Europe · moderate destination

Cost of living in Malta for expats

A realistic monthly budget for one person living comfortably in Malta — rent, food, transport, and everyday costs in Sliema.

Monthly budget

$1,600–2,600

One person, all-in, in Sliema

Rent (1-bed)

$1,000–1,600

1-bedroom city-centre apartment, per month

Budget tier

Moderate

~$1,500–2,800/mo

What to know

What makes Malta stand out, and what to watch for

Why expats choose Malta

English is an official language, it's sunny and EU-based, and the Nomad Residence Permit makes it an easy soft-landing for remote workers.

Watch out for

Housing in Sliema and St Julian's dominates the budget, imported goods are pricey on a small island, and summer crowds and traffic are intense.

Costs vary a lot by city, neighbourhood, and lifestyle — these are directional monthly bands for the main expat city, current as of 2026. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote. Information only, not financial advice.

Compare

Cost of living elsewhere in Europe

All 32 in Europe →

Country	Monthly budget	Tier
Portugal	$2,000–2,700	Moderate
Spain	$1,700–2,500	Moderate
Italy	$1,900–2,900	Moderate
Greece	$1,700–2,600	Moderate
France	$2,800–3,800	Premium
Cyprus	$1,700–2,600	Moderate

Malta, side by side

Cyprus vs Malta Portugal vs Malta Spain vs Malta Italy vs Malta Greece vs Malta France vs Malta

The rest of the move

Visa routes to Malta4 current routes, each with its official source Healthcare in Malta for expatsUniversal public system — how a resident can use it and what private cover costs Your first 90 days in MaltaRegistration, tax ID, bank account and license, in the order they unlock

Managing your money

Banking abroadUS banks often close accounts with a foreign address. Compare the ones that keep working.Sending money abroadGet your money to Malta without the markup banks hide in the exchange rate.Health cover abroadYour US health plan doesn't follow you overseas. Compare the plans that do.

Moving to Malta?

Add your email for new Malta guides and a heads-up when the cost figures change. No spam.

Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.

All 101 destinations, ranked by cost