Malta flagCost of Living Guide

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses in Malta

Malta offers a cost of living about 4% cheaper overall than the Europe average, with particularly affordable rent compared to Western European standards. However, housing costs are slightly higher than the regional average, and property prices remain steep relative to local incomes, making it an attractive but moderately expensive destination for expats and digital nomads.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
€1,200–€1,500/month — living like a local with modest housing (€650–€750 rent outside central areas), public transport, local groceries, and minimal dining out. Assumes no car ownership.
Comfortable
€1,800–€2,200/month — expat lifestyle with decent central or semi-central housing (€900–€1,000 rent), mix of local and imported groceries, occasional dining out, utilities, and transport. Reflects the €2,200/month average cited for expats.
Family of four
€3,200–€4,000/month — family of four with expat-standard housing (€1,300–€1,400 for 3-bedroom), international school fees (free state schools available), imported groceries, dining out 2–3 times weekly, utilities, and car ownership/fuel costs.

Malta delivers solid value for money, particularly for digital nomads and expats seeking Mediterranean living without the premium costs of France or Spain. The combination of affordable rent (4.7% higher than Europe average but offset by free public transport for residents), cheap groceries, and excellent quality of life makes it competitive within Europe—especially for those prioritizing lifestyle over rock-bottom costs.

Economic & Living Costs in Malta
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

10-25 €
Avg: 17.5 €

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

45-110 €
Avg: 77.5 €

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

9.1-12 €
Avg: 10.55 €

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

2-5 €
Avg: 3.5 €
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

750-1560 €
Avg: 1155 €

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

694-1100 €
Avg: 897 €

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1200-2900 €
Avg: 2050 €

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

1000-2113.64 €
Avg: 1556.82 €
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.75-2.5 €
Avg: 2.13 €

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

4-11.55 €
Avg: 7.78 €

Monthly Transport Pass

30 €
Avg: 15 €

Gasoline (1L)

1.34-1.38 €
Avg: 1.36 €
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

61.82-150 €
Avg: 105.91 €

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

25-43 €
Avg: 34 €

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

13-35 €
Avg: 24 €
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

1-1.5 €
Avg: 1.25 €

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

0.78-2 €
Avg: 1.39 €

Eggs (12)

1.8-4.4 €
Avg: 3.1 €

Local Cheese (1kg)

4.41-16 €
Avg: 10.2 €
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

30.42-83.33 €
Avg: 56.87 €

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

10-30 €
Avg: 20 €

Cinema Ticket

8-13 €
Avg: 10.5 €

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

225-708.33 €
Avg: 466.67 €
Last updated: 2026-04-03