Cost of living in Malta: Food, transport, and more

If you want to move to a European country but aren’t sure which, here’s a fact: Malta’s cost of living is among the most reasonable in Europe; compared to the UK, living in Malta is 32% cheaper. You can live in this Mediterranean archipelago with a monthly income of $1,200-2,100 (€1,100-2,000) and enjoy excellent quality of life with a summer that feels endless.

But what are the basic expenses here? Today you’ll get the full picture. Let’s review updated essential costs for housing, food, healthcare, internet, transport, and leisure. Your new home in the heart of the Mediterranean awaits.

Cost of living in Malta: Accommodation prices and options

The first thing you think about when moving is where you’ll live. This depends largely on your main purpose: moving with family long-term, staying briefly for work or tourism, or enjoying Europe’s longest sunny season while working remotely. If hotels and living alone aren’t for you and you prefer community life, you’ll need estimates. Whether you want a flat, studio, hotel, or coliving, here are approximate prices. Take a closer look:

• 3-star hotel: the cheapest rooms at Hotel Saint Julians, for instance, cost about $34-46 (€33-45) per night. That’s around $1,400 (€1,330) monthly, only covering accommodation and cleaning.
• Furnished flats: In popular tourist cities like La Veleta or Sliema, one or two-bedroom equipped flats cost $700-1,600 (€660-1,520) monthly.
• Coliving: Spaces like Evolve Coliving in Malta offer monthly stays from $1,400 (€1,330) for digital nomads. They include services like internet, cleaning, security, gym, jacuzzi, coworking, pool, lounge, and community activities. See our article on coliving in Malta for more options.
• Airbnb: You’ll find private rooms in Sliema for $25 (€24) per night, shared ones for $15 (€13), and full flats from $36 (€34) per night for one person.

Food expenses in Malta

Another major cost in Malta is food. If you share a flat or live in coliving, the smartest way to save is cooking together and splitting shopping equally. Living alone? Compare local markets and supermarkets to find better deals. Fruits are fresher at open markets. Here are some supermarket prices, like in Lidl Malta:

• Eggs (dozen): $3.25 (€3.09).
• Bread (1kg): $1.33 (€1.16).
• Tomatoes: $3.03 (€2.88).
• Cheese (1kg): $9.24 (€8.79).
• Chicken breast (1 kg): $8.57 (€8.16).
• Potatoes: $1.75 (€1.67).
• Milk (1 litre): $1.18 (€1.12).
• Onion: $1.92 (€1.83).
• Rice: $3.13 (€2.98).
• Local beer: $1.61 (€1.53).

If you want a snack like pastizzi, a sandwich, or a Maltese lunch, you’ll find affordable options at cheap or mid-range restaurants:

Estimated restaurant prices in Malta.

Enjoy local food at Is-Suq Tal-Belt, a popular food court in Valletta, in pastizzerias selling traditional snacks, or try street food like kebabs and ftiras (traditional Maltese sandwiches).

Transport prices within Malta’s cost of living

In Malta, the most used public transport is buses. Tickets are valid for two hours across the bus network and cost $2.50 (€2.35). You can also buy a rechargeable Tallinja card with weekly or monthly packages, available for $26 (€25). Other transport options in Malta include:

• Taxis and apps: the most popular apps are Bolt and eCabs. Short trips start from $5.30 (€5).
• Ferry: connects local cities like Valletta-Sliema or Valletta-Gozo, and international routes like Malta-Sicily. Local fares range from $2-8 (€1.90-7.60). International fares vary by season.
• Bike rental: not common due to traffic and few bike lanes. Still, services like Nextbike and EcoBikes cost $1.60 (€1.50) for 30 minutes, or $32 (€30) for daily electric bike rentals.

If you plan to buy a vehicle, consider petrol or EV charging, costing $1.60 (€1.50) per litre and $0.21 (€0.20) per kWh.

Vehicle insurance is mandatory in Malta. Standard coverage costs about $530 (€500) yearly. Customised policies are higher.

Health system and costs in Malta

EU passport holders with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access Malta’s public health system free or at low cost, depending on the treatment. Temporary residents or work visa holders also benefit, while tourists must cover 100% of medical costs in private clinics and centres.

Our advice: travel prepared with private or local health insurance. In serious emergencies, hospital bills can be very high. Check our article on the best health insurance for foreigners in Europe to find policies and cover that suit your trip and budget.

Medical fees in Malta vary by centre, but here’s an estimate of common expenses and standard prices for treatments and over-the-counter medicines:

• General consultation: $11-21 (€10-20) per appointment.
• Specialist consultation: $53-106 (€50-100) per visit.
• Blood test: From $21 (€20) per test.
• Ultrasound, X-rays: $52-210 (€50-200).
• Natural childbirth: About $5,250 (€5,000).
• Hospitalisation:  $210-420 (€200-400) per day.
• Paracetamol, ibuprofen, painkillers: $3-5 (€2.80-4.70) per pack.
• Antihistamines: $7 (€6.60) per box.
• Antacids: $5-8 (€4.70-7.50) per pack.

Internet and phone prices in Malta

Include connectivity in your Malta cost of living, especially if you’re a digital nomad. Reliable internet is essential. The main telecom and internet providers here are:

Most popular telecom and internet providers in Malta. Plans and prices.

If you want a flexible service without borders, one of the monthly Holafly plans is ideal. For $64.90, you’ll enjoy high-speed internet in 170+ countries, connect multiple devices, and get the best local coverage with one virtual eSIM.

With Holafly you can also get unlimited data via a Spain eSIM. Choose the days you need, keep your SIM, and avoid roaming costs. best esim internet for digital nomads

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Cost of living in Malta: Leisure expenses

Malta is a Mediterranean paradise attracting more tourists and expats each year, offering sunshine almost all year. Don’t forget to include leisure in your Malta cost of living, since fun and social activities are part of the island lifestyle.

A night out in Malta costs $5-9 (€4-8) for a beer or cocktail in pricier bars. Theatre tickets start around $40 (€38), depending on the show. Cinema is cheaper, about $15 (€14) per ticket, excluding popcorn. Netflix or Disney+ cost $6.27 (€5.99) monthly.

Places to visit in Malta and entry costs:

• Malta National Aquarium: General admission for adults and kids over 13 costs $14 (€13.30).
• Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum: A prehistoric underground temple. Entry costs $36.60 (€35). Pricey, but unique.
• National Museum of Archaeology: Cheaper option in Valletta. General admission costs $5.22 (€5).
• Fort St Elmo: Historic site by the sea in Valletta. Entry costs $10.45 (€10).
• Popeye Village: Theme park based on the Popeye cartoon. Entry costs from $16 (€15).

With a monthly budget of $1,200-2,100 (€1,100-2,000), you’ll cover Malta’s cost of living and essentials. The figure depends on your lifestyle and whether you bring dependents. Still, Malta remains a favourite destination thanks to its climate and high quality of life, while being one of Europe’s most affordable countries.

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