Finding the right place to live in Malta depends on your circumstances—whether it’s work, family, or lifestyle priorities. The island is small, meaning you’re never far from a beautiful beach or a lively urban center. This guide breaks down Malta’s different regions to help you identify the best fit, whether you’re working remotely, raising a family, seeking the best places for expats, or looking for a quieter retirement spot.
These are our top seven favorites, chosen for their mix of convenience, character, and quality of life. Ultimately, the best place to live comes down to what matters most to you
Sliema & St. Julian’s – Ideal for Young Professionals in IT & Gaming
Sliema and St. Julian’s are among the most vibrant and cosmopolitan areas in Malta, making 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. Additionally, the Valletta ferry offers a quick and scenic alternative to public transport. Sliema and St. Julian’s also boast a lively nightlife scene, making them ideal for expats looking to balance work with an active social life.
Rental Prices: Rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment range from €1,200 to €1,800 per month, while larger two-bedroom apartments start at €1,600 and can go up to €3,000, depending on the view and proximity to the seafront.
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 charm. Thanks to the Valletta ferry service, commuting to Sliema is effortless, making it an excellent choice for those working in the IT, fintech, or gaming sectors. 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.
Rental Prices: A one-bedroom apartment in Valletta typically rents for €1,700 to €2,700 per month, while larger townhouses or luxury apartments can go for €2,500 up to €5,500, especially those with sea views or terraces.
Swieqi & Pembroke – Best Places for Expats with Families & International Schools
Swieqi and Pembroke are peaceful residential areas located just a short distance from the bustling St. Julian’s district. These areas are particularly popular with families due to their proximity to top international schools such as 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 a one of the best places for expats with families looking for convenience without the chaos of nightlife-heavy districts.
Rental Prices: A family-sized two-bedroom apartment typically rents for €1,400 to €2,000 per month, while larger townhouses or villas start at €2,500 and can exceed €4,000, depending on size and location.
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 tranquil surroundings, appealing to families and professionals who prefer privacy and exclusivity. Naxxar, on the other hand, is a historic town with a blend of modern and traditional properties, offering 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.
Rental Prices: In Madliena, luxury villas typically rent for €4,000 to €8,000 per month, while Naxxar offers a wider range of options, with three-bedroom apartments renting for €1,500 to €2,500 per month.
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 community, excellent healthcare services, and a variety of local markets and restaurants catering to different tastes. Mellieħa is also well-connected to Gozo via ferry and remains within reasonable driving distance of Valletta and Malta International Airport.
Rental Prices: A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for €900 to €1,400 per month, while larger two-bedroom properties range from €1,200 to €2,000, especially those with sea views.
Gozo – A Tranquil Haven for Digital Nomads & Retirees
For those seeking a truly laid-back island lifestyle, 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 nomader, offering modern amenities, co-working spaces, reliable internet, and a growing remote work community. For retirees, Qala is another fantastic option, with a well-established expat community, breathtaking sea views, and easy access to essential services. Property prices in 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.
Rental Prices: Gozo offers some of the most affordable rental prices in the region. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for €500 to €900 per month, while larger three-bedroom apartments typically range from €800 to €1,500. Houses of character or farmhouses with pools may rent for €1,500 to €3,000 per month, offering excellent value for money compared to 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, catering to a range of budgets and lifestyles. 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.
Rental Prices: Rental prices in St. Paul’s Bay are generally lower than in central Malta. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for €750 to €1,200 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment typically ranges from €1,100 to €1,600 per month, depending on proximity to the seafront.
Konklusion
Malta offers many different living options to cater to different expat needs, from busy urban centers to tranquil coastal spots. The island’s strong economy, well-established expat community, and excellent infrastructure make it an attractive destination for relocation. Professionals in the gaming and IT industries will find dynamic city living in Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Valletta, while families can enjoy a balanced lifestyle in Swieqi, Pembroke, or Naxxar. Retirees and those seeking a slower pace of life have appealing choices in Mellieħa and Gozo, with stunning landscapes and the possibility of a lower cost of living. With its strategic location, high quality of life, and strong international connections, Malta continues to be one of the best places for expats to live in, especially for those looking to work, invest, or retire.
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HA Rent Report 2023
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