Retiring in Gozo offers a taste of Malta’s quieter side – the island has long attracted retirees from around the world seeking sunshine, a slower pace, and a strong sense of community. Life here feels different; mornings often start with coffee overlooking the sea, and days drift between market runs, coastal walks, and friendly chats with neighbours.
But behind the postcard views, there are a few things worth knowing before making Gozo your home. The island is peaceful and beautiful, yes — but it’s also smaller, more limited in services, and a bit pricier for some.
Still, for many retirees, the trade-off feels worth it. Gozo offers a calm rhythm, stunning nature, and a safe environment, things that often matter a lot to retirees.
Here’s what to know before making the move:
The True Cost of Living in Gozo
When people hear about Gozo, they imagine quiet mornings by the sea, affordable rent, and a slower pace of life. And while that’s partly true, the cost of living here isn’t as low as many expect.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment usually starts around €600–€650, and if you want something modern or close to the beach, it can easily go past €800. Groceries are also more expensive than in mainland Europe. Well, not crazy high, but noticeable, especially for imported products. Even a quick grocery run can cost around €50 if you’re not careful and if you don’t plan accordingly.
Utilities and internet are manageable (around €100–€150 a month), but the ferry adds a hidden cost if you travel often to Malta for work or shopping. Eating out is lovely. Gozo has great food, but expect to spend €15–€20 per meal, even in simple restaurants.
Overall, a comfortable single life in Gozo costs around €1,200 a month, maybe less if you live simply. It’s not the cheapest island, but what you pay for in euros, you get back in peace, safety, and that rare feeling that time moves a little slower here.
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Quality of Life in Gozo
Gozo combines beautiful landscapes and the opportunities to get out to the great outdoors, with its characteristic and interesting architecture that tells the story of the island’s past, which dates back to 5,000 BC.
Foreigners describe Gozitans as friendly and welcoming people with close-knit communities and a high value for family relationships. It’s easy to engage and meet new people in Gozo who share the same passions and interests as you. There are a few expat and digital nomad communities you can connect with, plus, you can always look up events happening across the island if you love getting out of your comfort zone and trying new activities.
Also read our: Guide to Retiring in Malta: Insights and Tips
Another element that adds to the quality of life in Gozo is its accessibility to European countries. Travelling and exploring Europe is simpler than ever, with some flights even being direct and affordable.
Malta is also just a ferry ride away, and you can go there anytime, whether to change the scenario and explore a new destination, attend events that take place there, or explore the food scene and nightlife.
Typically, life is slow-paced in Gozo. You don’t have to rush to get tasks done, and there’s not much traffic or chaos when moving around. Overall, the lifestyle is laid-back, creating the ideal setup for retirees who prefer this vibe, in contrast to other cities where everything moves faster and feels more intense.
Nature is breathtaking in Gozo. You can go for a walk next to Xlendi Bay, or hike through the Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs and enjoy the panoramic sea views. You can also explore hidden caves, coastal paths, and quiet countryside trails that make the island feel like a peaceful escape.
The Hidden Challenges of Retiring in Gozo
Now, let’s talk about the less-preferred part when it comes to moving to Gozo. The challenges that come with it. Those not everyone talks about.
Having first-hand experience of what life in Gozo has to offer, and valuing transparency, we’ll share some of these challenges, so you get an idea beforehand of the not-so-good part of living here.
Firstly, the island has fewer facilities than those you’ll find in bigger cities. There’s only one main hospital, which, to some, especially retirees, could be a deal-breaker.
The nightlife here is limited, and you’ll notice how shops, restaurants, and cafes close relatively early every night. However, you can always escape to Malta for a more vivid nightlife if you don’t want to miss out on that.
The range of shops and entertainment options is limited, and transport links can be less frequent, especially late at night.
For some, these are small trade-offs for Gozo’s peace, safety, and slower pace; for others, they serve as a reminder that living here means embracing simplicity over convenience.
Move to Gozo Stress-Free
If you’re looking forward to retiring in Gozo, but don’t know where to start, we feel you 100%. That’s always the challenge when starting a new, exciting journey in a completely new destination.
We help expats, retirees, and digital nomads relocate to Gozo stress-free, so get in touch and let us know more about your situation, and we’ll connect you with our experts.
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