This is the fifth article in our six-week series exploring the best places to live in Malta as an expat, and this week we turn to the Western District.
If the harbour districts are about movement and access, the Western District is about grounding. Here, Malta slows into village squares, limestone townhouses, and neighbourhoods built around routine rather than rotation. It’s a part of the island where space matters, community feels intact, and daily life carries a steadier rhythm. For expats looking beyond first impressions and toward long-term comfort, this district offers something increasingly rare on the island: room to settle properly.
Quick Overview
- Vibe: village-based, residential, calmer pace
- Best for: families, professionals wanting space, long-term relocations
- Watch-outs: limited nightlife, more car dependence
- Rent reality: better value per square metre than harbour districts, with select premium pockets
Expat Snapshot
While Malta overall sits at 29.4% foreign citizens, the Western District remains one of the most Maltese-rooted regions on the island, with roughly 13-14% foreign residents.
In practice, this means fewer short-term movers and more established neighbourhoods shaped by routine rather than turnover. It’s a district where integration happens naturally, because daily life isn’t built around expat concentration.
Town Pics
Mdina – The Silent City
Mdina is less a place to live than a declaration of intent: a town that invites you to slow down and appreciate every stone underfoot. Known as the Silent City, its narrow lanes, baroque façades, and elevated ramparts feel almost sacred, offering a daily rhythm that is contemplative rather than rushed.
Residences here are rare and largely restored historic homes or townhouses, each with echoes of centuries-old craftsmanship. Because supply is limited and demand comes from people seeking gravity and beauty over convenience, homes tend to be premium, but for many expats who value atmosphere above all, it’s a price worth thinking about.
Good for: tranquillity seekers ✅ | history lovers ✅ | privacy-focused living ✅
Attard
Attard balances central positioning with suburban calm, making it one of the district’s most consistently sought-after towns. With San Anton Gardens nearby and strong road connections, it offers breathing room without disconnecting from business hubs. Property leans toward larger apartments, maisonettes, and family homes, with rents typically starting around €1,100 and moving upward, depending on size and finish.
Good for: families ✅ | professionals ✅ | quiet-but-connected living ✅
Balzan (and the Balzan-Lija-Iklin pocket)
This polished residential belt is known for tidy streets, well-kept townhouses, and a structured suburban atmosphere. It feels stable and established, appealing to those who value predictability over trendiness. Rental brackets here sit on the higher end for the district, particularly for renovated character homes or modern apartments in prime residential streets.
Good for: families ✅ | long-term renters ✅ | low-noise lifestyles ✅
Rabat
Rabat blends daily practicality with deep cultural heritage, sitting just outside Mdina while functioning as a fully serviced town. You get character and authenticity without sacrificing convenience. Housing stock includes converted townhouses and larger traditional homes, often offering more interior space than comparable harbour properties at more moderate price points.
Good for: culture-first expats ✅ | families ✅ | space seekers ✅
Siġġiewi
Siġġiewi offers strong village identity combined with countryside proximity. It appeals to those who want open space, outdoor access, and a slower pace without feeling remote. Housing includes townhouses and family apartments, often priced more reasonably than the district’s premium towns.
Good for: families ✅ | outdoor enthusiasts ✅ | slower-paced living ✅
Haz-Żebbuġ
Żebbuġ carries one of the strongest traditional Maltese identities in the district. Community life is active and local, without the expat saturation found in northern coastal areas. Property includes a mix of older townhouses and newer developments, with rents generally moderate compared to Attard or Balzan.
Good for: culture-focused expats ✅ | families ✅ | local-first lifestyles ✅
Rent Reality
The Western District offers clear value compared to Malta’s harbour areas, particularly when it comes to space.
Typical apartment rents:
- 1-bedroom: €800–€1,100
- 2-bedroom: €1,000–€1,400
- 3-bedroom: €1,200–€1,700
Houses and townhouses:
- Traditional townhouses and larger family homes: €1,600–€3,000+, depending on finish, outdoor space, and parking
The district follows a consistent pricing pattern:
- Attard and the Balzan–Lija belt sit at the top of the local scale, reflecting demand for central access combined with residential calm.
- Rabat and Żebbuġ typically offer better value for larger layouts and character homes.
- Dingli and Siġġiewi can be reasonable for apartments, but homes with terraces, gardens, or views increase quickly in price.
In simple terms, you are paying here for space and stability rather than a coastal postcode.
Who the Western District Suits
This region suits expats planning beyond year one. It works especially well for families, professionals seeking separation between work and home life, and anyone prioritising square metres and quiet over nightlife and density.
In the Western District, Malta is not something you visit – it’s something you build a life around.
The Long View
The Western District does not ask to be admired at first glance. It reveals itself gradually, through village routines, open horizons, and the quiet assurance of neighbourhoods built for staying, not circulating.
For expats who are planning beyond year one, this is where Malta feels structured, grounded, and sustainable. Choosing the right location is only part of the move: aligning residency, tax, and long-term planning is what makes it truly work, and that is where we step in.
Follow us on our social media channels and don’t miss next week’s final article in the series, where we head to Gozo to complete our six-week guide to the best places to live in Malta as an expat.
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