When traveling abroad, choosing the right accommodation is crucial. The dynamic real estate market can be daunting if your destination is Malta. But don’t worry! We’ll show you the best places to live in Malta and how to find your ideal spot.
From GrowPro, we’ve already highlighted what to see in Malta for your adventurous itinerary. Keep reading for a complete guide to make your stay in this Mediterranean jewel exceptional.
Discover the best places to live in Malta, accommodation options, and renting tips. Plus, we’ll share some experiences for studying and working in Malta, so you’ll be fully prepared to live there. Let’s dive in!
Best places to live in Malta
Inland cities like Mdina and Rabat are architectural strongholds with limited accommodation. Seaside resorts like Bugibba and Comino are tourist hotspots with plenty of lodging options. All of them are among the best places to live in Malta.
Fortunately, accommodation for students and workers in Malta is often located right by the Mediterranean. The best places to live in Malta depend on your goal, are you here as a tourist or a worker? Look below!
Valletta: A capital with history and action
Want to be in the heart of Malta’s social and cultural life? Then Valletta is one of your best places to live. St. John’s Cathedral, Malta’s emblem, St. Telmo’s Fort and the National Museum of Anthropology are some of the attractions of this ancient city.
Another advantage of Valletta is that it is the epicenter of the public transport system. So you have quick and easy connection to all areas of the country. In addition, you are close to the offices to make all your visa and work formalities in Malta.
The job offer is the widest on the island. The traditional vacancies in the hospitality sector, as a runner or cleaner abound. But, if you have the preparation, you can even find specialized positions in IT, business, and construction.
However, if you are interested in studying in Malta, we do not recommend you look for accommodation in Valletta. The prices are higher and the schools are a bit far away.
Gozo: The most pleasant accommodation in Malta
A 45-minute ferry ride from Cirkewa transports you to paradise-like Gozo. Here, you’ll enjoy the ultimate sun, sand, and sea experience. Plus, there’s ample time for leisurely activities like reading and writing inspired by the muses.
For tranquility and pleasure, Gozo is among the best places to live in Malta. Short-term visitors can choose from various affordable hotels and hostels, while long-term residents can find apartments starting at 400 euros per month.
In Gozo, the beach is always within reach, with San Blas and Blue Window perfect for a refreshing swim. Don’t forget to explore the megalithic temples of Ggantija and the Baroque Gozo Cathedral. These are must-see attractions in one of the best places to live in Malta.
Gozo is an ideal destination for vacation and relaxation. However, it is far from schools, so we recommend you look for another place to live if you are going to study in Malta.
*Price is for reference only and may vary.
St. Julian’s: Beach and party nights
St. Julian’s, just a 20-minute bus ride from Valletta, offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, supermarkets, casinos, and shops. Its main draw is the picturesque St. George’s Bay, making it one of the best places to live in Malta.
For history enthusiasts, St. Julian’s boasts a range of Renaissance-style architecture. Nightlife aficionados flock to Paceville, Malta’s nightlife hub, where clubs and bars keep the party going until the early hours of the morning.
Due to its popularity among tourists, the cost of living in St. Julian’s can be higher, with single rooms priced between 400 and 500 euros* per month. Apartment rentals can skyrocket to 1,000 or 1,200 euros* due to high demand in this bustling area.
*Price is for reference only and may vary.
Msida: Quiet and university environment
If you’re seeking a quieter lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle, consider Msida, nestled halfway between Valletta and St. Julian’s. Here, the ambiance is tranquil and student-friendly.
Notably, Msida is home to the University of Malta, making student accommodation abundant. Rooms can be rented for 350 euros per month*, while apartments go up to 600 euros*.
Furthermore, Msida boasts two major bus stations: Kulleg and Marina. These provide convenient access to the heart of Malta or weekend getaways to Gozo or Comino, reachable via ferry from Cirkewa. Msida is undeniably one of the best places to live in Malta.
*Price is for reference only and may vary.
Gzira: Options for outdoor recreation
Heading towards the coast, a mere 11-minute stroll away, Gzira presents a bustling scene with an array of eateries, bars, shops, and budget accommodations. Stretching along much of the seafront, residents have easy access to the Mediterranean.
Rental prices in Gzira are comparable to those in Msida. However, besides its proximity to the sea, this area boasts several recreational spaces like Europa Park and Manoel Island, featuring a historic fort and the church of St. Anthony of Padua.
Moreover, the transportation network here is excellent, particularly towards Valletta and St. Julians. Regardless of direction, you can reach any neighborhood within a 15-minute walk. Gzira stands out as one of the best places to live in Malta.
Sliema: Multicultural and business center
Looking to immerse yourself in multiculturalism in Malta? Look no further than Sliema, situated right on the Mediterranean coast. Despite being a 20-minute bus ride from Valletta, Sliema offers all the amenities of a cosmopolitan and modern city.
In Sliema, you’ll discover a plethora of clothing stores including Zara, supermarkets, and the island’s largest shopping malls; don’t miss Park Towers! Culinary options abound with Maltese, Russian, Bulgarian, Asian, and even Spanish restaurants.
Furthermore, Sliema serves as a hub for business and IT companies. Its excellent public transportation network ensures easy access to all amenities, enhancing your student life experience.
As a highly sought-after tourist destination, shared room rentals in Sliema average around 400 euros per month*. Securing an apartment for 1000 euros per month* may require some patience due to high demand.
Sliema stands out as one of the best places to live in Malta.
*Price is for reference only and may vary.
Other student accommodation options in Malta
In addition to those mentioned above, there are other best places to live in Malta for students. These neighborhoods offer good prices and are located close to schools, so check them out below!
- Swieqi:
This residential area is a favorite among students. The reason? It is close to the tourist area and the prices are cheaper. So if you want to live a few minutes away from St Julians and save a few euros, stay in Swieqi!
- San Gwann:
This neighborhood is not so popular. Therefore, you can find accommodation at a good price. Also, as it is a residential and commercial area, you can get a job nearby! So, it will be easier for you to afford the rent.
Hey, at GrowPro, we offer incredible educational experiences in Malta! Click on the banner and discover them. Our team is ready to assist you with all the paperwork.
Types of accommodation in Malta
Already decided on which of the best places to live in Malta? We’re sure that at least one Maltese neighborhood has caught your attention. Now, when is the best time to rent in Malta? Consider both peak and off-peak tourist seasons.
During spring and summer, the influx of visitors drives up demand and prices. However, in autumn and winter, rental rates decrease, and more options become available. Now, let’s take a closer look at the various accommodation options in Malta.
Hostels: The best option for short stays
If you plan to spend a short time in Malta between two weeks and two months, your best choice is definitely to consider a hotel or hostel. Generally, these types of accommodations are well-equipped for short stays. Also, they include several amenities for the same rate.
Some hostels offer beds in shared dormitories from 10 euros* per night. This includes WiFi access, cleaning every day, and even breakfast. For instance, from 30 euros*, it is possible to find a single hotel room in the low season.
Consider that the summer months, especially July and August are high season. Therefore, the demand for rooms and beds soars due to the waves of tourists. The solution is to book in advance!
Shared apartment: Save money and make new friends
For extended stays, ranging from three to six months, renting a room in a shared apartment with flatmates is often the preferred choice for travelers.
Not only does this option help reduce expenses by sharing with one, two, or more people, but it also provides the opportunity to make Maltese friends or meet fellow English speakers embarking on the same adventure. Living with others undoubtedly eases the emotional strain of being away from home.
Rental rates typically include basic amenities. These amenities include a bed, dining room, water, electricity, and internet.
Homestay: Accommodation in Malta with a local family
Another of the best places to live in Malta for a medium-term stay is with a local family. The name in English for this practice is homestay. It may be the best for you if you are looking for tranquility and order.
Moreover, living in a house means you are bound by a set of rules. This is unbearable for some people. However, there are those who prefer the routine of a home to the hustle and bustle of a shared apartment. Additionally, you live with Maltese people and practice English with them.
Homestay costs in Malta vary according to the time of the year. In the low season, you can find a room from 150 euros per week*. This price can go up to 190 euros in the summer*.
Student Housing: Live in a multicultural environment
Many schools in Malta offer their student residences. Prices vary according to location and institution. However, they are usually higher than a room or bed in the foreign market.
This option is usually all-inclusive, so you don’t have to worry about paying for extra services, such as the Internet. It also has the guarantee of the school you enrolled in. So, it is almost impossible for them not to deliver what they promise.
On top of that, you live with classmates of different nationalities. Therefore, it is almost certain that living in an apartment or room in a student house will immerse you in a very enriching multicultural environment.
Apartment: Accommodation in Malta for a long stay
Looking for the best places to live in Malta for a year or longer? For an extensive course or university program, you will need a comfortable space of your own. Therefore, the top choice in this case is to rent an individual apartment.
As we mentioned, the rent is very affordable in Malta, compared to the big European cities. Where else can you find an apartment from 800 to 900 euros per month*? Moreover, if you get it directly from the owner, you only pay the monthly rent and the deposit.
Some schools offer apartments for students. However, the cost of rent is usually higher than if you get an apartment through an agency since a commission is added.
If you are considering renting an apartment, consider the following:
- You will be asked for a deposit equivalent to the value of the monthly payment.
- All apartments are offered furnished, so you don’t have to worry about buying anything!
- Services are usually paid separately. That is to say, they are at your expense, they are not included in the rental rate.
- Some apartments are not that new and the gas system is a cylinder system. If you run out of gas you will have to replace the cylinder. The good thing is that there are always trucks passing through the area. Also, there are gas stations that refill the cylinders.
- In high season it takes longer to find accommodation and prices rise. But, don’t despair, you can always find something even if it is farther away.
*Prices are for reference only and may vary.
How to find accommodation in Malta
At this point, you might already be hunting for tickets and exploring the best places to live in Malta. You’re almost there! But before you dive in, check out our tips to help you find your ideal accommodation.
Search before you travel, but be specific upon arrival
Traveling to Europe’s golden island without any accommodation plan is a mistake. Put together your list of options before flying to Malta, but never make any pre-deposits. No matter how many promises you are made, this exposes you to the risk of being a victim of fraud.
Check your school’s accommodation
Firstly, check the housing options provided by your school. Though prices are higher, a cost-benefit analysis may show this is the best option. Sometimes, cost is not all, other advantages compensate for it.
Reserve temporary lodging
We recommend you book at least the first days or weeks of your stay in a hostel or hotel. There are hundreds in Malta. Then, after settling in and resting, you can review your accommodation options in Malta more calmly.
Contact a real estate agent
In the dynamic Maltese market, agents are in charge of putting you in contact with landlords. They are very popular and abound on the Internet. So consider contacting one or two by e-mail before your trip. Consider that if you opt for one, you will have to pay a commission.
Schedule an appointment to visit accommodations
If you’ve chosen to reach out to a real estate agent, you might arrange a meeting before your arrival. The agent should consider your preferences and present multiple accommodation options in Malta within your budget.
Don’t feel pressured to accept anything beyond your means!
Search for accommodation on the internet
Nowadays the Internet is very helpful when looking for accommodation in Malta. There are the most popular sites, such as Airbnb and Booking. Flatmates also help you if you want a shared apartment. Another option is to look for Facebook or WhatsApp groups.
These are very active platforms where there is always a lot of movement.
Do you want information to study in Malta? Select your area of interest and fill out the form! One of our Student Advisors will contact you to assist you at no cost.
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