Malta🇲🇹

At a Glance

How Malta compares across key indices

Quality of Life137Safety57Healthcare53Affordability56Climate98Clean Air76

Cost of Living

56 vs NYC

100 = NYC

Safety Index

57/100

Healthcare

53/100

Quality of Life

137/200

Climate

98/100

Cost of Living

How far your money goes in Malta

Cost of Living

56

100 = NYC baseline

Rent Index

26

100 = NYC rent

Groceries

56

100 = NYC groceries

Restaurant Prices

64

100 = NYC dining

Monthly costs range from $2,331 in Valletta to $2,768 in Sliema

City Costs Comparison

Valletta

Cheapest

$2,331/mo

Food$226

Sliema

$2,768/mo

Food$225

Safety & Crime

Moderate Risk

How safe residents feel in Malta — based on surveys of people living there

Safety Index

57/100

Crime Index

43/100

Lower is better

Crime Trend

72/100

Crime perceived as increasing

Walking Safety

Daytime71
Nighttime54

17 point drop from day to night

Problem Severity

Corruption & bribery
High66
Drug-related crime
Moderate52
Property crimes
Moderate46
Violent crimes
Low37

0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem

What Residents Worry About

Being insulted or harassed
Low43
Home broken into
Low42
Things stolen from car
Low42
Being physically attacked
Low39
Being mugged or robbed
Low38
Car stolen
Low32
Targeted for skin/ethnicity/religion
Low32

Based on 384 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.

Cities in Malta

Malta has 2 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $2,331 in Valletta to $2,768 in Sliema.

💸Most Affordable

Valletta

$2,331/mo

CityMonthly CostSafetyQuality of LifeHealthcarePollution
Valletta$2,331————
Sliema$2,768————

Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.

Compare Cities Side by Side

Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life

Healthcare

Healthcare system overview for Malta

Healthcare Index

53/100

Quality Breakdown

Modern Equipment58/100
Staff Skill & Competency55/100
Friendliness & Courtesy54/100
Accuracy & Completeness52/100
Speed of Service47/100
Responsiveness & Waitlist40/100
Cost Satisfaction57/100

How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality

Based on 83 survey responses

Insurance Coverage

Public
51.8%
Employer Sponsored
18.1%
Private
15.7%
None
14.5%
Healthcare53Safety57Quality of Life137
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Environment

Polluted

Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Malta

Pollution Index

76/100

Lower is better

Environmental Quality

Drinking Water Quality39/100
Comfortable to Spend Time39/100
Garbage Disposal38/100
Air Quality32/100
Clean & Tidy31/100
Green Spaces & Parks22/100

Concerns

Noise & Light Pollution64/100
Water Pollution55/100

0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern

Based on 134 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.

Transport & Commute

How people get around in Malta

Average One-Way Commute

28minutes

Short

Traffic Index

96

Below average congestion

Inefficiency

104

Time wasted in traffic

CO2 Emissions

2.7kg/trip

How People Commute

Car34.5%
Walking32.8%
Bus/Trolleybus15.5%
Motorcycle8.6%
Working from Home5.2%
Bicycle3.4%

Based on 58 survey responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living in Malta, answered with data

What is the cost of living in Malta?

Malta has a cost of living index of 56 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $2,331 in Valletta and reach $2,768 in Sliema.

What is the cheapest city in Malta for expats?

Valletta is the most affordable city in Malta with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $2,331 for a single person including rent. Sliema is the next most affordable at $2,768/mo.

Is Malta safe for expats?

Malta has a safety index of 57/100, making it generally safe for expats and travellers.

How good is healthcare in Malta?

Malta scores 53/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it adequate by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.

Is Malta cheaper than the United States?

Yes. Malta's cost of living is roughly 44% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 74% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.

What is the air quality and pollution like in Malta?

Malta has a pollution index of 76/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.

Before You Go

Your pre-departure checklist for Malta

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