Malta is one of the most budget friendly countries in Europe to visit, especially if you go off the beaten track in search of restaurants and shops that are popular with locals. In comparison to popular destinations, such as Italy, France, and Spain, Malta wins out on value for money.
Accommodation
Accommodation prices in Malta rank better than many of its popular neighbours, such as Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Europe’s major countries. Hotel rooms average 50 euros a night, and it is possible to get a room at a five-star hotel for only 100 euros a night. It’s best to shop around and look at local accommodation options directly, as this may give you better rates. If you want to find something cheaper, such as bed & breakfasts or hostels you can. Compared to Italy, Malta is much cheaper. Hotel rooms in Italy’s major cities can cost up to 200 euros a night for a double room.
Eating and Drinking
Eating out in restaurants can vary greatly in price, depending on where you go. Menus will be more expensive in popular tourist spots, while non-tourist areas will have some very good prices. The average inexpensive meal costs around 10 euros, with an average three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant costing 40 euros. Beer is a good value in Malta with bottles costing 2 euros or less.
Local beers will be the cheapest, so don’t be afraid to try something new.
Transportation
Transportation is very cheap in Malta and the public transport system is extensive and good. The island’s small size makes it easy to reach every corner. You can buy a monthly public transport pass for around 26 euros. With some single bus journeys costing less than 0.50 cents it makes getting around without a car extremely economical. Petrol is pretty in-line with Europe at 1.45 a litre.
Clothing
In comparison to other European countries Malta isn’t particularly cheap when it comes to clothes and shoes. The average pair of branded jeans costs 77 euros, but if you’re willing to buy an unknown, brand you’ll find them cheaper. Leather shoes cost around 67 euros on average, as do Nike’s. Women’s clothes average 53 euros. However, with some good searching, you will be able to find cheaper options.
Cost of Living
Many visitors to Malta love the relaxed life and low cost of living so much that they decide to stay longer than the usual one-week trip. Grocery prices mean you can survive very cheaply. A loaf of bread and litre of milk can both be bought for less than 1 euro each, with other staples, such as eggs, rice, fresh fruit, and potatoes all less than 2 euros. While food in Malta isn’t the cheapest in Europe, it is much cheaper than places like Italy, the UK, Belgium, Sweden, and Cyprus.
Rental prices are also very reasonable, even in the main towns with prices averaging between 287 to 657 euros per month. The more rural you live the cheaper you’ll find a place to rent. Utilities will obviously vary depending on your consumption with the average monthly bill coming to 102 euros, including heat, electricity, water, and garbage. If you watch your consumption, you’ll be able to get this bill even lower.
Malta has some great beers, and they aren’t expensive either. You should try at least the Farsons Blue Label and Hop Leaf. The factory has British roots, so you can expect quality beverage with great taste. An interesting choice is the 1565 Victory Lager which derives its name from the Maltese victory over the Ottoman Empire in the Great Siege of 1565. History and great taste in one bottle!
Coming from Northern Europe, I found the Maltese prices great! At least for an average tourist a week’s supply of groceries etc. proved cheap, and I just loved the opportunity of getting my fresh loaf of bread from the local oven, and being able to select my fruit and veggies from the market. Eating out wasn’t expensive either, as I did not choose the touristy restaurants, but instead searched for more remote ones that were full of locals. If you want to have a cheap holiday, it’s easy in Malta.
I would certainly agree with all of the above, I think only Portugal is more affordable. I heard the price level in general is about the same as in Turkey. In my experience eating out at least is relatively cheap compared to most holiday destinations in Europe.
OK, so now have a rather good idea about the price level, but I was just wondering whether the tap water is drinkable in Malta? I did not see anything about the price of bottled water, which is the most important commodity for any tourist in a typical Southern European destination. Does this principle also apply to Malta, i.e. are they more advanced regards the hygiene than, say, in Italy, Spain or Turkey? I have already booked a vacation to Malta, and now need to collect some practical info so my holiday will not be spoiled by such details as this.
Malta’s tap water is completely safe to drink, although most tourists don’t opt for that. The reason is simply that it has a rather strong smell and taste of chlorine, which most people find somewhat appalling. The tap water is derived from sea water, which is purified in ultra-modern facilities. Bottled water is naturally available everywhere, and a 1.5 liter bottle costs around 0.75 euros in supermarkets etc. In restaurants and bars/cafes you will get a 0.33 liter bottle for that price.
I was visiting Sliema a few weeks ago and found this incredible restaurant that provides splendid food with affordable price. On Fawwara Lane there is a family-owned restaurant called Ta’Kris, which operates in an old bakery with the warmest atmosphere ever. I tried Dad’s famous Bragioli which is sliced beef stuffed with minced beef slowly cooked in red wine, tomato & herb sauce, and as I was told, one of the absolute specialities of the restaurant. There is one point to remember with this place, though, you better make a reservation as early as possible because it is incredibly popular.