This week we turn to Malta’s Northern District, following our announced six-week series that breaks down the best places for expats to live region by region, so you can choose based on lifestyle and budget, not just what looks good online.
Think: bigger skies, beaches you’ll actually use, and towns that feel a little more “local Malta”… until you walk into a café and realise you’re the only one not ordering in English.
Before we zoom in: Malta is now 29.4% foreign citizens at end-2024 (so yes, “around 30%” checks out). And the Northern District is even more international, with 36.9% foreign citizens.
Quick Overview
- Vibe: coastal + residential, less “city squeeze” than the harbour areas
- Best for: families, remote workers, beach people, “I want space” types
- Watch-outs: summer crowds in resort pockets, car dependence in quieter villages
- Rent reality: outside Sliema/St Julian’s, rents in the North cluster around ~€1,200/month on average (property and exact town still matter).
Expat snapshot: In Malta’s Northern District, foreign citizens make up 36.9% of residents, with St Paul’s Bay standing out at 63% non-Maltese and the largest locality by population in the dataset.
Town Pics
The Northern District isn’t one-size-fits-all, so these town snapshots focus on what actually changes your day-to-day: atmosphere, convenience, and who each area suits best. Use them to shortlist quickly, then zoom in on the places that match your routine, not just your weekend plans.
St Paul’s Bay (Buġibba / Qawra / Burmarrad)
Why people move here: Definitely on of the most populated expat area with most reasonable rental prices. Overall it’s practical – with loads of services, and you can live day-to-day without feeling like you’re “commuting to civilisation.”
Expat feel: very international: 63% foreign citizens in the latest NSO-based reporting.
Good for: families ✅ | couples ✅ | remote workers ✅ | value seekers ✅
Not ideal for: anyone craving silence in peak summer (Buġibba has opinions… loudly).
Mellieħa
Why people move here:This town is conveniently located near the Ċirkewwa port, just a short distance from Gozo. It offers beach access and exudes a relaxed, residential atmosphere. You can enjoy the island’s iconic north coast swimming spots while experiencing a holiday vibe without the bustling nightlife.
Good for: Families ✅ | Retirees ✅ | Outdoor enthusiasts ✅
Budget note: Prices can be higher for properties with sea views or holiday-style accommodation, particularly during peak seasons.
Mosta
Why people move here: Mosta’s appeal lies primarily in its central location within the northern region, offering more spacious living and a well-established town centre. It’s ideal for those seeking an authentic Maltese experience while maintaining easy access to beaches and commercial areas without much hassle.
Educational opportunities: The presence of QSI International School of Malta in Mosta is a significant advantage for expatriate families seeking an international curriculum for their children.
Good for: Families ✅ | Commuters ✅ | Those desiring a residential atmosphere ✅
Naxxar
Why people move here: Naxxar has calmer residential neighbourhoods, and mix of older character homes and newer apartments/townhouses, quick routes toward the business districts, and a polished “suburban Malta” feel.
Location advantage: It’s a handy “bridge” town, quick to reach St Julian’s/Sliema area, Mosta, and the north coast without living in the harbour chaos.
Good for: families ✅ | professionals ✅ | people who like structure (and parking plans).
Mġarr
Why people move here: greenery (yes, Malta has some), space, and a slower rhythm. If you want countryside walks and village life, than this is the North’s “exhale.”
Good for: retirees ✅ | families ✅ | remote workers ✅
Watch-out: fewer “walk to everything” conveniences – this is more car-first living.
Rent Reality
For the North (outside the premium Sliema/St Julian’s bubble), average rents tend to cluster around ~€1,200/month, but the spread is real depending on whether you’re coastal, modern, furnished, sea-view, etc.
My practical tip: if you’re budget-sensitive, start with Mosta / Naxxar / Mġarr and then “upgrade” toward the coast if the numbers behave.
Shopping and Daily Life
If “grown-up errands” matter (they do), the North is easy:
- PAMA Shopping Mall (Mosta) is a handy all-in-one for groceries + bits-and-bobs (and it’s open daily, including Sunday hours).
- St Paul’s Bay area is packed with everyday essentials because it’s built to handle lots of residents (and tourists).
Schools and Family Logistics
If you’re relocating with kids, you’ll likely shortlist areas based on schooling before anything else (completely fair).
- International option: QSI in Mosta is one of the headline choices in the Northern District conversation.
- Lifestyle for families: Mellieħa is often attractive because “after school” can genuinely mean “beach” for a chunk of the year.
Who the Northern District Suits
- Gaming/Tech Professionals: St Paul’s Bay, Naxxar, and Mosta offer a good balance of rental options, accessibility, and amenities.
- Families: Most towns in the Northern area are ideal for families. Mosta, Naxxar, and Mellieħa are particularly noted for excellent schools, spacious environments, and tranquil neighbourhoods.
- Retirees: Mellieħa and Mġarr provide a relaxed pace, plenty of outdoor activities, and a less urban atmosphere.
- Budget-Conscious Expats: Start inland in areas like Mosta or Mġarr, and then assess if the coastal areas justify the additional cost.
How We Help at Expatax Malta
If you’re relocating, the town choice is half the job. The other half is making sure your residency/tax setup matches your real-life plan (work contract vs self-employed vs remote, family situation, timelines, etc.). That’s exactly where we step in, so you don’t accidentally move to your “dream town” and then discover your paperwork has other ideas.
If you need any assistance, feel free to reach out to a member of our team for an initial consultation.
Check out: Part 3 is coming next week and we’re heading to the South District. Follow us on our social channels below so you don’t miss a thing.
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