Finding the right place to live in Malta depends on your circumstances and what you want to prioritise, whether it’s work, family, or lifestyle. The island is small, meaning you’re never far from a beautiful beach or a lively urban centre, plus each city has something to offer. But, then, again, it’s you who gets to judge whether “it’s a match!!” or maybe it’s not what you had expected.
In this guide, we want to share our honest, genuine opinion, of the best places for expats to live in Malta, based on our life experiences here.
Let’s go!
Sliema & St. Julian’s – Best for Young Professionals in IT & Gaming
Sliema and St. Julian’s are among the most vibrant and cosmopolitan areas in Malta, and this is what makes them perfect for young professionals working in the booming gaming and IT industries. These areas are packed with modern apartments, high-end restaurants, seafront cafés, and shopping malls.
Many major gaming companies have offices in the area, reducing commute times. And when it comes to getting around, the Valletta ferry offers a quick and scenic alternative to public transport.
Sliema and St. Julian’s also have a lively nightlife scene, which might be another benefit for expats who want to balance work with an active social life.
Udlejningspriser: Lejepriserne for en lejlighed med et soveværelse varierer fra €1.200 til €1.800 pr. månedmens større lejligheder med to soveværelser starter på 1.600 euro og kan gå op til 3.000 euroafhængigt af udsigten og nærheden til strandpromenaden.
Valletta – Perfect for Urban Professionals & Those Working in the Capital
Malta’s capital, Valletta, is the perfect location for professionals who want to live in a cultural and historic setting while enjoying a convenient commute. The city is packed with boutique cafés, cultural landmarks, and stylish apartments housed within its UNESCO-listed buildings.
Many of these properties are converted Maltese townhouses that have been renovated to offer modern comforts while preserving their historic values. Thanks to the Valletta ferry service, commuting to Sliema is effortless.
While Valletta has a slower nightlife compared to St. Julian’s, it offers a more refined atmosphere with wine bars, theater performances, and music events.
Udlejningspriser: En lejlighed med et soveværelse i Valletta udlejes typisk for €1.700 til €2.700 pr. månedmens større rækkehuse eller luksuslejligheder kan gå for 2.500 euro op til 5.500 euroisær dem med havudsigt eller terrasse.
Swieqi & Pembroke - de bedste steder for expats med familier og internationale skoler
Swieqi og Pembroke er fredelige boligområder, der ligger i kort afstand fra det travle St. Disse områder er særligt populære blandt familier på grund af deres nærhed til de bedste internationale skoler som f.eks. Verdala Internationale Skole og QSI Malta.
Swieqi offers a mix of modern apartments and larger family homes, while Pembroke provides a quieter, more suburban feel with access to walking trails and open spaces. Both areas benefit from easy access to supermarkets, sports facilities, and sundhedspleje centres, making them one of the best places for expats with families looking for convenience without the chaos of nightlife-heavy districts.
Udlejningspriser: En toværelses lejlighed i familiestørrelse udlejes typisk for €1.400 til €2.000 pr. månedmens større rækkehuse eller villaer starter ved €2,500 og kan overstige €4,000afhængigt af størrelse og placering.
Madliena & Naxxar – Upscale & Spacious for Families
For expats looking for a more luxurious, suburban lifestyle, Madliena and Naxxar offer spacious homes, prestigious neighborhoods, and a high quality of life. Madliena is known for its upscale villas and quiet surroundings, appealing to families and professionals who prefer privacy and exclusivity.
Naxxar, on the other hand, is a historic town, home to both modern and traditional properties, with a strong sense of community and a central location with easy access to business hubs.
Both areas provide access to top schools and essential services, making them highly sought-after by families relocating to Malta.
Udlejningspriser: I Madliena udlejes luksusvillaer typisk for €4.000 til €8.000 pr. månedmens Naxxar tilbyder en bredere vifte af muligheder med lejligheder med tre soveværelser til leje for €1.500 til €2.500 pr. måned.
Mellieħa – Best for Retirees & Nature Lovers
Located in the northern part of Malta, Mellieħa is the perfect destination for retirees and those who appreciate a slower, more relaxed pace of life. Known for its breathtaking sea views, sandy beaches, and scenic countryside, Mellieħa offers a more peaceful atmosphere compared to the busier towns of central Malta.
The area has a strong expat-samfund, excellent healthcare services, and a variety of local markets and restaurants. Mellieħa is also well-connected to Gozo via ferry and remains within reasonable driving distance of Valletta and Malta International Airport.
Udlejningspriser: En lejlighed med et soveværelse kan lejes for 900 € til 1.400 € pr. månedmens større ejendomme med to soveværelser ligger fra 1.200 til 2.000 euroisær dem med havudsigt.
Gozo – The Haven for Digital Nomads & Retirees
For dem, der søger en virkelig afslappet ø-livsstil, Gozo offers a quieter and more affordable alternative to mainland Malta. The island is known for its stunning landscapes, slower pace of life, and strong sense of community.
Victoria (Rabat), the capital of Gozo, is an excellent choice for digitale nomaderog tilbyder moderne bekvemmeligheder, Arbejdsfællesskaber, reliable internet, and a growing remote work community.
For retirees, Qala er en anden fantastisk mulighed med et veletableret expat-samfund, betagende havudsigt og nem adgang til vigtige tjenester.
Ejendomspriser i Gozo are substantially lower than in Malta, with apartments available at significantly more affordable rates. The island remains well-connected, with a 30-minute car ferry to the mainland or a 45-minute fast ferry to Valletta, making it easy to travel while enjoying the tranquility of Gozo.
Udlejningspriser: Gozo tilbyder nogle af de mest overkommelige lejepriser i regionen. En lejlighed med et soveværelse kan lejes for 500 til 900 euro pr. månedmens større treværelses lejligheder typisk ligger fra 800 til 1.500 euro. Karakterfulde huse eller bondegårde med pools kan lejes for €1.500 til €3.000 pr. månedog giver fremragende værdi for pengene sammenlignet med Malta.
St. Paul’s Bay – A Popular Choice for Foreign Residents
St. Paul’s Bay is one of the most popular locations for expats in Malta, with over according to a government residency survey 60% of its residents are foreign nationals. This seaside town offers a welcoming community, a long promenade perfect for walks along the coast, and easy access to restaurants, cafés, and essential services.
The town has a mix of modern apartments and traditional Maltese homes. Its relaxed atmosphere, combined with good transport links to other parts of Malta, makes it particularly attractive for retirees and long-term expats looking for an affordable yet vibrant place to settle.
St. Paul’s Bay is located around 30 minutes from Malta International Airport by car and is also within easy reach of Cirkewwa, where ferries depart for Gozo. This makes it a convenient option for those who enjoy island-hopping or want to explore Gozo’s scenic landscapes with minimal travel time.
Udlejningspriser: Lejepriserne i St. Paul's Bay er generelt lavere end i det centrale Malta. En lejlighed med et soveværelse kan lejes for 750 € til 1.200 € pr. månedmens en lejlighed med to soveværelser typisk ligger på €1.100 til €1.600 pr. månedafhængigt af nærheden til strandpromenaden.
Konklusion
So, it really comes down to what you’re looking for! If you love a fast-paced city life with career opportunities, Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Valletta might be your best bet. Families looking for a quiet and convenient home will find Swieqi, Pembroke, or Naxxar a great fit. And if you’re dreaming of a slower pace, surrounded by nature, Mellieħa and Gozo offer a more relaxed lifestyle.
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