Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Malta Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Malta Property Pack
If you are thinking about retiring in Malta, you are probably wondering how much money you actually need to live comfortably on this Mediterranean island.
In this constantly updated blog post, we break down the real monthly costs for retirees in Malta in 2026, from basic survival budgets to luxury lifestyles, using official data and our own market research.
We also cover current housing prices in Malta so you can see exactly what your money gets you today.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Malta.
How much money do I need to retire in Malta right now?
What's the absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Malta?
The absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Malta as a single retiree in 2026 is around 1,450 euros, which equals roughly $1,700 or about the same in euros since Malta uses the euro.
This bare-bones budget covers a modest one-bedroom apartment in an affordable neighborhood like Birkirkara, Qormi, or parts of St Paul's Bay, basic utilities, groceries for home cooking, bus transportation, and minimal health insurance.
Living on this minimum in Malta means skipping most restaurant meals, limiting air conditioning use during hot summers, relying entirely on public buses, and having very little cushion for unexpected expenses or leisure activities.
What lifestyle do I get with $2,000/month in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $2,000 per month (around 1,700 euros) in Malta gives you a simple but workable lifestyle where you can cover your essential needs without constant financial stress.
On this budget in Malta, you can realistically afford a one-bedroom apartment for around 900 to 1,100 euros ($1,050 to $1,290) per month in neighborhoods like Msida, Mosta, or Zabbar, which are well-connected but not as expensive as the popular Sliema waterfront.
You will be able to enjoy occasional meals at local restaurants like the traditional pastizzi shops and village feast celebrations, use the affordable bus network, and perhaps join a community group or local gym, but frequent entertainment or dining out will stretch your budget.
The main limitation at this level in Malta is that summer electricity bills can spike significantly due to air conditioning needs, leaving little room for savings or unexpected medical costs.
What lifestyle do I get with $3,000/month in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $3,000 per month (around 2,550 euros) in Malta provides a comfortable coastal lifestyle where you can enjoy the island without constantly watching every euro.
At this budget level, you can afford a solid one-bedroom apartment in desirable areas like Gzira, Swieqi, or San Gwann for around 1,200 to 1,500 euros ($1,400 to $1,760) per month, or even a decent two-bedroom in mid-priced localities like Mellieha.
This budget opens up regular dining at restaurants in areas like Spinola Bay, weekend trips by ferry to Gozo, gym memberships, and occasional taxi rides using apps like Bolt when buses are not convenient.
The key upgrade from a $2,000 budget in Malta is that you now have a meaningful buffer for summer utility spikes, can afford proper private health insurance with broader coverage, and have money left over for travel or saving each month.
What lifestyle do I get with $5,000/month in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $5,000 per month (around 4,250 euros) gives you a high-comfort lifestyle in Malta, while $10,000 per month (around 8,500 euros) puts you firmly in true luxury territory with premium choices across the board.
At $5,000 per month, you can rent a well-finished apartment in Sliema or a character property in Valletta for 1,700 to 2,200 euros ($2,000 to $2,580), while at $10,000 per month, you can access premium seafront penthouses or large villas in St Julian's and Ta' Xbiex ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 euros ($4,100 to $5,870).
These budgets in Malta unlock private yacht club memberships, frequent dining at upscale restaurants in Portomaso, access to premium healthcare at facilities like St James Hospital, household help, and regular international travel without budget concerns.
How much for a "comfortable" retirement in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, a comfortable retirement in Malta requires around 3,000 euros per month ($3,520) for a single person who wants to live well without worrying about basic expenses.
We recommend adding a buffer of 15%, which means targeting around 3,450 euros ($4,050) per month, to cover Malta-specific surprises like summer electricity spikes from air conditioning and potential rent increases when leases renew.
A comfortable budget in Malta covers what a basic budget does not: regular dining out, a gym membership, comprehensive private health insurance, a small travel fund, and the ability to run air conditioning and dehumidifiers freely during Malta's humid summer months.
How much for a "luxury" retirement in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, a luxury retirement in Malta requires around 6,000 euros per month ($7,040) to truly live without financial constraints and enjoy the best the island offers.
At this level in Malta, you can afford premium seafront apartments in Sliema or historic Valletta properties for 2,500 to 3,500 euros ($2,930 to $4,100), frequent fine dining, private healthcare at top facilities, household help, and a "no stress" approach to any expense that comes up.
The neighborhoods most popular among luxury retirees in Malta are the Sliema and St Julian's waterfront areas, the historic streets of Valletta, the upscale Ta' Xbiex marina district, and the quieter but exclusive parts of Madliena.
The main advantage of a luxury budget in Malta beyond comfort is complete insulation from cost surprises: you never have to choose between running the air conditioning and saving for a trip, and you can afford the best private specialists without checking prices first.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Malta. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What are the real monthly expenses for retirees in Malta in 2026?
What is a realistic monthly budget breakdown by category in Malta?
A realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single retiree in Malta in 2026 at a comfortable level (around 3,000 euros or $3,520) includes roughly 1,200 to 1,500 euros for rent, 100 to 200 euros for utilities, 450 to 650 euros for food, 150 to 350 euros for healthcare, and 200 to 400 euros for transport, leisure, and miscellaneous expenses.
Housing costs in Malta typically consume 40% to 50% of a retiree's total monthly budget, making it by far the largest expense category regardless of whether you choose a budget or comfortable lifestyle.
Food and groceries in Malta usually account for 15% to 20% of the monthly budget, roughly 350 to 500 euros ($410 to $590), with prices running slightly above the EU average for many everyday items.
The budget category that varies most depending on personal choices in Malta is leisure and entertainment, which can range from nearly zero (if you enjoy free beaches and walking) to several hundred euros monthly (if you dine out frequently and travel to Gozo regularly).
What fees surprise foreigners most after moving to Malta?
The top three hidden fees that catch foreigners off guard in Malta are the AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) permit restrictions for property buyers, the significant summer utility spikes from air conditioning and dehumidifiers, and the private health insurance costs that many residence routes require.
When first arriving in Malta, foreigners should budget for one-time setup costs including the AIP permit fee of 233 euros ($275) if buying property, rental deposits of two to three months upfront (2,400 to 4,500 euros or $2,800 to $5,300 depending on property), and initial furnishing or appliance purchases since Malta's humidity often requires investing in dehumidifiers and proper air conditioning.
What's the average rent for a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Malta ranges from around 750 to 1,400 euros ($880 to $1,640), while a two-bedroom apartment typically costs between 950 and 2,200 euros ($1,115 to $2,580) depending heavily on the neighborhood.
For a one-bedroom in Malta, the realistic range stretches from around 750 euros ($880) in budget-friendly areas like Birkirkara, Mosta, and Qormi to 1,500 euros or more ($1,760+) in prime areas like Sliema and St Julian's waterfront.
For a two-bedroom in Malta, you can find options starting at around 950 euros ($1,115) in central but less trendy towns like Birkirkara and Zabbar, going up to 2,500 euros ($2,930) or higher for finished apartments in Sliema, Valletta, or St Julian's.
The neighborhoods offering the best value for retirees seeking affordable rent in Malta include Gozo (especially Victoria and Marsalforn), Birkirkara, Mosta, and parts of the southern region like Marsaskala, where you get more space for your money while still having good access to services.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the latest rent data in Malta.
What do utilities cost monthly in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, total monthly utilities for a typical retiree apartment in Malta cost between 100 and 220 euros ($117 to $258), with the range depending heavily on summer air conditioning usage.
In Malta, electricity typically runs 70 to 150 euros ($82 to $176) per month, while water costs around 15 to 30 euros ($18 to $35), with gas being minimal since most cooking uses electricity; the big variable is summer cooling needs.
Internet in Malta costs around 30 to 45 euros ($35 to $53) per month for a reliable home connection, while mobile phone plans run about 15 to 25 euros ($18 to $29) monthly for a standard package with data.
What's the monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person in Malta should budget between 350 and 700 euros ($410 to $820) monthly for food and around 35 to 150 euros ($41 to $176) for transportation, depending on lifestyle choices.
The realistic monthly grocery budget for a single retiree cooking at home in Malta ranges from 280 to 400 euros ($328 to $470), keeping in mind that many imported goods cost more than on mainland Europe due to Malta's island logistics.
Dining out regularly in Malta adds around 200 to 350 euros ($235 to $410) per month to your food budget compared to cooking at home, with a typical restaurant meal costing 15 to 25 euros and a casual lunch around 10 euros.
Using public transit in Malta costs only 35 to 60 euros ($41 to $70) per month with bus passes, while owning a car adds 250 to 500 euros ($293 to $587) monthly for insurance, fuel, parking, and maintenance due to Malta's high fuel prices and limited parking.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Malta
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
Can I retire in Malta if I want to buy property in 2026?
What's the average home price in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average home price in Malta based on actual transaction data is around 350,000 euros ($410,000), though this varies significantly by property type and location.
The realistic price range for residential property in Malta stretches from around 180,000 euros ($211,000) for entry-level one-bedroom apartments in Gozo or the South to over 700,000 euros ($820,000) for houses in prime areas like Sliema, with luxury villas reaching well above 2 million euros ($2.3 million).
For retirees in Malta, apartments offer the best value because they dominate the market (about 54% of all listings), require less maintenance than houses, and are available at more accessible price points starting around 200,000 to 300,000 euros ($235,000 to $352,000) in good locations outside the premium waterfront strip.
Please note that you will find all the information you need in our pack about properties in Malta.
What down payment do foreigners usually need in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners buying property in Malta typically need a down payment of 30% to 40% of the purchase price, meaning around 105,000 to 140,000 euros ($123,000 to $164,000) on a 350,000 euro home.
Yes, foreigners in Malta generally face higher down payment requirements than locals because Maltese banks are conservative about foreign income verification and cross-border lending risks, so planning for 35% down is the safest approach to avoid surprises.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the mortgage process in our pack about properties in Malta.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Malta.
What's the all-in monthly cost to own in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, the all-in monthly cost to own a typical 350,000 euro property in Malta ranges from around 1,250 to 1,850 euros ($1,465 to $2,170) before lifestyle spending, assuming a standard mortgage.
This all-in figure for Malta includes the mortgage payment of roughly 960 to 1,200 euros ($1,125 to $1,410) depending on interest rates (currently around 2.5% to 3%), condo fees of 30 to 120 euros ($35 to $140), home insurance of 20 to 60 euros ($23 to $70), a maintenance sinking fund of 100 to 250 euros ($117 to $293), and utilities of 100 to 220 euros ($117 to $258).
Typical monthly property-related fees in Malta include condo or common-area charges of 30 to 120 euros ($35 to $140), and while there is no annual property tax in Malta, apartment maintenance averages around 3,400 euros ($4,000) per year or roughly 280 euros ($328) per month.
The hidden ownership cost that catches new buyers off guard in Malta is humidity-related maintenance: dehumidifiers, air conditioning servicing, and dealing with damp issues in older buildings can add several hundred euros per year to your expenses unexpectedly.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees in Malta.
Is buying cheaper than renting in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, buying in Malta is typically not cheaper than renting on a pure monthly cost basis in the early years: a 350,000 euro property with mortgage costs around 1,250 to 1,500 euros ($1,465 to $1,760) monthly all-in, while renting a similar property might cost 1,200 to 1,600 euros ($1,410 to $1,875).
The typical break-even point where buying becomes financially advantageous over renting in Malta is around 7 to 10 years, accounting for the significant upfront costs like stamp duty (around 5%) and legal fees (1.5% to 2.5%) that renters avoid.
What makes buying more attractive for retirees in Malta is the long-term security of not facing rent increases (which can reset sharply at lease renewal in high-demand areas), the potential for property value appreciation (Malta prices have risen around 5% to 7% annually), and the fact that buying can qualify you for certain residence programmes, while renting preserves flexibility if you are unsure about committing to a specific neighborhood.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Malta versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What visas, taxes, and healthcare costs should I plan for in Malta in 2026?
What retirement visa options exist in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main retirement pathway for non-EU citizens in Malta is the Malta Retirement Programme (MRP), which has no fixed annual cost but requires meeting property and income thresholds, or the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) with upfront costs totaling around 99,000 euros ($116,000) in government fees alone.
For the MRP in Malta, you must be at least 55, receive a pension, own or rent qualifying property (purchase minimum 275,000 euros or $323,000 in Malta, or 220,000 euros or $258,000 in Gozo/South Malta; rental minimum 9,600 euros or $11,260 per year in Malta), and have private health insurance covering the EU.
For the MPRP, the typical annual renewal cost is relatively low (budgeting 300 to 800 euros or $350 to $940 per year for card renewals and administrative items), but the upfront investment is substantial: 60,000 euros ($70,400) administration fee, 37,000 euros ($43,400) contribution, 2,000 euros ($2,350) donation, plus property requirements of either buying at 375,000 euros ($440,000) minimum or renting at 14,000 euros ($16,400) per year minimum.
The most common visa mistake foreign retirees make in Malta is assuming they can rent out a property purchased under an AIP permit, when in fact AIP-permit properties generally cannot be rented out, which catches many people who planned to offset costs with rental income.
Please note that we keep this page updated with the residency pathways in Malta.
Do I pay tax on foreign income in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, retirees who are resident but not domiciled in Malta are taxed on Malta-source income and on foreign income only to the extent that it is remitted (received) in Malta, meaning money kept offshore is generally not taxed in Malta.
Foreign pensions remitted to Malta are typically taxable, while income kept in foreign bank accounts and not transferred to Malta is generally not subject to Maltese tax; investment income follows similar rules based on whether it is remitted.
Malta has tax treaties with over 70 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and most EU nations, which can reduce or eliminate double taxation on pensions and other income, though the specifics depend on each treaty's provisions.
The single most important tax rule for foreign retirees to understand before moving to Malta is the "remittance basis": you can legally minimize your Malta tax bill by keeping foreign income in non-Malta accounts and only remitting what you need for living expenses, but you should get professional tax advice because individual circumstances vary significantly.
What health insurance do retirees need in Malta in 2026?
As of early 2026, most non-EU retirees in Malta need private health insurance with a minimum coverage of 100,000 euros ($117,000) as required by immigration authorities, with monthly premiums typically ranging from 150 to 400 euros ($176 to $470) depending on age and coverage level.
Foreigners in Malta can access public healthcare only if they have specific entitlement status (like being employed and paying social security contributions, or being an EU citizen with a European Health Insurance Card), so most retirees from outside the EU should plan on private insurance and private healthcare as their primary system.
A realistic total annual healthcare budget for a retiree in Malta, including insurance premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and medications, ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 euros ($2,930 to $5,870) for basic coverage, up to 5,000 to 8,000 euros ($5,870 to $9,380) for more comprehensive plans with lower deductibles and broader specialist access.
Buying real estate in Malta can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Malta, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Malta National Statistics Office (NSO) | Malta's official statistics agency reporting registered property deeds and values. | We used NSO data to anchor real transaction counts and average property values. We also validated which districts and localities are most active for buyers. |
| Central Bank of Malta | Malta's central bank publishing official banking and interest rate statistics. | We used Central Bank data to ground mortgage rate assumptions. We then stress-tested ownership costs with realistic rate ranges. |
| European Central Bank (ECB) | The euro area's official reference rate publisher for currency conversions. | We used ECB rates to convert all euro budgets into USD consistently. We applied the January 2026 EUR/USD reference rate throughout. |
| Malta Tax and Customs (MTCA) | Official Maltese tax authority explaining property taxes and buyer obligations. | We used MTCA guidance to confirm which taxes apply to purchases. We translated this into all-in closing cost ranges for buyers. |
| Residency Malta Agency | Official agency administering Malta's permanent residence programme. | We used their legal framework to describe MPRP requirements accurately. We cross-checked hard numbers against the official regulations PDF. |
| ARMS (Utilities Billing) | Malta's national utilities platform publishing regulated electricity and water tariffs. | We used ARMS tariff data to ground utility budgeting in reality. We converted typical consumption into monthly ranges for retiree households. |
| Eurostat | EU's official statistics office comparing cost levels across countries. | We used Eurostat to sanity-check Malta's cost of living relative to the EU average. We calibrated food and everyday service budgets accordingly. |
| Malta Public Transport | Official operator publishing Malta's bus fare structure. | We used official fares to budget transport costs for bus-based retirees. We compared this against car ownership costs for lifestyle planning. |
| Identita Malta | Official immigration agency stating health insurance requirements for applicants. | We used Identita requirements to quantify minimum insurance coverage. We budgeted private insurance as a real recurring cost for foreign retirees. |
| Government of Malta Healthcare | Official government page describing healthcare entitlement and access. | We used this to explain what public healthcare access depends on. We set realistic expectations for non-EU retirees planning their coverage. |
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Malta compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Related blog posts