Cost of Living in Malta

Let's talk about the cost of living in Malta.

The cost of living in Malta for a single person can vary based on personal lifestyle choices, housing preferences, and spending habits. Overview of the expected expenses:

Accommodation:

• Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: €800 - €1,200 per month
• Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €600 - €900 per month

Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage): Approximately €100 - €150 per month
Groceries: €200 - €300 per month
Dining out: A meal at a mid-range restaurant may cost around €15 - €25
Transportation:

• Public transportation monthly pass: €26 - €40
• Taxi starting tariff: €6 - €10

Health Insurance: Depending on the coverage, health insurance may range from €30 - €100 per month.
Internet and Mobile Phone: Around €30 - €50 per month
Fitness/Leisure: Gym membership or other fitness activities may cost around €20 - €50 per month.

On average, a comfortable living in Malta might require a monthly budget ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 euros, covering accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and leisure activities. Housing costs, including rent or mortgage payments, constitute a significant portion of the budget, while expenses for groceries and dining out, transportation, and healthcare also contribute to the overall living costs.

The cost of living in Gozo, Malta, can vary based on factors such as lifestyle choices and individual preferences. On average, monthly expenses for accommodation in Gozo range from around 330 to 800 euros for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center, and from 450 to 800 euros for a one-bedroom apartment within the city center. Basic grocery items exhibit moderate prices, with staples like a liter of milk costing approximately 0.99 euros, a loaf of fresh white bread at 1.00 euro, and a dozen eggs around 2.56 euros. Dining out options are also available, with an inexpensive meal at a restaurant costing about 11.00 euros, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant may range from 40.00 to 120.00 euros. Transportation costs, including taxi fares and gasoline, contribute to the overall living expenses. Additionally, monthly utility bills for an 85m² apartment, encompassing electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage services, are estimated to be around 90.00 euros.

In terms of living costs, Malta proves to be a more affordable option compared to the Netherlands. For a single person, the monthly cost of living in Malta is $1415, while in the Netherlands, it is $1835. For families, the corresponding figures are $3435 in Malta and $4293 in the Netherlands. Rental expenses follow a similar trend, with one-person rent at $814 in Malta and $1100 in the Netherlands, and family rent at $1579 in Malta compared to $1816 in the Netherlands. Food expenses are also lower in Malta, totaling $438, while in the Netherlands, they amount to $485. Transportation costs are significantly more economical in Malta, standing at $58.5, in contrast to $118 in the Netherlands. Despite the variations in living costs, it's essential to consider the context of the monthly salary after tax. In Malta, the monthly salary after tax is $1508, while in the Netherlands, it is substantially higher at $3402.

When comparing the cost of living between Malta and Portugal, Malta generally appears to have slightly higher living expenses. For a single person, the monthly cost of living in Malta is $1415, while in Portugal, it is $1160. Similarly, for families, the corresponding figures are $3435 in Malta and $2697 in Portugal. Rental expenses follow a similar pattern, with one-person rent at $814 in Malta and $679 in Portugal, and family rent at $1579 in Malta compared to $1175 in Portugal. Food expenses are also higher in Malta, totaling $438, while in Portugal, they amount to $316. However, transportation costs are slightly lower in Malta, standing at $58.5, compared to $50.8 in Portugal. It's essential to consider these factors in the context of the monthly salary after tax, where in Malta, it is $1508, and in Portugal, it is $1083.

When comparing the cost of living between Ireland and Malta, it's evident that Ireland generally has higher living expenses. For a single person, the monthly cost of living in Ireland is $2337, while in Malta, it is $1415. Similarly, for families, the corresponding figures are $5129 in Ireland and $3435 in Malta. Rental expenses follow the same trend, with one-person rent at $1531 in Ireland and $814 in Malta, and family rent at $2577 in Ireland compared to $1579 in Malta. Food expenses are also higher in Ireland, totaling $540, compared to $438 in Malta. Transportation costs are significantly greater in Ireland, standing at $124, compared to $58.5 in Malta. It's crucial to consider these factors in the context of the monthly salary after tax, where in Ireland, it is $3162, and in Malta, it is $1508.

When comparing the cost of living between Croatia and Malta, it appears that Malta generally has higher living expenses. For a single person, the monthly cost of living in Malta is $1415, while in Croatia, it is $1089. Similarly, for families, the corresponding figures are $3435 in Malta and $2565 in Croatia. Rental expenses follow the same trend, with one-person rent at $814 in Malta and $542 in Croatia, and family rent at $1579 in Malta compared to $928 in Croatia. Food expenses are slightly higher in Malta, totaling $438, compared to $375 in Croatia. Transportation costs are also slightly lower in Malta, standing at $58.5, compared to $69.8 in Croatia. It's crucial to consider these factors in the context of the monthly salary after tax, where in Malta, it is $1508, and in Croatia, it is $1168.

In comparing the cost of living between Malta and the United Kingdom, it is evident that the United Kingdom generally has higher living expenses. For a single person, the monthly cost of living in the United Kingdom is $1994, while in Malta, it is $1415. Similarly, for families, the corresponding figures are $4820 in the United Kingdom and $3435 in Malta. Rental expenses follow the same trend, with one-person rent at $1213 in the United Kingdom and $814 in Malta, and family rent at $2136 in the United Kingdom compared to $1579 in Malta. Food expenses are slightly higher in the United Kingdom, totaling $473, compared to $438 in Malta. Transportation costs are significantly higher in the United Kingdom, standing at $155, compared to $58.5 in Malta. It's crucial to consider these factors in the context of the monthly salary after tax, where in Malta, it is $1508, and in the United Kingdom, it is $3072.

Helen from London says: "Upon returning to the UK from Malta after an 11-year stint, I find myself in a remarkably different financial situation. Despite continuing in the same job, my concerns about making it to the next payday have shifted to calculating how much I can comfortably save each month. The improved financial outlook comes with the added benefit of enjoying a higher standard of living and a more manageable workload.

My initial love for Malta in 2008 has been tempered by the stark reality of the soaring cost of living and stagnant wages in recent years. My experience at the Hilton during my last two years in Malta was emblematic of this trend, as wages for new hires actually decreased by nearly 2 euros per hour. Even for experienced staff in a 5-star hotel, the offered wage was a mere Eur 5.30 per hour.

While I am grateful to be back home in the UK, there is a tinge of regret for the aspects of living in Malta that I genuinely miss. Nevertheless, the inability to save for the future when a significant portion of my salary is only marginally higher than my rent makes the decision to return more practical and financially sound."