Malta continues to attract international students, skilled professionals, remote workers and families looking for an English-speaking European destination. Before moving, one of the biggest questions is the cost of living in Malta and how much money is required for rent, food, transportation, healthcare and other everyday needs.
For 2026–27 and into 2027, a single person may spend approximately €766 to €785 per month on everyday expenses excluding rent. Once accommodation is added, the total monthly budget can increase considerably, especially in popular areas such as Sliema and St Julian's. The amount you actually need depends on your location, accommodation type, lifestyle and whether you are living alone or sharing with others.
Cost of Living in Malta Compared With the Rest of Europe
Malta offers a Mediterranean lifestyle and an English-speaking environment, but it is not necessarily one of Europe's cheapest destinations. Compared with countries such as Ireland and the UK, everyday expenses can be more manageable in some areas. However, housing and imported goods can make Malta more expensive than several other Mediterranean countries.
For a single person, basic monthly expenses excluding rent are estimated at around €766 to €785. A family of four can require substantially more once accommodation, food, education, childcare and transportation are included.
For anyone planning a move in 2027, these figures should be treated as planning estimates rather than fixed prices. Rental rates, grocery prices, utility costs and exchange rates can change during the year.
One reason prices can be relatively high is Malta's reliance on imported food and consumer products. Housing demand is another important factor, particularly in areas popular with international students, expatriate professionals, remote workers and employees in the financial-services and iGaming sectors.
Malta Cost of Living per Month for a Single Person
The Malta cost of living per month depends heavily on where you live and whether you rent an entire property or share accommodation.
These figures provide a general idea of what a single person could spend. Someone sharing an apartment may have significantly lower housing and utility costs, while a person renting a private apartment in a central location may need a considerably larger budget.
The total can also change depending on how often you eat out, whether you own a car, how much you use air conditioning and how much you spend on entertainment and leisure.
Anyone moving to Malta should also keep additional funds available for rental deposits, insurance, household essentials, transportation and other initial settlement costs.
What Is the Cost to Live in Malta?
The cost to live in Malta varies from person to person, but accommodation is usually the largest monthly expense. A student sharing a room, for example, can have a very different budget from a professional renting a one-bedroom apartment in Sliema.
Your overall budget generally consists of:
Rent and security deposit
Electricity, water and waste charges
Groceries and dining
Internet and mobile services
Transportation
Healthcare and insurance
Education or childcare
Entertainment and personal spending
For a comfortable 2027 budget, it is better to calculate these categories separately instead of relying on one national average.
Rent and Accommodation Costs in Malta
Housing has a major influence on the overall cost of living in Malta. Areas close to employment centres, universities, restaurants, beaches and entertainment generally have higher rental prices.
Sliema and St Julian's remain popular among expatriates, while other residential areas can provide more affordable options.
Landlords commonly require a security deposit before tenants move into a property. Depending on the agreement, utilities may either be included in the rent or charged separately.
For 2027, people looking to reduce housing costs can compare neighbourhoods outside the most popular coastal areas. Birkirkara, Qormi and Hamrun may offer alternatives to more expensive central locations, while Gozo can appeal to people looking for a quieter environment and potentially lower accommodation costs.
Rental prices can also vary depending on the season, property condition, lease duration and demand.
Living Expenses in Malta Beyond Rent
Rent is only one part of the monthly budget. Living expenses in Malta also include household utilities, internet, mobile services and other recurring costs.
Utility consumption varies considerably between households. During summer, air conditioning can increase electricity consumption, while larger families naturally use more water and electricity than individuals.
People living in shared accommodation can reduce the individual cost of utilities because household bills are divided between several residents.
Price of Living in Malta: Groceries and Dining
The price of living in Malta can be influenced significantly by food choices. Imported groceries, packaged products and certain types of meat can be more expensive than locally produced seasonal food.
For someone who cooks regularly at home, grocery spending may be around €200 to €250 per month, although the actual amount depends on dietary preferences and shopping habits.
People can reduce grocery spending by comparing supermarkets, purchasing seasonal produce and preparing meals at home. Restaurant prices also vary by location, with tourist-heavy areas generally costing more than local neighbourhoods.
Transportation Costs in Malta
Transportation is another important part of the monthly budget. Malta's public bus network can help residents avoid the high costs associated with owning a private vehicle.
Eligible residents using the Tallinja system can access free bus travel, subject to the applicable rules. Other passengers may pay per journey depending on their ticket type and circumstances.
Owning a car requires additional spending on:
Vehicle purchase or financing
Fuel
Insurance
Maintenance
Registration
Parking
Although fuel prices may be relatively manageable compared with some European markets, the total cost of owning a vehicle can still be substantial.
Healthcare and Education Costs
Healthcare expenses depend on residency status and eligibility for Malta's public healthcare system. International residents may need private health insurance depending on their circumstances, while students should check the insurance requirements associated with their course and immigration status.
Private GP consultations can cost around €25 to €40, while private procedures vary depending on the treatment.
Education costs also differ significantly depending on the institution. State and church schools can be more affordable for eligible residents, whereas private and international schools may cost several thousand euros per year.
International students should check the latest tuition fees directly with their chosen university or educational institution because fees can change between academic years.
Cost of Living in Malta for International Students
Malta remains popular with international students because of its English-speaking environment and European location. For students, accommodation is often the largest expense.
Excluding accommodation, a student may spend approximately €785 per month depending on food, transportation, utilities and personal spending.
Students planning for 2027 should also consider deposits, insurance, study materials, transportation and leisure activities when preparing their budget.
Sharing accommodation is one of the most effective ways for students to reduce monthly housing costs. Students who are legally permitted to work part-time may also use employment income to supplement their budget, but they should have sufficient funds to cover their initial expenses.
Salaries in Malta and Affordability
Looking at income alongside expenses provides a clearer picture of whether the cost of living in Malta is manageable.
Current estimates place the minimum wage at approximately €994 per month, while average net earnings are around €1,608 per month. Salaries can be considerably higher in specialised sectors such as financial services and iGaming.
For someone earning close to the minimum wage, renting a private apartment alone can put significant pressure on the household budget. Sharing accommodation or choosing a less expensive neighbourhood can therefore make a major difference.
Professionals with higher salaries generally have more flexibility, but their disposable income will still depend on housing, taxes, lifestyle and family commitments.
How to Reduce Your Living Costs in Malta in 2027
People planning to move to Malta can take several practical steps to keep their monthly expenses under control.
Choose accommodation carefully: Living outside the most expensive coastal areas can reduce rent considerably.
Share accommodation: Students and young professionals can lower both rent and utility costs by sharing a property.
Use public transportation: If your circumstances allow, using buses instead of owning a car can reduce regular transportation expenses.
Cook at home: Preparing most meals yourself can help reduce grocery and restaurant spending.
Compare service providers: Check mobile, broadband, insurance and other recurring services before signing a long-term contract.
Buy second-hand: Furniture, appliances and household items can often be purchased second-hand, reducing initial settlement costs.
Plan for seasonal changes: Rental demand and some everyday expenses can change throughout the year, so maintaining a financial buffer is useful.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Malta in 2026–27 and 2027 will depend largely on accommodation, location, household size and lifestyle. Rent is generally the largest expense, while groceries, utilities, transportation and leisure make up much of the remaining budget.
For planning purposes, a single person may spend approximately €766 to €785 per month on everyday expenses excluding rent. Adding accommodation can take the total monthly budget to around €1,600 or more, depending on the location and type of property. If you are considering moving to Malta for employment, exploring high-paying jobs in Malta and current job vacancies in Malta can help you compare potential earnings with your expected expenses.
The Malta cost of living per month can be more manageable for people who share accommodation, use public transport and monitor discretionary spending. Those planning to visit Malta should also understand the Malta Schengen visa requirements and process before making travel arrangements. For individuals exploring investment-based relocation options, the Malta Investment Visa may also be worth researching.
Before moving, students, professionals and families should create a personalised budget based on current rental prices and their expected living expenses in Malta, while keeping additional funds available for unexpected or initial settlement costs.
FAQs
Q1. Are there any affordable accommodation options available for students in Malta?
Yes. Students can reduce the cost of living in Malta by choosing shared apartments, student residences, or shared rooms instead of private accommodation. Sharing rent and utilities is one of the most effective ways to manage living expenses in Malta on a student budget.
Q2. What are the rental housing options available for students in Malta?
Students in Malta can choose from shared apartments, private rooms, student residences, and studio apartments. Shared accommodation is generally more affordable, while private studios usually cost more. Rent, utilities, food, and transport should all be included when estimating your Malta cost of living per month.
Q3. Can students benefit from discounts on public transport in Malta?
Yes. Students may be eligible for discounted or free public transport depending on their age, residency status, and eligibility under Malta's public transport schemes. Using public transport instead of taxis or private vehicles can help reduce the overall cost to live in Malta.
Q4. What are some money-saving tips for students living on a budget in Malta?
Students can lower their price of living in Malta by sharing accommodation, cooking at home, using public transport, buying groceries from supermarkets, and taking advantage of student discounts. Tracking rent, food, utilities, and transport each month can also help keep living expenses in Malta under control.
Q5. What is the commonly used payment method in Malta?
The euro (€) is the official currency of Malta. Debit and credit cards, contactless payments, and mobile payments are widely accepted, while cash is still useful for smaller purchases. Keeping a small amount of cash available can be helpful for everyday expenses.
Q6. Is €1,000 enough to live in Malta?
€1,000 per month may be enough for a student or single person with shared accommodation and careful budgeting, but it can be difficult if you rent a private apartment. Your Malta cost of living per month depends mainly on rent, location, food, transport, and lifestyle.
Q7. How expensive is it to live in Malta?
The cost of living in Malta varies by location and lifestyle. Accommodation is usually the largest expense, followed by groceries, utilities and transport. Sharing accommodation and living outside the most expensive areas can significantly reduce the overall cost to live in Malta.
Q8. Which jobs are in high demand in Malta?
Malta has demand for skilled workers in areas such as IT, healthcare, finance, hospitality, construction, engineering, and certain professional services. Demand can change by occupation and employer, so applicants should check current vacancies and work-permit requirements before applying.
Q9. How much is a beer in Malta?
The price of a beer in Malta varies depending on the location and type of establishment. A beer from a supermarket is generally cheaper than one purchased at a restaurant, bar, or tourist area. Alcohol should therefore be treated as a lifestyle expense when calculating your living expenses in Malta.
Q10. What salary is considered good in Malta?
A good salary in Malta depends on your profession, experience, family situation, and housing costs. A higher salary is particularly important if you plan to rent privately because accommodation can make up a significant part of your monthly budget. Comparing your expected net salary with your Malta cost of living per month gives a more realistic picture of affordability.
Q11. Is Malta cheap compared to the UK?
Malta can be more affordable than the UK for some everyday expenses, but this depends heavily on accommodation, location, lifestyle, and exchange rates. Rent in popular areas of Malta can be relatively high, so it is better to compare total living expenses in Malta with your expected UK expenses rather than comparing individual prices alone.