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Cost of Living in Malta in 2025: The Ultimate Guide

Expat

January 7, 2025

Malta is one of the most popular global destinations for entrepreneurs and investors, offering the chance to become a European citizen in less than a year and a half.

It’s also an excellent digital nomad hub with lighting-fast internet speed, a warm climate and a stunning landscape.

If you’re interested in living in Malta as an investor, entrepreneur, or digital nomad, you must know the cost of living there – from housing to healthcare.

The cost of living in a jurisdiction directly impacts your quality of life and whether you can reside there long-term.

Eager to plant a business flag in Malta?

Or maybe you want to get your hands on the excellent Maltese passport?

Whatever your future goals in Malta – Nomad Capitalist can help you. We’ve helped over 1,500 clients create their holistic Action Plans , grow their wealth, and increase their peace of mind, and we would love to do the same for you.

Get in touch with us today to go where you’re treated best.

Malta – Country Overview

Malta is a small country situated in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and Tunisia. The country comprises three major islands – Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

Malta became independent in 1964 and an EU member state in 2004. The country adopted the Euro in 2008.

The Maltese capital is Valletta, while the current Maltese population is 532,956. Maltese and English are the official languages. English, being one of the most widely spoken languages, is a significant reason why most Western expats favour Malta.

Another reason why expats love Malta is because of how well-connected it is to the rest of the world – practically a stone’s throw away from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Malta is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, warm climate, fascinating military history, and one of the oldest temples in the world.

Malta – Country Overview

Malta Cost of Living – Overview

The cost of living in Malta is lower than many in Central and Western European countries. It’s also lower than the European Union average.

Malta’s cost of living may be lower than the likes of Austria, Germany or France but the quality of life is still on par with these countries (if not better).

The country may be small, but it’s one of the most densely populated EU countries, home to around 115,000 expats (over 20% of the population). Malta’s diverse population is another feature that is in its favour.

Below, we’ll discuss healthcare, housing, transportation, and food costs in Malta.

Housing in Malta for Expats

Malta may be a small country, but it offers many housing options for locals and foreigners.

However, considering the population density, apartment buildings will be the top prospects in the most popular cities, like the capital Valetta or St Julien.

Whether you rent or buy, the prices vary according to the property size, build, view, location and amenities.

If your goal is to is to rent an apartment in an affordable Mediterranean country, Malta is certainly not the option for you. But if you’re looking to buy a property for investment purposes, that’s a different story.

The general advice is to rent before you buy property to explore the area and find the best real estate before purchasing a home.

However, with Nomad Capitalist’s exclusive Real Estate Plan , you don’t need to worry about buying an offshore property at exaggerated rates because we help you buy foreign properties like a local, so you can fulfil any residency or citizenship requirements, diversify your assets or simply enjoy a second home in a beautiful jurisdiction.

Malta Cost of Living: Renting Property

Renting a property in the city centre will obviously cost more than renting properties in the outskirts.

For example, renting a two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse with breathtaking views in a famous resort town like Sliema (northeast coast of Malta) will more likely cost you over €1850 per month.

Whereas, an apartment of the same size in a central location in Mellieħa (village/beach town), within walking distance to the beach and shops, will cost you approximately €650 monthly.

On average, you can expect to pay €925 to €1390 monthly rent in Malta.

Compare that to the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City, which can go up to €5015, and you’ll understand why expats flock to Malta.

A low cost of living is one heck of an incentive when mixed with a high quality of life. Moreover, Malta’s prices are nearly 30% cheaper than those of the United Kingdom, Austria and Ireland.

Malta Cost of Living: Buying Property

You can expect to buy a brand-new apartment in Malta for as little as €91,000. The higher you go, the better deal you’ll get. A lot of properties in the Maltese real estate market are geared toward foreigners to cater to their residency requirements.

To qualify for Maltese residency, you’ll need to buy a home worth at least €278,000 in Gozo or the south of Malta or over €324,000 elsewhere in the country.

With that sort of sum, you can expect to bag a property that would most likely cost upwards of €923,000 in places like Los Angeles, Miami or New York.

The old Malta Citizenship-by-Investment option has been suspended, replaced largely by the new MEIN (Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment) program.

Sounds like something you’ll be interested in? Set up a call with us today to explore your second citizenship and residency options.

Now that we’ve covered Maltese housing in detail (the most significant aspect of living somewhere), we’ll discuss the miscellaneous costs like food, transportation and healthcare.

Malta Cost of Living: Food

Malta doesn’t have much farmland, so most of the food is imported. Even so, food prices are pretty affordable compared to some Western countries. Ferries arrive daily from Italy, transporting goods from all over Europe.

The best way to cut your food and grocery bill in Malta is to shop from local markets. Maltese farmers’ markets provide fresh food at highly affordable prices.

Love dining out? Going out to eat in Malta is more affordable than in North America, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing you 25% less than it would in the US.

However, dining out in touristy areas may not help your pocket. For example, a dinner in a mid-range restaurant in Valletta might cost you the same or even more than in Los Angeles, New York, or other cities.

Malta Cost of Living: Healthcare Costs

Malta features a dual healthcare system (like most countries) – the National Health Service (public) and the private healthcare system. Malta has one of the oldest public healthcare systems in the EU, dating back to 1372.

The healthcare system in Malta is far more accessible and affordable than in the United States and European countries like France and Germany. Malta allocates 10% of its GDP to healthcare, which is significantly higher than the international average of 6%. WHO ranks the Maltese healthcare system among the top five in the world.

EU nationals can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) at public hospitals and clinics. In contrast, third-country nationals can purchase health insurance per the Maltese residency guidelines.

Most expats opt for private healthcare insurance, but no matter what you go for, private or public, you can expect to receive quality medical services.

Malta Cost of Living: Transportation and Utility Costs

Utilities in Malta are not expensive at all when compared to other EU countries. You can expect to pay somewhere between €74 to €139 for utilities if you have a moderate-sized home.

Malta was one of the first EU countries to have a nationwide 5G mobile internet service. Internet services in Malta are reasonably priced and cost nearly €32.

Communication costs in Malta may be more expensive, specifically regarding mobile phones. Many people use prepaid mobile tariffs or pay-as-you-go plans to reduce their phone bills.

You can use buses, ferries, and water taxis to get around Malta. Senior citizens over 70 usually don’t need to pay the bus fare.

Transportation and Utility Costs in Malta for Expats

Is Malta Cheaper to Live in Than Other European Countries?

EU countries are considered some of the best in the world in terms of living standards, healthcare and education systems and safety. However, most relate them to high taxes and consumer prices as well.

Considering Malta’s perks, like foreign investment and business opportunities, its consumer prices are lower than some other countries, though not all.

The average salary in Malta is somewhere between €1700 to €2200. Moreover, a family of four generally needs €2700 per month to live in Malta (including all monthly costs but rent).

You can find cheaper jurisdictions, particularly in Eastern Europe, but don’t expect all of them to have the same perks as Malta’s.

How to Get a Residency in Malta

Non-EU nationals can get Maltese residency through the following programs.

How to Get a Residency in Malta

Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP)

The Maltese government introduced GRP to strengthen the Maltese property market, increase work opportunities for legal, tax, and financial professionals, and boost the leisure and hospitality sectors. 

To qualify for GRP, you must have enough resources to support yourself and your dependents without relying on Malta’s social assistance system.

The most significant residency requirement for Malta’s GRP is that you must own or rent Maltese property.

If purchased on the central island of Malta, the property must be worth at least €275,000. Whereas, if you buy a property in Gozo and the Southern Region of Malta, it must be worth at least €220,000. 

If you qualify, you can live in Malta as a long-term resident and enjoy tax benefits such as not being taxed on foreign-sourced income as long as it’s not remitted to Malta.

GRP holders are entitled to a work permit and have visa-free access to the EU and Schengen area.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) enables non-EU nationals and qualifying family members to live indefinitely in Malta as permanent residents. It also allows visa-free travel within the Schengen area.

MPRP doesn’t impose a minimum stay requirement, but you must renew or update the residence permit annually.

The Malta Permanent Residence Program has stringent financial requirements – some of which are the following:

  • You must be able to show a minimum capital of €500,000, with €150,000 in financial assets.
  • You must pay the non-refundable government contribution worth €68,000 (if you’re buying a property) or €98,000 (if you’re renting a property).
  • You must buy a property worth at least €300,000 or more in the south of Malta and €350,000 for the rest of the island or rent a property with a minimum rental value of €10,000 in the south of Malta and €12,000 for the rest of the island.
  • You must donate €2,000 to a charity or a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

For more details, you can check out our ultimate guide on how to get Malta residency.

How to Get Citizenship in Malta?

According to the Nomad Passport Index , the Maltese passport ranks 14th globally, providing visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to 172 countries.

You can become a Maltese citizen through the New Nautralisation program that largely replaced the previous Malta citizenship-by-investment program.

As a Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) applicant, you can get Maltese citizenship after one or three years of legal residency.

Some of the most notable requirements for Malta (MEIN) are mentioned below:

  • Buy a €700,000 residential home in Malta or rent a house with a rental value of €16,000 per year.
  • Legal residents of three years must invest €600,000, while legal residents of one year must contribute €750,000.
  • Donate €10,000.

For more details, you can check out our ultimate guide on how to get Malta citizenship by investment.

How to Get Citizenship in Malta

Cost of Living in Malta in 2025: FAQs

Is the cost of living in Malta low?

The overall cost of living in Malta is significantly lower than that of the UK, the US, and most Western countries.

Is Malta tax-free?

No, Malta is not tax-free. However, it is a tax-friendly jurisdiction with several tax incentives for investors and entrepreneurs.

How much does it cost to live in Malta?

If you are a digital nomad or expat considering relocation, your first question is likely: is it expensive to live in Malta?
The cost of living in Malta and a home there is, on average, €2200 per month. This will vary significantly depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to live in Malta.

Is it cheap to fly out of Malta?

Flying in and out of Malta can be inexpensive, especially with several airlines offering competitive rates, including KM Malta Airlines, which offers competitive fares to popular destinations like London and Rome, with prices starting at less than €100.

What is the average cost of living in Malta USD?

The cost of living in Malta USD is around US$2400 per month for one person.

What is Malta vs Cyprus cost of living?

The average cost of living in Malta is, on average, less expensive than that in Cyprus. Malta is generally around 3.5% more affordable than Cyprus when it comes to overall living expenses.

Should You Consider Living in Malta

Should You Consider Living in Malta?

Affordable cost of living, a great citizenship MEIN program, high living standards, a favourable business environment and thriving opportunities – Malta offers all and then some.

If living in a high-standard EU jurisdiction without breaking the bank piques your interest, set up a call with us today. We’ll handle all the complexities so you can sit back and enjoy your new and exciting life.

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