shipping
• Washing machine: €400–800 (about €200 more than in Germany)
• Fridge: €350–700
• Simple sofa: €500–1,200

Pro tip: Facebook Marketplace Malta is your best friend. Many expats sell all their furniture when leaving the island.

Internet & Phone: Monopoly Prices

Malta’s internet market is nearly monopolized: – GO (formerly Maltacom): €25–45/month for decent internet – Melita: €20–40/month, available in select areas – Mobile hotspots: Expensive and slow Forget Netflix streaming in 4K—the bandwidth often won’t cut it.

Bureaucratic Hurdles: Time Is Money

Maltese bureaucracy mostly costs you time: – Opening a bank account: 2–4 appointments, half a day each – Residence card: At least 3 visits to the authorities – Registering a car: Full day, multiple offices Budget 2–3 unpaid days off in your first months for paperwork.

Repairs & Tradesmen: Premium Rates

• Tradesman hourly rate: €25–40
• Plumber (emergency): €80 call-out + parts
• Internet technician: €50 per visit
• Appliance repair: Often more expensive than replacing the item

Malta Cost Comparison: Cheaper Than Germany or Switzerland?

Everyone says Malta is cheaper than Germany. That’s only half true. Heres an honest comparison—nothing sugarcoated.

Malta vs. Germany: A Detailed Cost Comparison

Malta vs. Switzerland: Where You Really Save

Malta is a bargain compared to Switzerland:

• Rent: 50–70% cheaper than Zurich
• Restaurants: 60% cheaper
• Groceries: 40% cheaper
• Transport: 80% cheaper

But beware: Swiss salaries are also much higher.

Salaries in Malta: The Reality Check

Malta salaries in EU comparison (gross, full-time):

• IT developer: €25,000–45,000 (Germany: €50,000–70,000)
• Marketing Manager: €22,000–35,000 (Germany: €40,000–55,000)
• Accountant: €18,000–28,000 (Germany: €35,000–45,000)
• Remote working: You keep your German/Swiss salary

The Malta Paradox: When Living Here Makes Sense

Malta is cheaper if: – You work remotely for a German/Swiss company – Youre self-employed/a business owner (lower taxes) – Youre retired with a German/Swiss pension – You’re here for 6–12 months (no need for integration) Malta is more expensive if: – You work locally (lower salaries) – You have a family (private schools, childcare) – You value German quality standards

Planning Your Malta Budget: Practical Tips & Checklist

Time for some practical advice. Here’s how to realistically plan your Malta budget—and where to save smartly.

Malta Budget Calculator: Your Personal Formula

Here’s how to work out your Malta budget:

1. Set your housing budget: No more than 40% of net income
2. Add utilities: +€100–150 to rent
3. Choose your transport: Bus (€26) or car (€500)
4. Define your food style: Home cook (€250) or restaurant fan (€500)
5. Add a buffer: +20% for unexpected expenses

Money-Saving Tips for Malta: Lower Your Cost of Living

Three years in Malta, and I know every trick:

• Live outside the hotspots: Birkirkara instead of Sliema saves you €300/month
• Shop at Lidl: 30% cheaper than local supermarkets
• Use local markets: Marsaxlokk (Sun), Valletta (Sat) for fresh produce
• Bus annual pass: €312 vs. €480 for monthlies
• Water jugs: €1 for 20L instead of €1 for 1.5L bottles
• Facebook Marketplace: Furniture, electronics—even cars
• Take advantage of Happy Hour: Many bars 5–7pm
• Avoid beach clubs: €15 for a sunbed is a rip-off

Malta Budget Checklist: Things to Sort Before You Move

Apartment:

• Are utilities included in rent?
• What was the last electricity bill?
• Is the flat furnished or empty?
• Is there air conditioning? (essential in summer)
• How’s the internet connection?

Finances:

• Planned for bank account setup? (2–4 weeks)
• Deposit ready? (1–3 months’ rent)
• Buffer for first furniture? (€1,000–3,000)
• Health insurance sorted?

Transport:

• Do I really need a car?
• Is my driver’s license valid in Malta?
• Where can I park?

Malta Budget by Life Situation

Student/Backpacker (6 months): – Budget: €800–1,200/month – Accommodation: Flatshare or hostel – Focus: Experience, not saving for later Digital Nomad (1–2 years): – Budget: €1,500–2,500/month – Accommodation: 1-bedroom apartment – Focus: Work-life balance, networking Permanent Resident: – Budget: €2,000–4,000/month – Accommodation: 2+ bedrooms, long term – Focus: Quality of life, integration

Frequently Asked Questions About Maltas Cost of Living

How much do I need at minimum to live in Malta?

As a single person, you’ll need at least €1,200/month for a frugal lifestyle. Comfortable starts at €2,000, and luxury at €3,500. Rent takes the biggest bite—expect €600–1,500 depending on location and standard.

Is Malta cheaper than Germany?

Yes and no. Transport and fuel are cheaper, but rent, groceries, and restaurants have gotten more expensive. Financially, Malta is worthwhile if you work remotely for a German salary or run your own business. On local salaries, your quality of life is often lower than in Germany.

How much does an apartment in Malta cost per month?

A studio goes for €500–1,200, a one-bedroom for €600–1,500, and two-bedroom apartments for €800–2,200. Prices vary greatly by area: Sliema and St. Julian’s are priciest, Bugibba and the south are cheaper. Add €60–150 for utilities.

How expensive is food and drink in Malta?

Groceries cost €250–500/month. Restaurants are pricey: Pizza €8–15, main course €15–25, beer €3–5. Realistic food budgets are €300–600, depending on how often you eat out. Local markets are cheaper than supermarkets.

Do I need a car in Malta?

Not necessarily. The bus system works for €26/month, but is slow. A car costs €400–700/month (leasing, fuel, parking). Singles can usually get by with buses and occasional taxis. Families with kids almost always need a car.

What hidden costs are there in Malta?

Air conditioning triples your electricity bill in summer (€35 → €120). Furniture costs 30–50% more than in Germany due to import prices. Tradesmen charge €25–40/hour. Paperwork eats up a lot of time. IKEA delivery from Italy is €200–400 extra.

How much is health insurance in Malta?

EU citizens have access to public healthcare (free), but with long wait times. Private insurance costs €80–200/month. Individual private treatments: GP €40, specialist €80–150. Many use public for emergencies, private for everything else.

What’s the cost of living for a family in Malta?

A family with two kids needs at least €4,500/month for a comfortable lifestyle. Main expenses: 3-bedroom flat (€1,400–2,500), childcare (€400–800 per child), car (€500), private school (€250–700 per child monthly). Without private school, you’ll manage from €3,500 up.

Is Malta worthwhile for German retirees?

Often yes. The climate is mild, EU healthcare is available. A retired couple lives comfortably on €2,500–3,500/month. Note: Care costs are high, and German standards aren’t always available.

How do I plan my Malta budget properly?

Rule of thumb: 40% on housing, 20% on food, 10% on transport, 30% on everything else. Add a 20% buffer for unexpected costs. Sort out before moving: Are utilities included in rent? Furnished or empty? Internet speed? Latest electricity bill? Health insurance?