Over the next 6 weeks, we are going to publish a region-by-region guide to living in Malta as an expat, not the glossy “here’s a nice photo of the sea” version, but the genuinely useful version: what each area feels like day-to-day, who it suits, what it costs to rent, where you’ll actually shop, and what to watch out for.
Because whether you’re an iGaming professional who wants to roll out of bed and into the office (or at least into a decent coffee queue), a family trying to optimise school runs and preserve everyone’s sanity, or a retiree chasing sunshine without living inside a nightlife soundtrack, your “best place to live” in Malta is going to look very different.
Quick Fact-Check: Is Malta Now ~30% Foreign Residents?
Pretty much, yes official NSO figures show that at end‑2024, 29.4% of Malta & Gozo’s resident population were foreign citizens (with the total population estimated at 574,250). So “about 30%” is a fair, accurate shorthand.
This week, we start with the heavyweight: Northern Harbour — Malta’s “everything happens here” district. This region is even more international: 42.3% foreign citizens (highest share in Malta, according to the same release).
Why Expats Love Northern Harbour (And Why Some Don’t)
You’ll probably love it if you want:
- Maximum convenience: cafés, gyms, sea promenade, co-working, short commutes.
- Social life “on tap”: it’s easy to meet people because… everyone is already here.
- A very international day-to-day: English everywhere, global food options, and a steady churn of new arrivals.
You might not love it if you want:
- Silence. (Northern Harbour is many things, but it’s not a quiet.)
- More space for your money: you can absolutely find value, but the premium hotspots do not do “bargain”.
- Parking your car is an unofficial Olympic sport
Town profiles
Sliema
Best for: singles, couples, lifestyle-first expats
Feels like: promenade living, cafés everywhere, errands on autopilot
Why people pick it: walkability (Malta-style), services, quick links to Valletta
Shopping: The Point (open daily) and Plaza give Sliema a big convenience edge.
Watch-outs: density and parking—think “sport” rather than “task.”
St Julian’s
Best for: iGaming/office commuters, social expats
Feels like: restaurants + offices + nightlife stacked together
Why people pick it: convenience and a big social ecosystem
Shopping: Bay Street is a practical hub (10am–10pm daily).
Watch-outs: street choice matters—your sleep schedule may depend on it.
Gżira
Best for: young professionals, couples, remote workers
Feels like: central waterfront energy with slightly less “seafront frenzy” than Sliema
Why people pick it: strong location value; easy access to everything along the harbour strip
Watch-outs: traffic and construction pockets (view in person, not just through wide-angle photos).
Msida
Best for: practical relocators, commuters, students/healthcare-adjacent workers
Feels like: central Malta in “real life mode”
Why people pick it: extremely international and strategically placed
Logistics bonus: close to major institutions; it’s a good base when you’re still learning the island.
Watch-outs: not the most postcard-pretty—more function than fantasy.
Pietà
Best for: people who want Valletta access without Valletta logistics
Feels like: compact, central, underrated
Why people pick it: efficient commuting and quick access to Valletta-side life
Watch-outs: some areas are road-adjacent, so check noise levels.
Ta’ Xbiex
Best for: professionals, couples, retirees who want calm-central
Feels like: quieter, polished, marina-adjacent
Why people pick it: Northern Harbour convenience without living inside the busiest strip
Watch-outs: less “buzz” (for most people, that’s the selling point).
Shopping and Amenities
If retail and “life admin” matter to you, Northern Harbour is stacked:
- Sliema: The Point + Plaza for easy “everything in one afternoon” errands.
- St Julian’s: Bay Street for shopping + dining + practical services.
- Central access: You’re rarely far from supermarkets, gyms, and services, this is one reason people pay the premium.
Quick Recommendations
If you want the shortlist without reading every word:
- Best all-round “first landing”: Gżira
- Best for iGaming + social life: St Julian’s
- Best for walkable lifestyle: Sliema
- Best for calm-central: Ta’ Xbiex
- Best for practical value while staying central: Msida / Pietà
Rent Expectations
Based on Expatax’s rental market analysis (June 2025):
- Sliema & St. Julian's average monthly apartment rents: ~€1,500
- National average: ~€1,200
- Gozo: ~€850
Our rule of thumb: if you want Northern Harbour + modern finish + walkability, budget like an optimist… and then add a buffer like a realist.
Schools (because families don’t relocate around cocktail bars)
If you’re relocating with kids, Northern Harbour is popular partly because it gives you good access to several well-known schools (even if they’re not all inside the district).
A few reference points:
- Verdala International School (Pembroke) — a common choice for international curricula.
- St Martin’s College (Swatar) und Chiswick House School (San Ġwann/Kappara) — widely considered by expat families living centrally.
- QSI International School of Malta (Mosta) — another international option within commuting distance.
Malta is small enough that plenty of families live in Northern Harbour and commute to school — the bigger factor is usually your daily logistics (work location + school run + “do we need a car?”).
Quick-match Cheat Sheet
If you want a fast recommendation without overthinking it:
- Single / social / nightlife: St Julian’s, parts of Sliema, Gżira
- iGaming / office-heavy lifestyle: St Julian’s, Sliema, Gżira, Ta’ Xbiex
- Families (space + calmer): Swieqi, San Ġwann, Ta’ Xbiex (plus selective parts of Sliema/Gżira)
- Retirees (walkable + cafés + sea): Sliema, Ta’ Xbiex
- Value-leaning but still central: Msida, Pietà (and “edge” areas near the district)
Letzter Gedanke
Northern Harbour is where Malta is most international, but it’s also where your choices matter most, because two streets can feel like two different countries: one quiet and residential, the other… directly above the soundtrack of Paceville.
Certain key factors will influence your decisions from budget the need for a cap and certain must haves (sea view? school run? nightlife? silence?), But hopefully this article will have provided you with helpful insights into the various towns in the region and how they could suit (or not) your needs
Next week: we’ll tackle another popular area the Northern Region itself, and compare it head-to-head with Northern Harbour on value, space, and lifestyle.
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