Living in Malta

Cost of living in Malta: rent, groceries, utilities and what to budget

Last updated 29 June 2026 · 8 min read

What is the monthly cost of living in Malta?

The estimates below reflect a mid-range lifestyle in June 2026. They assume you rent a typical apartment, cook most meals at home, eat out occasionally and use a mix of public transport and taxis.

*Public buses are free for registered residents. If you use taxis, a typical 10 km journey costs around €15–€25, depending on demand, the time of day and the season (off-season rates are much cheaper).

These figures are intended as a planning guide rather than a fixed budget. Your biggest expense will be rent, followed by groceries. Cooking at home regularly can significantly reduce your monthly spending, while living outside Sliema, St Julian’s and Valletta can lower your housing costs.

Rent in Malta: what to expect by area

Rent is the biggest living expense in Malta and varies significantly depending on where you live. Areas close to the main business districts and the seafront are the most expensive, while towns further inland or in Gozo generally offer better value.

The prices below are based on asking prices from Djar.ai, June 2026, and should be treated as a guide rather than fixed market rates.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Most long-term rentals include a fitted kitchen, appliances and furniture.
• Rent usually does not include electricity, water or internet, which are billed separately.
• Most leases are for 12 months, with a security deposit of one or two months’ rent.
• Rental properties in Malta move quickly, so it is usually better to start serious viewings once you arrive. Searching too far in advance is often frustrating because listings may no longer be available or may not be updated.
• Be careful when searching from abroad. Rental scams are common, so avoid sending money before seeing the property, verifying the landlord or agent, and signing a proper agreement.

Groceries and supermarkets in Malta

Malta has plenty of supermarkets and food shops, and many stay open for long hours, including evenings and weekends. Lidl is usually the best option for everyday value, while larger supermarkets such as PAVI and Arkadia offer a wider range of brands and imported products.

For cheaper fruit and vegetables, look for local vegetable vans or visit farmers’ markets such as Ta’ Qali. These are often better value than supermarkets, especially for fresh local produce.

Groceries in Malta can feel expensive, especially for imported products. This is often explained by the cost of shipping goods to the island. If you want to keep your weekly food bill lower, the best approach is to shop at Lidl, buy fresh produce from vegetable vans or markets, and cook at home regularly.

Utilities in Malta: electricity, water and internet

Electricity and water in Malta are billed through ARMS. Bills are usually issued every two months.

Before you move in, ask the landlord to register the correct number of residents on the account. This matters because water and electricity tariffs increase after certain usage thresholds, and an under-registered property can become more expensive.

For a one-bedroom apartment, utilities usually average around €80–€120 per month across the year. Larger homes or heavy air-conditioning use can push this higher, especially in summer.

Internet usually costs around €30 per month, while a standard mobile plan is around €20–€25 per month.

Is Malta still affordable in 2026?

The honest answer is that it depends on where you are moving from, where you choose to live and how much you earn.

If you are moving from London, Dublin, Amsterdam or Zurich, Malta may still feel relatively affordable. Rent, restaurants and utilities can be lower than in many major northern European cities. If you are moving from parts of Eastern Europe, rural Portugal or lower-cost regions, Malta may feel expensive, especially once rent is included.

Location matters, but the difference is not always dramatic. Sliema, St Julian’s and Valletta are usually the most expensive areas, while towns further inland, the north of Malta and Gozo can offer better value. However, moving outside the harbour area will not automatically cut your costs in half. Rent may be lower, and restaurants in Gozo or smaller towns may be around 20% to 30% cheaper, but Malta is still a small island with fairly similar prices across many everyday categories.

A few practical ways to keep costs under control:

• Shop at Lidl for staples and use vegetable vans or markets for fresh produce.
• Cook at home regularly, as eating out adds up quickly.
• Apply for a personalised Tallinja card once you are registered in Malta, as bus travel is free for residents.
• Be flexible with where you live, but balance cheaper rent against commute time.
• Make sure all residents are registered on the ARMS account to avoid higher utility bands.
• Consider Gozo if your work is remote or hybrid enough to make the ferry manageable.

Malta’s biggest affordability challenge is the gap between local salaries and rent in the most popular areas. If you earn a modest local salary, the harbour belt can be difficult. If you work in a higher-paid sector or earn a Western European remote salary, Malta can still offer a good quality of life for the cost.

Frequently asked questions