Malta is an island situated about 50 miles south of Sicily in the Mediterranean. It is a little archipelago that has one of the finest climates and temperatures in the Mediterranean. Malta has a small population, with less than 500,000 people living in just 122 square miles. It is also one of the smallest countries in Europe.
Why live in Malta?
To be sincere, Malta is one of the best places to retire. There are tons of fun and tourist destinations, especially if you like swimming. Malta has over 100 registered dive sites, and 3 ranks as the best in Europe. In essence, if you like scuba-diving, then this is the right place for you.
Malta is not just home to some of the best diving spots in the world, It is a megacity with multiple tourist destinations that attracts both tourists and expats. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include the capital of Valletta, Sliema, St. Paul’s Bay and lively port city.
Malta also has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. There are thriving expat villages and communities of all ages. Many expats from the UK and EU have retired in this country. Today, there are close to 20,000 UK citizens living in Malta under various residency programs.
In the 1800s, Malta voluntarily became a British protectorate. Ever since the country has had close contact with the UK. Although some expats find Malta a bit claustrophobic, Malta has one of the healthiest environments with lively people in the world.
Cost of living in Malta
The cost of living in Malta is very inexpensive. Because of the low cost of living in Malta, thousands of expats choose to relocate to here each year.
A person living in Malta can eat well and stay healthy on a budget of €1,250/month. Let’s break it down, you can spend €500 – €700 on groceries which contain lots of green veggies, wine, beverage, provisions, pet food, cheese, meat, fish, eggs…
The average rental prices are at around €800. Apartments in Malta are about 30% cheaper than Apartments in the UK and the United States. With €750 – €900, you can get a good-sized, comfortable two-bedroom apartment in Gozo, Valletta, San Gwann, and other upscale coastal areas. Location affects the price of an apartment in Malta.
Utilities average about €150/ month including:
- water;
- electricity;
- gas;
- other services.
Eating and dining also come at a pocket-friendly price. A delicious meal for two in a restaurant costs less than €45. It even cost less in places like Gozo, Sliema, and inland Malta.
You can also get quality healthcare for a low cost compared to other countries like America, Canada or the UK. There are free healthcare services for all Maltese citizens to a point. In Malta, you don’t have to pay for health insurance.
The cost of traveling in Malta is also quite cheap. By air, flights are dirt cheap. Malta is at the center of everything. You can make it to Barcelona, Athens, Munich, Rome, or Athens within two hours. So you can live locally and still be able to go for weekend getaways.
By land, Malta has an excellent transport system, you can choose to use your car or take public transport at less than €2. The country is relatively small, so you are sure to get to work on time. By water, Virtu Ferries operates between Malta and Sicily. It takes about one hour and 30 minutes to travel to and from.
Places to live in Malta
If you want to live in urban areas in Malta, with easy access to beaches, shops, theaters, restaurants, and tourist centers, then Valletta is the place for you. In 1980, UNESCO declared Valletta a World Heritage site. Ever since the beauty of Valletta shines even brighter.
Sliema, St. Julians, Swieqi, Pembroke, San Gwann are some of the best areas in Valetta. Besides, properties are relatively cheap there. Gozo is another popular area for experts that want to live in Malta, it has the cheapest real estate prices.
When it comes to living in Europe, Malta is one of the more affordable places for expats. The cost of living in this country is unbelievably low compared to other EU countries, The USA and the UK. You can live comfortably on a €1,250 budget.
Relocating to a new country is a very big step especially for a growing family. You should have a carefully constructed plan of action before taking this step. You should first travel to Malta to check it out before deciding to move.