Cost of Living in Malta: Detailed Breakdown (2026)
Understanding the true cost of living before you move is essential for financial planning. This detailed breakdown covers every major expense category in Malta for 2026, using real data from official sources and cost surveys.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, City Centre) | €950 | Largest expense |
| Rent (3BR, City Centre) | €1,400 | For families |
| Groceries | €280 | One person, home cooking |
| Public Transport | €26 | Monthly pass |
| Utilities (85m2) | €95 | Electricity, water, heating |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €12 | Inexpensive restaurant |
| Total (Single Person) | €1,447 | Comfortable lifestyle |
Income vs Expenses
| Income Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (Gross) | €2,375/month |
| Minimum Wage | €1,050/month |
| Salary After Rent (1BR) | €1,425/month |
With an average salary of €2,375 and rent of €950, approximately 40% of income goes to housing.
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Cost Indices (vs New York City = 100)
| Index | Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 56.8 | Moderately cheaper NYC |
| Rent | 28.2 | Much cheaper NYC |
| Groceries | 55.9 | Cheaper NYC |
| Restaurant Prices | 64.1 | Cheaper NYC |
| Local Purchasing Power | 81.1 | Comparable than NYC |
Money-Saving Tips
- Shop at local markets: Fresh produce is typically 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets
- Cook at home: Eating in saves 60-70% compared to dining out
- Use public transport: Monthly passes are much cheaper than car ownership
- Live outside the centre: Suburbs offer 20-40% lower rent with reasonable commutes
- Compare utilities: Switch providers for electricity and internet to get better deals
- Student discounts: Available for under-26s on transport, museums, and cultural events
Salary by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| It | €29,500 | €42,000 | €59,000 |
| Retail | €12,500 | €18,000 | €25,000 |
| Finance | €28,500 | €41,000 | €57,500 |
| Education | €18,000 | €26,000 | €36,500 |
| Healthcare | €21,500 | €31,000 | €43,500 |
| Engineering | €26,500 | €38,000 | €53,000 |
| Hospitality | €14,000 | €20,000 | €28,000 |
| Construction | €20,500 | €29,000 | €40,500 |
Figures are annual gross salaries in EUR.
Additional Practical Information
Additional Data Points
Recent reports and expat sources provide these additional figures for Malta:
- Si vous envisagez de vous expatrier à Malte pour une longue période, vous pouvez éventuellement acheter un bien immobilier à Sliema ou alors réaliser un excellent investissement de type « buy-to-let » ( investissement locatif ). Examinez les différents types de biens disponibles à la vente et parlez-en à un agent immobilier. Sliema étant une ville populaire avec des prix immobiliers assez élevés. Vous trouverez des appartements à vendre entre 300 000 € et 1 200 000 €, voire plus.
Additional data sourced from expat community reports. All information should be verified with official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary in Malta?
The average monthly salary in Malta is approximately €2,375 gross. The minimum wage is €1,050/month. Local purchasing power index is 81.1/100.
Can I live comfortably on a remote worker salary in Malta?
With a monthly budget of approximately €1,447, a remote salary of €2,000-3,000/month would provide a very comfortable lifestyle. Research specific cities for the most accurate picture.
Is Malta expensive compared to other countries?
With a cost of living index of 56.8/100 (where NYC = 100), Malta is moderately cheaper than NYC. Use our assessment tool to compare with your current location.
How much should I save before moving to Malta?
Based on a monthly budget of €1,447, we recommend saving at least 3-6 months of expenses (€4,341 to €8,682) plus visa/relocation costs. Add a buffer for unexpected expenses during your first months.
What is the minimum wage in Malta?
The minimum wage in Malta is approximately €1,050/month. This compares to an average salary of €2,375. Note that minimum wage may not apply to all sectors or expat workers.
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