Cost of Living in Malta: Rent, Housing & Income

Malta is a small island country in the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, and it uses the euro. Maltese and English are both official languages, which makes daily life simpler for English speakers. The country is densely populated, and most of the housing market is concentrated around Sliema, St Julian's, Valletta and the surrounding towns, with Gozo, the smaller island, generally quieter.

The numbers come from Livingcost, which compiles crowd-sourced price reports in US dollars. The euro moves against the dollar, so converted amounts change. All figures are estimates.

The World Bank's price level ratio for Malta was 66.3 in 2025, with the U.S. at 100. At market exchange rates, the same basket of goods and services cost about 66% of its U.S. price.

GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power, was 72,210 international dollars in 2025 (U.S.: 90,027 international dollars in 2025). Consumer prices rose 2.4% in 2025 (U.S.: 2.9% in 2024).

Livingcost lists $692/mo for one person without rent and $1,725/mo with it. Average salary after tax is listed at $1,909/mo.

Most of the total, once rent is added, comes from housing. Everyday spending looks modest, which is a pattern you will see in several island and tourist economies where housing is the scarce resource.

A one bedroom apartment in a city centre is listed at $1,135/mo, and a cheaper one bedroom at $887/mo. A three bedroom in the centre is listed at $2,161/mo, against $1,709/mo for a cheaper one.

Demand from workers, students and seasonal residents keeps the market tight, and the best listings go quickly. Many landlords ask for a deposit and a longer commitment. Properties facing the sea or close to the central towns cost more, and inland villages cost less but may be farther from services and public transport.

Utilities for one person are listed at $61.50/mo, an internet plan at $35.90/mo, and a monthly local transport ticket at $23/mo.

The mild climate means heating costs are small in winter, though air conditioning can raise electricity bills in the hottest months. Water is a notable issue on an island, and some homes use storage tanks. Ask a landlord how water is supplied and billed.

Getting around

The bus network is the main public transport option, and traffic can be heavy. Many residents own a car despite the small size of the country, which adds fuel, insurance and parking to the budget. Those costs are outside the figures here.

A lunch menu is listed at $18.20 each. A liter of milk is listed at $1.34 each and a dozen eggs at $3.75 each. Most food on the islands is imported, and prices at restaurants in the main tourist districts can climb quickly. Local bakeries and markets are less expensive options.

Seasonality is part of life on the islands. Summer brings visitors and higher prices for short stays, and some landlords prefer short high season lets to year long leases. If you plan a long stay, be clear about the term from the start, and watch for lease terms that change the rent between seasons.

For a family of four, Livingcost lists $3,890/mo including rent and $2,097/mo without it. Schooling, childcare and health coverage are not itemized, so contact providers for rates.

Housing is the answer. Utilities and transport are modest, food falls in the middle, and rent sets the total. If you can share a flat or live outside the busiest towns, the monthly budget is much easier to manage. If you need a central apartment close to work, expect the rent lines above to drive your plan.

The small size of the country helps with one thing: you can view several places in a day. Take advantage of that to compare condition, noise and distance to the bus line, which matter as much as the listed rent.

• Is the rent for the whole year, or does it rise during the summer season?
• Which bills are included?
• How is water supplied?
• Is parking available, and does it cost extra?
• What is the notice period for ending the lease?

• Health insurance and out-of-pocket medical care
• Visa or residence permit fees
• Car ownership
• Flights to the mainland
• Private school tuition

Residency, work and tax rules depend on nationality and status. Check Malta's official government sites and ask a licensed advisor.