Cost of Living in Malta for Expats: What You’ll Actually Pay

A couple living comfortably in St Julian’s spends €2,500–€3,500/month. In Gozo or central Malta, the same lifestyle costs €1,800–€2,500. Compared to Northern Europe, this is 30–45% cheaper. Compared to Portugal’s interior or Southern Spain, Malta is slightly more expensive — largely driven by rent, which has risen significantly since 2016 due to Malta’s booming financial services and iGaming sectors. Here’s the full breakdown.

We work with clients who move to Malta under the MPRP and GRP programs. Cost of living questions come up in every consultation.

Have questions about Malta residency? Book a consultation call — we’ll walk through the financial picture.

Rent in Malta: The Biggest Variable

Rent is the most significant factor in Malta’s cost of living — and the one that has changed most dramatically. Between 2013 and 2024, Maltese rents roughly doubled in the most popular expat areas (St Julian’s, Sliema). The cause: Malta’s gaming and fintech industries brought a large influx of young professionals from across the EU, compressing supply in walkable, sea-facing neighborhoods.

Properties in Malta that are described as “furnished” are typically genuinely furnished — Maltese landlords provide fully kitted-out apartments including kitchen appliances, washing machines, and basic furniture. This is more complete than in many other European countries and reduces setup costs significantly when you first arrive.

Under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), applicants must maintain qualifying property — either owning (€300,000 minimum in Malta, €270,000 in Gozo) or renting (€10,000/year in Malta, €8,750 in Gozo). MPRP applicants factor the property requirement into their financial planning — it’s both a residency condition and where you’ll live.

Groceries and Food

Malta’s grocery prices are moderate by European standards — roughly 15–25% cheaper than Northern Europe and the UK, but more expensive than Southern Spain, Portugal’s interior, or Eastern Europe. Most standard goods are available in large supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi, and Maltese chains like Pavi and Arkadia). Mediterranean staples — fresh fish, vegetables, olive oil, cheese — are excellent value. Imported Anglo-Saxon brands carry the usual import premium.

Malta’s open-air markets — particularly the Marsaxlokk Sunday fish market and the Valletta daily market — offer better prices and quality on produce and fish than supermarkets. Expats who shop markets consistently spend 20–30% less on food than those who rely solely on supermarkets.

Dining Out

Dining in Malta ranges from local fenkata (rabbit stew, Malta’s national dish) at €10–€15/person at a family restaurant to €40–€80/person at a quality seafood restaurant in St Julian’s. The restaurant scene in Valletta and St Julian’s is genuinely good — better than you’d expect for an island of 500,000 people. Mediterranean cuisine quality is high; international options are widely available given the expat population.

Budget dining (local pastizzerias, street food): €3–€8. Mid-range restaurant (sit-down, 2 courses): €15–€25/person. Smart casual (wine, starter, main, dessert): €35–€60/person. Fine dining: €70–€120/person.

Utilities

Malta’s electricity comes from a submarine cable to Sicily and local generation. Electricity prices are broadly similar to EU averages — €0.13–€0.18/kWh on residential tariffs, subsidized by government. Air conditioning in the 35–40°C Maltese summer is a significant cost driver. Expect to spend €120–€200/month on electricity if you use AC regularly.

Malta has good fiber coverage in the main residential areas through providers including Epic/Melita and GO. Internet quality is a genuine advantage over many Southern European locations — speeds are reliable and suited for remote work.

Transport

Maltese public transport (buses) covers the island but is notoriously slow due to traffic congestion on Malta’s narrow roads. For expats in St Julian’s or Sliema — walking distance to restaurants, beaches, and services — a car isn’t essential. Outside these areas, a vehicle significantly improves quality of life.

Driving on the left (British legacy). Traffic can be intense around Valletta and the central areas during rush hours. Road quality is mixed. Parking in the most popular areas is difficult. Most expats on the island eventually get a local driver’s license and a small car.

Car running costs are moderate: fuel €1.50–€1.80/liter, insurance €600–€1,200/year for comprehensive coverage, maintenance similar to Southern Europe. No tolls on Maltese roads. Budget €200–€350/month for a car (ownership + running costs).

For Gozo residents: the ferry to Malta costs €4.65 each way (passenger, on foot) or €15.70 for a car. Multiple crossings daily; 25 minutes. Budget €50–€100/month for ferry if you cross regularly.

Healthcare

EU citizens in Malta have access to the public health system via the EHIC/GHIC card. Non-EU nationals under GRP or MPRP need private health insurance as a condition of their permit. Private health insurance for a couple under 60 costs €2,500–€4,500/year through international providers.

Private GP consultations: €50–€80. Specialist consultations: €100–€180. Mater Dei Hospital (the public hospital) handles emergencies; private hospitals (Saint James, Karin Grech) are preferred by expats for non-urgent care. Dental work is significantly cheaper than the UK — a filling costs €60–€120, a crown €250–€500.

Full Monthly Budget Breakdown

These are realistic comfortable figures, not minimums. A minimalist lifestyle — cooking at home, limited dining out, public transport — could reduce the St Julian’s budget to €2,200–€2,600. A high-end lifestyle in Valletta or St Julian’s (waterfront properties, frequent fine dining, car) would cost €5,000–€7,000+/month.

Malta GRP Minimum Tax as a Budget Item

For GRP and MRP residents, the minimum annual tax is a fixed cost that belongs in your budget:

• GRP: €15,000/year minimum = €1,250/month
• MRP (retirees): €7,500/year minimum = €625/month

This minimum tax is often the single largest fixed cost for GRP participants — higher than rent in many cases. Add it to your monthly budget calculation before comparing Malta’s cost of living to other options. A GRP resident in central Malta paying the minimum tax is effectively budgeting €3,890/month (€2,640 living costs + €1,250 minimum tax).

Planning your Malta budget? Book a consultation call — we’ll run through the full cost picture including program fees and tax implications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Malta per month?

A couple living comfortably in St Julian’s spends €2,500–€3,500/month (excluding any program minimum tax). In central Malta or Gozo, the same standard runs €1,800–€2,600. Single expats can budget roughly 65% of the couple figures. GRP residents add €1,250/month (€15,000/year minimum tax) to these figures.

Is Malta cheaper than Portugal?

Broadly comparable, with significant variation by city. Rent in Malta’s expat areas (St Julian’s, Sliema) is similar to or slightly below Lisbon. Groceries and dining are somewhat cheaper in Malta than Lisbon. Portugal’s interior and smaller cities (Porto, Braga, Coimbra) are cheaper than equivalent Maltese towns. Tax structures differ significantly between the two countries.

Is Gozo cheaper than Malta island?

Yes — Gozo is consistently 20–30% cheaper for housing and groceries than equivalent areas on Malta island. The trade-off is ferry dependency for accessing Malta’s full services, and somewhat higher transport costs. Gozo is popular with retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The MPRP has lower property thresholds for Gozo (€270,000 vs €300,000).

What is the minimum income needed to live in Malta?

For the Malta Nomad Residence Permit, the minimum is €42,000/year in gross income (about €3,500/month). For the GRP, there’s no income minimum but the €15,000 annual minimum tax makes it expensive for modest earners. For the MPRP, there’s no income requirement — just the investment threshold. Practically, €3,500–€4,500/month is a comfortable living income for a couple in Malta’s expat areas.

Related Articles

• Living in Malta as an Expat: The Complete Guide
• Malta vs Portugal vs Spain for Expats: EU Low-Tax Residency Compared
• Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
• Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP)
• Malta Nomad Residence Permit

More Malta Guides

• Malta Banking for Expats: How to Open a Bank Account
• Living in Valletta: Expat Guide to Europe’s Smallest Capital
• Living in Gozo, Malta: Slower Life, Lower Costs
• Malta MEIN: Citizenship by Investment Guide