Malta information hub
Cost of living in Malta
What it costs to live in Malta in 2026: rent and purchase prices, deposits and property fees, electricity, water, gas, internet and mobile, groceries and eating out, buses, ferries, taxis and cars, childcare and schools, healthcare and insurance, gyms and leisure, each with its range, location, date, source and methodology.
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Malta's cost of living is shaped by two facts: housing is the biggest and fastest-changing cost, and almost everything else is imported. Official statistics (inflation, rents index, house prices, wages) are shown first; the detailed ranges below them come from official tariffs where they exist and otherwise from an editorial market review that is labelled as such and never presented as official data.
Key figures
Inflation (HICP annual average)
2.4%
2025
Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta) · verified 01 Oct 2026
Actual rentals for housing, annual price change
1.7%
2025
Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta) · verified 01 Oct 2026
House price index, annual change
6.0%
2025
Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta) · verified 01 Oct 2026
National minimum wage (monthly, full-time adult)
€994
first half of 2026
Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta) · verified 01 Oct 2026
Annual net earnings, single person without children at the average wage
€25,273
2025
Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta) · verified 01 Oct 2026
Every figure shows the reference period and the publishing authority. Statistics are refreshed when the source publishes a new release; see the source register for document details.
Typical costs by category
Ranges are typical, not guaranteed. Each row shows where it applies, the date, the type of source and how the range was derived. Market and crowdsourced figures are never presented as official statistics.
Housing
| Item | Typical range | Where · when | Source · method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bedroom apartment, harbour areaSliema, St Julian's, Gżira, Msida, Valletta | €900 – €1,400per month | Central / harbour area 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Rent, 2-bedroom apartment, harbour area | €1,200 – €2,000per month | Central / harbour area 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Rent, 3-bedroom apartment, harbour area | €1,600 – €3,000per month | Central / harbour area 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Rent, 1-bedroom apartment, northSt Paul's Bay, Buġibba, Qawra, Mellieħa, Mosta | €700 – €1,000per month | North Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Rent, 2-bedroom apartment, north | €900 – €1,400per month | North Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Rent, 3-bedroom apartment or house, north | €1,200 – €2,000per month | North Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Rent, 1-bedroom apartment, south & eastMarsaskala, Żejtun, Żabbar, Three Cities, Paola | €650 – €950per month | South & east Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Rent, 2-bedroom apartment, south & east | €850 – €1,300per month | South & east Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Rent, 3-bedroom apartment or house, south & east | €1,100 – €1,800per month | South & east Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Rent, 1-bedroom apartment, Gozo | €550 – €850per month | Gozo 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Rent, 2-bedroom apartment, Gozo | €700 – €1,100per month | Gozo 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Rent, 3-bedroom apartment or farmhouse, Gozo | €900 – €1,600per month | Gozo 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Rental depositCommonly one month's rent; registration of private residential leases is mandatory | €1 – €1months' rent | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Duty on documents on purchase of immovable property5% of the value; first-time buyers pay no duty on the first €200,000 of a home for own residence | €5 – €5% of price | Malta (national) 01 Oct 2026 | Government of Malta — Laws of Malta Official statistic / regulated tariff |
| MPRP minimum property purchase valueSame minimum anywhere in Malta or Gozo | €375,000 – €375,000per property | Malta & Gozo 01 Oct 2026 | Government of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation under the Immigration Act (Cap. 217) Official statistic / regulated tariff |
| MPRP minimum annual rent | €14,000 – €14,000per year | Malta & Gozo 01 Oct 2026 | Government of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation under the Immigration Act (Cap. 217) Official statistic / regulated tariff |
Utilities
| Item | Typical range | Where · when | Source · method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity & water, 1 personResidential tariff with eco-reduction; depends heavily on air-conditioning use | €40 – €80per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Electricity & water, 2 persons | €60 – €120per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Electricity & water, 3 persons | €80 – €160per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Electricity & water, 4 or more persons | €100 – €220per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| LPG gas cylinder (cooking)12 kg cylinder, delivered; regulated maximum price | €15 – €20per cylinder | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Fixed broadband (fibre/cable)Standalone plans from the main providers | €25 – €45per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Mobile plan with data | €10 – €30per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
Food
| Item | Typical range | Where · when | Source · method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries, per adultSupermarket basket, mostly imported goods | €250 – €400per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Groceries, per child | €120 – €220per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Restaurant main course, mid-range | €15 – €30per person | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Coffee at a café | €2 – €3.50per item | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Pastizzi (traditional pastry) | €0.50 – €1per item | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Takeaway meal | €8 – €15per item | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
Transport
| Item | Typical range | Where · when | Source · method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus single journey, cash/contactless (winter)Valid 2 hours; 19 Oct 2025 – 13 Jun 2026 | €2 – €2per trip | Malta & Gozo 01 Oct 2026 | Malta Public Transport (national scheduled bus operator) Official statistic / regulated tariff |
| Bus travel with a personalised tallinja card (residents)Free on scheduled routes under the Government scheme | €0 – €0per month | Malta & Gozo 01 Oct 2026 | Malta Public Transport (national scheduled bus operator) Official statistic / regulated tariff |
| Bus travel without the resident scheme (about 20 trips a month)Based on the 12 Single Day Journeys card at €19 | €32 – €40per month | Malta & Gozo 01 Oct 2026 | Malta Public Transport (national scheduled bus operator) Official statistic / regulated tariff 20 journeys at the 12-journey card rate (€1.58 per journey) to 20 single fares at €2 |
| Gozo ferry, standard passenger return | €4.65 – €4.65per trip | Ċirkewwa–Mġarr 01 Oct 2026 | Gozo Channel Co. Ltd (Ċirkewwa–Mġarr ferry operator) Official statistic / regulated tariff |
| Gozo ferry, car and driver | €15.70 – €15.70per trip | Ċirkewwa–Mġarr 01 Oct 2026 | Gozo Channel Co. Ltd (Ċirkewwa–Mġarr ferry operator) Official statistic / regulated tariff |
| tallinja Direct express routes€1.50 with tallinja card; from €3 cash | €1.50 – €3per trip | Valletta–Buġibba / Marsaxlokk 01 Oct 2026 | Malta Public Transport (national scheduled bus operator) Official statistic / regulated tariff |
| Taxi / ride-hailing, short urban trip | €8 – €20per trip | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Unleaded petrolRegulated price; changes with Government decisions | €1.34 – €1.34per litre | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial record of the regulated pump price; verify against the latest Government notice |
| Running a car (fuel, insurance, licence, maintenance, parking)Excludes purchase or finance | €150 – €350per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
Family
| Item | Typical range | Where · when | Source · method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private childcare (0–3), full-timeFree childcare scheme available to working/studying parents at registered centres | €0 – €600per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| State school tuitionFree; uniforms, books and activities extra | €0 – €0per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Government of Malta — Laws of Malta Official statistic / regulated tariff |
| Church school voluntary contribution | €40 – €120per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Independent / international school feesVaries widely by school and year group | €500 – €1,800per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| After-school activities per child | €40 – €120per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| University of Malta doctoral tuition, non-EU full-time | €11,000 – €11,000per year | University of Malta 01 Oct 2026 | University of Malta Official statistic / regulated tariff |
Healthcare
| Item | Typical range | Where · when | Source · method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health insurance, adultLocal hospital-cover plans; premiums rise with age | €40 – €150per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Private health insurance, child | €20 – €60per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Private GP consultation | €20 – €40per visit | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Dental check-up and clean | €40 – €80per visit | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
Lifestyle
| Item | Typical range | Where · when | Source · method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gym membership | €40 – €90per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Cinema ticket | €8 – €12per item | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Leisure & entertainment, basic | €60 – €120per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Leisure & entertainment, moderate | €120 – €250per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Leisure & entertainment, premium | €250 – €600per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
| Household goods, clothing and personal care, per person | €60 – €150per month | Malta 01 Oct 2026 | Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official) Editorial estimate Editorial range from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed every 60 days |
Estimate your monthly living costs
Household size, location, housing, transport, schooling and lifestyle, using the ranges above with their sources and dates.
How to read the ranges
Each line shows the typical minimum and maximum, where it applies (harbour area, north, south, Gozo or national), the date of the figure, the type of source (official statistic or regulated tariff, provider price list, market data or editorial estimate) and how the range was derived. Housing varies most by locality: the same apartment can cost half as much in the south or Gozo as in Sliema.
Housing
Rents in the harbour towns are the highest in the country; the north and south-east are cheaper and Gozo cheaper still. Deposits are typically one month's rent and leases must be registered. Buyers pay duty of 5% (first-time buyers are exempt on the first €200,000 of a home), notarial and search fees, and, for non-residents outside Special Designated Areas, an Acquisition of Immovable Property permit. See Property costs.
Utilities
Electricity and water are billed together by ARMS on a regulated residential tariff with consumption bands; air-conditioning in summer and electric heating in winter are the main variables. LPG cylinders are used for cooking in many homes. Fixed broadband and mobile plans are competitive.
Food
Supermarket prices reflect import costs; local produce (vegetables, bread, Gozitan cheese, fish) is cheaper at village shops and markets. Eating out ranges from pastizzi and ftira for a few euro to international restaurants in Valletta and St Julian's.
Transport
Residents with a personalised tallinja card travel free on scheduled buses; non-residents pay €2 for a single journey in winter (summer fares differ) or use the Explore cards. The Gozo ferry is €4.65 return for a standard passenger. Running a car adds fuel (regulated price), insurance, licence and parking.
Family, healthcare and lifestyle
State schools are free; church schools ask for a contribution; independent and international schools charge fees. Entitled residents use free public healthcare; private insurance is optional. Gyms, cinemas and leisure costs are in the lifestyle table.
Estimate your own budget
Use the living-cost calculator for your household and location, and the MPRP cost calculator for the programme's one-off costs. To see what housing actually costs today, explore properties by budget.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflation (HICP annual average) | 2.4 % | 2025 | Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta) · prc_hicp_aind RCH_A_AVG CP00 · verified 01 Oct 2026 |
| Inflation (HICP annual average, 2023) | 5.6 % | 2023 | Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta) · prc_hicp_aind · verified 01 Oct 2026 |
| Actual rentals for housing, annual price change | 1.7 % | 2025 | Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta) · prc_hicp_aind CP041 (2024: 8.9%; 2023: 15.2%) · verified 01 Oct 2026 |
Sources & Verification
Verified 1 October 2026 against the sources below- EU Institution
Eurostat — National accounts and prices (nama_10_gdp, nama_10_pc, prc_hicp_aind, prc_hpi_a)
Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta)
GDP and main components; GDP per capita; HICP annual average rate of change; house price index
- Published
- 30 Sept 2026
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 01 Oct 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: EUROSTAT-ECONOfficial requirement - EU Institution
Eurostat — Labour market and earnings (une_rt_a, lfsi_emp_a, earn_mw_cur, earn_nt_net, lfsa_ewhun2, edat_lfse_20)
Eurostat — European Commission (data transmitted by NSO Malta)
Unemployment rate; employment rate 20–64; monthly minimum wage; annual net earnings (single, no children, average wage); average usual weekly hours; NEET rate
- Published
- 10 Sept 2026
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 01 Oct 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: EUROSTAT-LABOUROfficial requirement - Transport Authority
Malta Public Transport — Fares and tickets
Malta Public Transport (national scheduled bus operator)
Fares and tickets: single journey fares, 12 Single Day Journeys, Explore and Explore Flex cards, personalised tallinja card (free travel scheme)
- Published
- —
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 01 Oct 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: MPT-FARESOfficial requirement - Transport Authority
Gozo Channel Co. Ltd — Ferry fares and schedule
Gozo Channel Co. Ltd (Ċirkewwa–Mġarr ferry operator)
Passenger, car and driver, resident and senior fares; crossing time approx. 25 minutes
- Published
- —
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 01 Oct 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: GOZO-CHANNELOfficial requirement - Legislation
Duty on Documents and Transfers Act (Cap. 364), consolidated
Government of Malta — Laws of Malta
Chapter 364 of the Laws of Malta, consolidated as at 11 August 2025
- Published
- —
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 01 Oct 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: CAP-364Official requirement - Secondary
Malta MPRP Guide — editorial market review
Malta MPRP Guide editorial team (secondary, non-official)
Editorial ranges compiled from current listings, provider price lists and local professional input; reviewed on the frequent-change interval
- Published
- —
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 01 Oct 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: EDITORIAL-MARKETOfficial requirement
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Written by
Malta MPRP Guide Editorial Team
Research & editorial
The editorial team researches the Malta Permanent Residence Programme directly from the consolidated regulations (S.L. 217.26), the Legal Notices that amend them and the Residency Malta Agency's published material. Ever…
Reviewed by
Fact-check & source review
Responsible for reviewing published pages against the current text of S.L. 217.26 and the Agency's official pages, recording the verification date and flagging any page that needs an update after a legislative change. R…