Housing Costs in Malta

Housing is often the most significant monthly expense for most people, and Malta is no exception. However, the cost can vary widely depending on the location, type of property, and its proximity to popular areas.

Rental Prices: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost anywhere from €800 to €1,200 per month, while the same outside of the city center may range between €600 and €900. Prices for three-bedroom apartments in the city center are typically between €1,400 and €2,500 per month, and outside the city center, the cost ranges from €1,000 to €1,800.

Purchasing Property: The price of buying an apartment in Malta also varies. The average price per square meter for an apartment in the city center is about €3,000, while it’s around €2,200 per square meter outside of the city center.

Utilities: Monthly utility costs, which include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, are typically around €100 to €150 for an 85m² apartment.

Food and Grocery Expenses

Grocery prices in Malta are reasonable, and shopping at local markets can save money. Here’s a breakdown of typical food costs:

Basic grocery items: A liter of milk costs around €0.90, a loaf of fresh white bread is approximately €1.20, and a dozen eggs might cost around €2.20.

Meat and Fish: Chicken fillets can cost about €7 per kilogram, and beef round approximately €9 per kilogram. Fresh fish like tuna may cost around €10 per kilogram.

Fruits and Vegetables: Potatoes cost about €1 per kilogram, onions around €0.90 per kilogram, and apples approximately €2.20 per kilogram.

Eating Out: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant might cost around €15 per person, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can range from €30 to €50 per person.

Transportation Expenses

Transportation in Malta is quite affordable. The options include buses, ferries, and taxis, along with car rentals for more convenience.

Public Transport: A one-way ticket on local transport typically costs around €2, and a monthly pass is about €26.

Taxi and Car Rentals: Starting tariff for taxis is usually around €10, and the cost per kilometer is approximately €1. Car rental prices vary but expect to pay around €16 to €30 per day depending on the vehicle.

Fuel Costs: The price of 1 liter of gasoline is about €1.30.

Healthcare Costs

Healthcare in Malta is both public and private. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to public healthcare services at the same cost as Maltese citizens.

Public Healthcare: It is funded through taxation and free at the point of delivery.

Private Healthcare: Private health insurance plans can vary in cost, generally ranging from €500 to €1,000 annually, depending on the coverage.

Other Living Expenses

Other miscellaneous costs can include entertainment, fitness, and personal care items.

Entertainment: Cinema tickets cost around €9, and a monthly gym membership is approximately €50.

Personal Care: Items like shampoo or a tube of toothpaste typically cost around €3 to €5.

Childcare: Full-time childcare or kindergarten can range from €450 to €700 per month.

Conclusion

While Malta offers a high quality of life, the cost of living is quite manageable compared to many other European nations. Housing and dining out tend to be the most significant expenses, but with careful planning, living in Malta can be both enjoyable and affordable. Whether you’re considering moving for work, retirement, or just a change of scenery, Malta’s welcoming atmosphere and beautiful landscapes make it a top choice for expats worldwide.