Week 3 of our six-week Best Places to Live in Malta for Expats series takes us to the South Eastern District, an area that rarely makes the loudest entrance but often makes the most sense once you understand how life on the island really works.
This is a part of Malta shaped by routine rather than trends. Towns here are lived in, not staged. You will find working harbours, proper town centres, coastal promenades used year-round, and neighbourhoods that still feel local. For many expats, especially those planning to stay longer than a year or two, the South Eastern District offers a calmer and more sustainable way of living.
One of its biggest practical advantages is location. This district is the closest to Malta International Airport, which makes a noticeable difference if you travel frequently for work or family. It is also home to Birżebbuġa’s port, an important logistics and industrial hub that plays a key role in the area’s economy and character. You feel that this is a working part of the island, not just a place designed to look good in photos.
Quick Overview
- Vibe: coastal and traditional, with a strong residential feel and less expat clustering than northern and harbour areas
- Best for: long-term expats, families, frequent travellers, and those who prefer everyday Maltese life over trend-led locations
- Watch-outs: car dependence in several towns, localised airport noise, and sharp contrasts between quiet weekdays and busy weekends in harbour areas
- Rent reality: long-term rents typically range between €1,000 and €1,600 per month, depending on town, property condition, and proximity to the coast
Expat snapshot: the South Eastern District has a lower proportion of foreign residents than Malta’s northern districts, reinforcing its more local and settled character, with expats tending to concentrate in coastal towns such as Marsaskala rather than inland villages.
Town Pics
The South Eastern District is not about one standout town, but about choosing the right fit. From coastal communities with a daily seaside rhythm to quieter inland villages built around routine and space, each location offers a very different way of living.
Marsaskala
Marsaskala is one of the most expat-friendly towns in the South Eastern District, offering a lived-in coastal lifestyle rather than a seasonal resort feel. Daily life centres around the promenade, cafés, and easy access to swimming spots.
- Why people move here: coastal living with everyday convenience
- Expat feel: noticeable but not dominant
- Ideal for: couples, remote workers, long-term renters who want the sea without nightlife
- Not ideal for: those who need easy parking or dislike summer congestion
- Extra tip: street choice matters more than building age here
Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is known for its very busy Sundays, when the village transforms into one of Malta’s most visited spots. The weekly market draws locals and visitors alike, especially those coming to buy fresh fish or enjoy a long Sunday lunch by the harbour. If you plan to dine here, a simple rule applies: book your table early, as most restaurants are fully booked well before midday.
For expats who value character and do not mind planning around the weekly rush, Marsaxlokk can be deeply appealing. For those who expect the same pace every day, it can feel unpredictable. Knowing which side of that line you fall on matters.
- Why people move here: character, sea views, and authenticity
- Expat feel: low
- Ideal for: expats seeking tradition over convenience
- Not ideal for: anyone who wants consistency throughout the week
Birżebbuġa
Birżebbuġa plays an important role in the South Eastern District due to its port and surrounding infrastructure. It is a town shaped by work, logistics, and long-standing local life.
For expats, this means being selective. Some areas offer coastal living and good value, while others feel more affected by traffic and industrial activity. Birżebbuġa suits those who understand its working nature and choose their location carefully. When chosen well, it can offer practicality and value that is harder to find elsewhere.
- Why people move here: coastal access and affordability
- Expat feel: low to moderate, depending on area
- Ideal for: budget-conscious renters and practical movers
- Budget note: among the more accessible in the district
- Not ideal for: those sensitive to traffic or industrial surroundings
- Extra tip: street-by-street selection is crucial here
Żejtun
Żejtun offers a grounded, town-centre lifestyle with a strong local community and everyday services close by. It feels firmly Maltese and appeals to expats looking to integrate rather than live in an expat bubble.
- Why people move here: space, routine, and a real town atmosphere
- Expat feel: low
- Ideal for: expats with families and long-term residents
- Budget note: generally more affordable than coastal towns
- Not ideal for: those who want to walk to the sea
- Extra tip: good option if you value stability over scenery
Żurrieq and Qrendi
Żurrieq and Qrendi sit slightly inland and appeal to expats looking for space, calm, and a more traditional village rhythm. Life here moves at a slower pace, shaped by quiet streets, countryside surroundings, and proximity to Malta’s south coast landscapes rather than cafés or nightlife.
- Why people move here: peace, space, and a village lifestyle
- Expat feel: very low
- Ideal for: remote workers, couples, and those who value quiet routines
- Budget note: often better value than coastal towns
- Not ideal for: those reliant on public transport or looking for social buzz
- Extra tip: a car is close to essential for daily convenience
Daily Life and Realities
Life in the South Eastern District is shaped by logistics more than lifestyle branding. Commute times, airport proximity, and traffic patterns matter. Public transport is available but varies by town and route, so testing your daily routine before committing is wise.
A common expat mistake is choosing a location based on weekend impressions. Here especially, weekday life tells the real story.
Schools and Family Logistics
For families, the South Eastern District works best when schooling and daily routines are planned together. The area is primarily served by state and church schools, which are well established but can vary in catchment availability depending on locality. Most international and independent schools are located outside the district, meaning school runs typically involve a daily commute.
For families choosing this area, proximity to major roads and realistic travel times matter more than distance on a map. The district’s closeness to the airport and southern arterial routes can be an advantage for parents balancing work, school schedules, and travel.
The Takeaway
The South Eastern District is not about chasing trends or postcard moments. It’s about choosing a place that works quietly in the background, where daily life feels manageable and routines settle in easily. For expats who value practicality, space, and a more local rhythm, this part of Malta often proves to be a smarter long-term choice than flashier areas.
It suits those who are happy to trade nightlife for calm evenings, and who understand that the best location is not always the loudest one. And yes, being close to the airport is a bonus, as long as your idea of comfort includes the occasional reminder that Malta is very well connected.
At Expatax Malta, we help expats make decisions that go beyond the map, aligning location, residency, tax, and lifestyle so everything fits together properly.
Because moving countries is exciting, but it works best when your setup is just as well planned as your first Sunday lunch by the sea.
Check out: Part 4 is coming next week and we’re heading to the Central District. Follow us on our social channels below so you don’t miss a thing.
Expatax Malta Team
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