Cost of Living
Monthly Budget for Malta: Single, Couple, Family
Household-specific monthly budgets for Malta in 2026. Each profile includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and modest discretionary spending — no surprises.
How to use these budgets
Budget 1: Single person, shared flat
The most common budget profile for new arrivals in Malta. Sharing a two- or three-bedroom flat with flatmates is the standard way to make rent affordable, especially in the first year.
| Category | Low estimate | Mid estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room rent (Msida / Gzira) | €380 | €520 |
| Groceries (one person) | €170 | €240 |
| Transport (Tallinja card + occasional taxi) | €50 | €90 |
| Utilities share (electric, water, internet) | €60 | €90 |
| Eating out (occasional) | €80 | €150 |
| Personal care, cleaning, sundries | €40 | €70 |
| Mobile phone plan | €15 | €25 |
| Total (approx.) | €795 | €1,185 |
Budget 2: Single person, solo apartment
Renting alone in a central area is significantly more expensive. This budget assumes a one-bedroom apartment in Sliema or St Julians.
| Category | Low estimate | Mid estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment rent (Sliema / St Julians) | €1,100 | €1,400 |
| Groceries | €170 | €240 |
| Transport | €50 | €90 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | €90 | €160 |
| Eating out (occasional) | €100 | €200 |
| Personal care, sundries | €60 | €100 |
| Mobile phone plan | €15 | €25 |
| Total (approx.) | €1,585 | €2,215 |
Budget 3: Couple, shared one-bedroom apartment
Two incomes significantly change the picture. This budget covers a couple in a one-bedroom apartment in Sliema. It does not include savings, loan repayments, or large purchases.
| Category | Low estimate | Mid estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment rent (Sliema) | €1,100 | €1,400 |
| Groceries (two people) | €280 | €380 |
| Transport (two Tallinja cards + taxis) | €90 | €150 |
| Utilities (electric, water, internet) | €90 | €160 |
| Eating out (occasional, both) | €150 | €280 |
| Personal care, sundries (both) | €80 | €140 |
| Mobile phone plans (two) | €30 | €50 |
| Total (approx.) | €1,820 | €2,560 |
Budget 4: Digital nomad, flexible arrangement
Digital nomads on the Nomad Residence Permit often start in a shared flat or serviced apartment before committing to a long-term lease. This budget assumes a shared flat and coworking space part-time.
| Category | Low estimate | Mid estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room or furnished studio | €500 | €750 |
| Groceries + meal prep | €180 | €260 |
| Transport (Tallinja + rideshare) | €50 | €90 |
| Coworking (part-time, ~10 days/month) | €80 | €150 |
| Internet / mobile (backup SIM) | €25 | €45 |
| Utilities share or included | €40 | €80 |
| Eating out + cafes (work setting) | €120 | €220 |
| Total (approx.) | €995 | €1,595 |
What these budgets exclude
- Savings, emergency funds, or investments
- Loan repayments or credit card servicing
- Clothing and shoes (beyond occasional purchases)
- Travel within or outside Malta
- Childcare, school fees, or activities
- Health insurance premiums (if not covered by employer or state)
- Car ownership, insurance, and fuel
For family budgets, see the family of 4 guide.
Salary benchmarks
Malta’s national minimum wage is reviewed annually by the government. Verify the current figure on the DIER minimum wage page. Net take-home pay depends on Social Security contributions and income tax, which are calculated on gross salary. For sector-specific pay, see the average salary in Malta guide.
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This guide is written from public sources and kept up to date where possible. MaltaPathway is an independent visitor guide and is not affiliated with any official body. Source policy, correction policy, and monetization disclosure live on the About and trust page.
Sources
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