Moving to Malta: What Everyday Life Is Really Like

Malta Property Finders

3 hours ago

10 min read

Moving to Malta offers the opportunity to enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle, with a warmer climate, a rich cultural heritage and an international outlook. English is an official language, the islands are well connected to Europe, and everyday life combines traditional village communities with modern services, restaurants and an increasingly diverse business environment.

However, living somewhere is very different from visiting on holiday. Healthcare, education, shopping, transport, household costs and social opportunities all influence how well a move works in practice.

For anyone considering a permanent relocation, retirement or a second home, understanding these practicalities is an important part of choosing the right property and location.

At Malta Property Finders, we believe that finding the right home begins with understanding the life you want to lead. Here is an introduction to some of the key considerations when making Malta your home.

Healthcare and medical services

Healthcare is an important consideration for anyone moving abroad, particularly families, retirees and those who need regular medical support.

Malta has a public healthcare system alongside a substantial private sector. Public services include hospital care, health centres and primary healthcare provision, while private clinics, doctors, dentists and diagnostic services offer additional options. Mater Dei Hospital is the main acute general hospital on Malta, and Gozo has its own general hospital.

Private healthcare is used by many residents, particularly those who want to access certain services directly or prefer private consultations. The availability, cost and suitability of services vary, so it is worth researching the options relevant to your circumstances.

One important point for people moving from the UK is that access to healthcare should never be assumed simply because you own a property or have moved to Malta. Entitlement to state-funded treatment depends on individual circumstances, including applicable healthcare arrangements and supporting documentation. The European Commission and Malta's healthcare authorities provide guidance on the relevant requirements.

Before relocating, consider:

Whether you will be entitled to public healthcare and what documentation you will need.
Whether private medical insurance is appropriate for your circumstances.
The availability of local GPs, pharmacies, dentists and any specialist services you require.
How far you would need to travel for hospital appointments or ongoing treatment.

Location matters here, too. Living close to a health centre or pharmacy may be particularly valuable for some buyers, while those choosing Gozo should consider the arrangements for specialist treatment that may require travel to Malta.

The best approach is to establish your healthcare arrangements before committing to a permanent move.

Education and family life

Malta has a range of educational options, making it a potential destination for families as well as individuals and couples. The school system includes state, church and independent schools, with international schools offering alternative curricula.

State schools provide public education, with schools located throughout Malta and Gozo. Teaching arrangements, language and the curriculum should be considered by families moving from abroad.

Church schools operate within the Maltese education system and generally follow the national curriculum. Admission arrangements differ from those of state and independent schools.

Independent and international schools offer alternatives for families who prefer particular educational approaches or internationally recognised curricula. Fees, admissions criteria, location and availability vary between schools.

For families relocating from the UK or elsewhere, it is worth researching schools well in advance. The language of instruction, curriculum, age groups, admission dates and daily transport arrangements can all influence the decision about where to live.

School location can also have a direct bearing on property choice. A home that looks ideal on paper may be less convenient if the school run involves substantial daily travel.

Gozo has its own educational provision, but families seeking a particular international curriculum should check the options available on the island rather than assume that the same choice exists as on Malta.

For families with children, choosing the right area often means balancing the property itself with schooling, work, transport and access to activities.

The cost of living in Malta

One of the most common questions prospective residents ask is whether Malta is cheaper than the UK.

There is no straightforward answer. The overall cost of living depends on where you live, whether you own or rent your home, how often you eat out, whether you run a car and the standard of services you choose.

Some aspects of life may compare favourably with the UK, while others can be more expensive than expected. Imported goods, particular household products and some specialist services may carry a premium. Property costs also vary considerably between locations.

Rather than relying on broad claims that Malta is inexpensive, it is more useful to prepare a realistic budget based on your own circumstances.

Your monthly budget might include:

Property-related costs, including maintenance and any applicable building or communal charges.
Electricity, water, internet and mobile phone services.
Food shopping and household essentials.
Transport, fuel, parking or public transport.
Healthcare, insurance and prescriptions where applicable.
School fees and related expenses, if relevant.
Restaurants, leisure activities, holidays and travel to the UK.

Property type can have a significant influence on household expenditure. A modern apartment, a traditional townhouse and a large farmhouse with a swimming pool can have very different running and maintenance costs.

Energy use is another consideration. Malta's summers can be hot, and air conditioning may be an important part of keeping a property comfortable. The design of the building, its insulation, exposure to the sun and quality of ventilation can all affect electricity consumption.

Before moving, it is sensible to build a budget using current prices and estimates that reflect the area and property you are considering. This will give you a more reliable picture than a general comparison between two countries.

Shopping and everyday essentials

Shopping in Malta combines modern retail centres, supermarkets, independent shops, traditional markets and small village businesses.

The larger commercial areas offer familiar international brands, fashion retailers, electronics, homeware and other everyday goods. Shopping centres such as The Point in Sliema provide a modern retail experience, while other towns have their own commercial streets and local shopping areas.

Supermarkets range from larger stores with extensive product selections to smaller neighbourhood shops. The choice of imported products varies, and people who prefer particular British brands may need to look around or accept that some items are less readily available.

Traditional markets remain part of everyday life. They offer opportunities to buy fresh produce, fish and local specialities, although opening times and the range of goods vary by location.

For many residents, shopping locally becomes one of the pleasures of living in Malta. Bakeries, greengrocers, butchers and small family-run businesses can be found in towns and villages, providing a more personal alternative to larger stores.

Gozo has its own selection of supermarkets, shops and local producers, particularly around Victoria, alongside smaller businesses serving individual villages. The range is more limited than in Malta's principal commercial centres, so some specialist purchases may require a trip to the main island or an online order.

When choosing a property, consider how close you will be to supermarkets, pharmacies, household stores and other services you use regularly. A rural home may offer greater privacy and outdoor space, but everyday errands could require a car.

Restaurants, cafés and eating out

Malta has a varied dining scene, from traditional village restaurants and casual cafés to international cuisine and high-end restaurants.

Local food reflects the islands' Mediterranean setting and their history of cultural influences. Pastizzi, ftira, fresh fish and traditional Maltese dishes remain part of everyday life, while Italian, Asian and other international cuisines are widely available in the busier urban areas.

The choice is particularly broad in places such as Sliema and St Julian's, where restaurants, cafés and bars cater to a diverse international population. Valletta offers a combination of historic surroundings, established restaurants and contemporary dining, while the Three Cities have their own waterfront and neighbourhood venues.

Outside the main commercial centres, village restaurants and local cafés can provide a different experience, often with a stronger connection to the surrounding community.

Gozo has a smaller but distinctive food scene, with traditional establishments, contemporary restaurants and local producers. Some places become particularly busy during the summer, while others operate more seasonally.

Eating out can be an important part of social life, but prices vary widely. Casual local meals, waterfront dining and fine dining represent different levels of expenditure, so it is worth exploring the options in the areas you are considering.

Social life, clubs and leisure

Moving abroad involves more than finding a property. For many people, feeling at home also means developing friendships, finding interests and building a social network.

Malta offers a range of opportunities, including sporting clubs, sailing and yacht clubs, gyms, tennis facilities, golf, cultural organisations and community groups. The choice and membership arrangements vary, so anyone interested in a particular activity should check the facilities available and any joining requirements.

For people who enjoy sailing or boating, Malta's maritime heritage and extensive coastline provide plenty of opportunities to explore the islands from the water. Golf, diving, walking and other outdoor activities also feature in the leisure landscape.

Private clubs can provide an established social environment, particularly for people who enjoy sport, sailing or meeting others with similar interests. However, they are only one part of the picture.

Village festas, local restaurants, cultural events, theatre, concerts and community activities offer other ways to become involved in Maltese life. English is widely spoken, which can make it easier for many newcomers to participate, although learning some Maltese can help build connections within local communities.

The range of activities depends on location. The main urban and coastal centres generally offer more choice, while Gozo's appeal lies partly in its quieter pace, rural surroundings and strong village identity.

If social life is an important part of your plans, consider the activities you enjoy and how accessible they will be from your prospective home. A location that suits your interests can make a real difference to how quickly you settle in.

Transport and getting around

Malta is geographically compact, but travel times can be affected by traffic, road layouts and the time of day.

The public bus network connects many towns and villages, while ferry services provide useful alternatives on selected routes. Driving is on the left, which may be familiar to British residents, but parking and congestion can be challenging in some locations.

Whether you need a car depends largely on where you live and how you spend your time.

In parts of Valletta and Sliema, residents may manage comfortably without one if shops, work and transport connections are within easy reach. In rural areas and some northern villages, a car can be considerably more useful.

Gozo has its own bus network, centred on Victoria, and a regular ferry connection with Malta. A new fast ferry service connecting Gozo with Sliema and Buġibba began operating in May 2026, providing an additional sea-transport option. Routes and timetables should always be checked against current services.

For anyone who expects to commute regularly between the islands, it is important to consider the entire journey rather than simply the time spent on the ferry.

When viewing properties, think about your likely daily journeys, parking requirements, access to public transport and the practicalities of reaching the places you visit most often.

Internet, utilities and household services

Reliable internet and mobile connectivity are important for anyone working remotely, running a business or keeping in touch with family overseas.

Malta has established telecommunications providers and a range of broadband and mobile services. However, availability, speed and the most suitable package can vary by address and provider.

If you work from home, check the available connection options at the specific property rather than relying on general coverage information for the area.

Electricity and water are also important considerations, particularly when assessing an older property or a home in a more rural location. Ask about typical consumption, the condition of the installations and any relevant maintenance history.

For traditional farmhouses and larger properties, additional considerations may include swimming-pool maintenance, garden care, repairs and the upkeep of outdoor spaces. Apartment buyers should understand any communal arrangements and associated costs.

Household services, tradespeople and delivery options are available, but the choice may be more limited in some villages than in the main commercial centres.

These details may seem minor compared with choosing a property, but they can have a considerable effect on the experience of living there.

Choosing between Malta and Gozo

Both islands offer the advantages of Mediterranean living, but they suit different priorities.

Malta provides a broader choice of commercial centres, employment opportunities, shopping, education and leisure facilities. Its different neighbourhoods range from busy coastal districts and historic towns to quieter residential villages.

Gozo offers a more rural setting, with traditional villages, countryside, coastal scenery and a generally slower pace of life. It may appeal particularly to people who value space, privacy and outdoor activities.

The trade-off is that some services, specialist facilities and employment opportunities are more limited on Gozo, while travel to Malta requires planning around the ferry connection.

Neither island is automatically the better choice. The right decision depends on how you intend to live, how often you need to travel, what services matter to you and the type of property you want to buy.

Spending time in your preferred locations outside the main holiday season can be particularly useful. It gives you a better understanding of the atmosphere, local amenities and practicalities of year-round living.

Before making the move

Moving to Malta can be an exciting opportunity, but a successful relocation starts with realistic expectations and careful preparation.

Before choosing a property, consider:

Your lifestyle: Do you want a lively coastal location, a historic town, a residential village or a rural home?
Your budget: Have you accounted for running costs as well as the purchase price?
Healthcare: Have you established the arrangements that apply to your circumstances?
Family needs: Are suitable schools, childcare and other services accessible?
Transport: Will you need a car, and how convenient will your regular journeys be?
Social life: Are the clubs, activities and community opportunities you value nearby?
Year-round living: Have you experienced the area beyond the main tourist season?

It is also important to distinguish between purchasing a property and establishing the right to live in Malta. Anyone planning a permanent move should seek appropriate professional guidance on their individual circumstances.

Taking time to consider these questions can help you make a more informed decision and choose a home that continues to suit you long after the initial excitement of moving abroad.

Finding the right home in Malta

At Malta Property Finders, we understand that choosing a property is about more than its size, price or appearance. It is about finding the right location and a home that fits your plans, priorities and way of life.

Drawing on our experience of the Maltese property market as well as many years living on the Islands, we help buyers explore suitable areas, identify properties that meet their requirements and connect with established local estate agents.

Whether you are considering a permanent relocation, retirement, a second home or an investment, we can help you begin your search with a clearer understanding of what Malta and Gozo have to offer.

Thinking about making Malta your home?

Tell us what you are looking for, and we would be pleased to arrange an initial conversation about your plans.