How expensive is Malta? How much money will you need when visiting Malta? Read on to discover our guide on spending and saving money in Malta.
The warm climate, the history, the crystal blue waters, beaches inland caves and friendly locals, attract about 1 million tourists every year to the island. Whether it is to unwind from the busy lives or simply to have new experiences, each tourist is searching for the memories to have for the rest of their life.
The question on everyone’s mind before booking a trip is always regarding the cost of the country, “how much spending money will I need in Malta?”. Is there a way to travel on a budget? Or is it simply one of those destinations that attract so many people and therefore it is very expensive?
According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index, Malta currently ranks as a “Moderate” expensive country to live in. Cost of visiting is also moderate compared to other European destinations.
In fact, Malta is a relatively cheap destination if compared to countries such as the Nordic countries. There are ways of spending money on expensive hotels and activities but you can still travel by staying on your low budget in Malta.
How much does accommodation cost in Malta?
Staying in the capital Valletta is not completely necessary to be in the centre, because the island is not that big and therefore, most places are close to each other. However, if so you wish to stay in Valletta, it is better to look for accommodation in advance as Valletta is quite small and therefore accommodation is highly requested and sells out very quickly. Also, due to its relatively small size, there is not that much competition and therefore prices get quite pricey. If you simply wish to stay in the vicinity of the capital, Floriana is the next town just outside of Valletta. Floriana is a small town walking distance from Valletta. Aesthetically, they are very similar to each other. Floriana is known for the many gardens it has, a very beautiful main street and for its authenticity. Therefore, this town might be a solution for you.
The holiday accommodation next to the sea costs more than the ones inland, also, Malta is more expensive than Gozo. The most expensive cities on the mainland are St. Julians and Sliema. The city of Gzira is very central and the prices are much more affordable while still very central.
If you want to save some money, you can book an apartment for your stay or room in a guest house. Airbnbs are not always the cheapest in Malta. One can find a few hostels too which could be the cheapest accommodation you can find especially in the summer period.
In low season, prices drop drastically, you will be able to find a hotel room or a 1 bedroom apartment as cheap as €25 – €35. In summer the prices are at least double, and triple in August due to high demand.
How much does food cost in Malta?
Malta is a relatively cheap country when it comes to food shopping, prices of the restaurants can be high. To keep the expenses down, it is necessary to have accommodation that will allow you to cook a meal. If the hotel offers breakfast, then go for it.
- Read also our guide to Traditional Maltese food and where to find it: here.
Malta has a good selection of supermarkets with a wide choice of food. Most of the products are imported, with big ranges from Italy. Lidl is one of the cheapest supermarkets in Malta, Towers supermarket is also a chain and has some good offers, InterSpar has recently opened and is gaining popularity for both their good prices and range of products. Local shops are a bit more expensive than the supermarkets but convenient as there will always be one which is close by.
Local farmers markets are a way of saving money on seasonable vegetables and fruits.
- Ta’ Qali Farmers’ Market Open Tuesday 6.30AM – 5PM and Saturday 9AM – 5PM. Located here.
- Birgu Farmers’ Market open Tuesday and Saturday from 7AM till midday. Located here
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 0.94 € | |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 1.08 € | |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 1.92 € | |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 2.38 € | |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 8.04 € | |
| Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) | 6.86 € | |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 13.07 € | |
| Apples (1kg) | 2.48 € | |
| Banana (1kg) | 1.82 € | |
| Oranges (1kg) | 2.44 € | |
| Tomato (1kg) | 2.40 € | |
| Potato (1kg) | 1.49 € | |
| Onion (1kg) | 1.71 € | |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 1.27 € | |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 0.82 € | |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 6.00 € | |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 1.45 € | |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 2.12 € | |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 5.80 € |
Street Food and Cheap places
Maltese street food are Pastizzi. Pastizz (singular) is a delicious traditional savoury pastry usually stuffed with ricotta or mushy peas. You can find a pastizzi shop in every city in Malta and usually they look like kiosks inside of a garage.
The price of one peas or ricotta pastizz is only 0.40 cents. Usually, together with pastizzi these shops sell also other cheap baked items.
Restaurants and Café prices
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 15.00 € | |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 60.00 € | |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 8.00 € | |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 2.50 € | |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 3.00 € | |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 2.04 € | |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 1.75 € | |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 1.08 € |
Entrances to attraction sites
The tickets to the museums, monuments and temples are not expensive.
The most expensive entrance fee is to St. John’s Co-
The entrance to Ħaġar Qim Temples is €8 and €5 is the entrance fee of the Cittadella of Victoria.
Attraction such as Blue Lagoon do not have an entrance but to get there you can choose between different means of transportation. In any case, you will need to get a boat which starts at cheapest costs €10 for round trip.
Read our guide on how to get to the Blue Lagoon for choosing the best way for you.
How much does transportation cost in Malta?
Malta is not a country where hitchhiking is popular. Also, the structure of the island is not made for pedestrians, therefore, walking around is not something many people do, unless, it’s by the seafront. The public transport in Malta is efficient and can get you almost anywhere, you just have to be patient (Punctuality is not always their forte). While the bus fare is €1,5 during the winter period and €2 in summer, you can choose between different bus cards. For a weekend a 12 Single Day Journeys can be enough for the cost of €15. If you plan to stay longer, then get the Explore card – unlimited travel for 7 days at the cost for adult €21 and €15 for a child.
Not to be tied up to bus schedule, renting a car can be the best option if you drive. In low season the car hire prices are cheap but can go up to €30 per day in summer.
Taxi service in Malta is quite inexpensive. There is a company on the island just like Uber called Bolt. From the airport to central area the price can be €15-20 and about €30 the furthest points of the main island. We suggest avoiding the white taxis since they have no metre and therefore, makes it easier for drivers to overcharge clients.
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 1.50 € | |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 26.00 € | |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 5.00 € | |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 2.00 € | |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 25.00 € | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.37 € |
Travelling to Malta by car
The company Virtu Ferries takes cars on board to Malta from Sicily. The journey is about 2 hours and the catamaran will bring you right to Valletta where the harbour is for €80 per way in low season and about €120 in summer. You will need to add also about €60 for each person on board. Visit www.virtuferries.com for more information.
