Malta Cost of Living Calculator 2026
Estimate how much you need each month to live in Malta, based on your household, area and lifestyle.
See your take-home pay with the Salary Calculator, or compare areas in the Rent Price Checker.
All results are estimates to help you plan. They are not financial or tax advice.
How it works
- Tell us about your household. How many adults and children live with you.
- Choose an area and a home size. The rent comes from our Rent Price Checker.
- Choose your lifestyle. Basic means you cook at home and spend carefully. Moderate is a normal life with some eating out. Comfortable means you eat out often and spend more on free time.
- Add the extras. A car, private health insurance and the type of school for your children.
- See your monthly budget. You see the total and each cost, plus the salary you need to cover it.
All costs are estimates for 2026 in euro. Your real costs will be different. Use the result as a starting point for your own budget.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Malta per month?
A single person usually needs about €1,400 to €2,200 a month, including rent. A couple needs about €2,000 to €3,200. Rent is the biggest cost, so the area you choose makes a big difference.
Is public transport free in Malta?
Yes, buses are free for residents with a personalised Tallinja card. Visitors and people without the card pay for tickets. Many people still use Bolt, eCabs or Uber for some trips.
Do I need a car in Malta?
Not always. If you live and work in the central area around Sliema, Gżira, Msida or Valletta, you can manage without a car. A car costs about €250 to €350 a month for fuel, insurance, the road licence and repairs, not including the car itself.
How much are electricity and water bills?
Most apartments pay about €70 to €150 a month for electricity and water. Bills are higher in summer because of air conditioning. Ask your landlord which tariff (residential or non-residential) your home has, as this changes the price a lot.
Is school free in Malta?
State schools are free, including books and transport. Church schools are free too, but they ask for a yearly donation. Private and international schools cost about €6,000 to €15,000 a year. Childcare for children under 3 is free for working parents under the Free Childcare Scheme.
What salary do I need to live in Malta?
The calculator shows the gross salary one person needs to cover the total, using 2026 tax rates. As a guide, a single person in a central area usually needs a gross salary of about €28,000 to €35,000 a year to live comfortably.
More free tools
Salary Calculator
Enter your gross salary and see your take-home pay each month, after tax and social security.
Open the calculator →Income Tax Calculator
Work out your income tax for 2026, band by band, for residents and non-residents.
Open the calculator →Rent Price Checker
Check typical monthly rent for a studio, 1, 2 or 3-bedroom home in each area of Malta and Gozo.
Open the calculator →