Cost of Living in Malta for Students

There is no wonder in saying that Malta is a beautiful country in southern Europe despite its mesmerizing experiences and mind-bobbling beaches. This country is also famous for its education. As a scholar, if you want academic progress, studying abroad is one of the finest options. It is located near the Mediterranean Sea, and the academic opportunities are more profound than its sea level. So, if you also love this country and are planning to study there, you must know about the cost of living in Malta. If you desire to study in this nation, you are on the right platform. In this blog of Gradding.com, we will give you complete details about this country. We will also discuss living expenses or the accommodation required to study in this beautiful island country. 

Malta: Heart of the Mediterranean Sea

Malta is an island country in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Archipelago, a small but significant group of islands, has played a major role in the struggles of a succession of powers for dominance of the Mediterranean and in the interaction between emerging Europe and the Middle East throughout its long and turbulent history. As a result of centuries of foreign control by several nations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, French, and British, Maltese civilization has been shaped.

Malta, in particular, played an important strategic role as an Allied Powers station during World War II. It was frequently bombed by German and Italian planes, and by the war's conclusion, Malta had been destroyed. In appreciation of the Maltese people's wartime valour, the island of Malta was awarded the George Cross, a British medal for outstanding gallantry, in 1942. The movement for self-government grew stronger after the war. Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964, entered the Commonwealth, and was declared a republic on December 13, 1974. It joined the European Union (EU) in the year 2004.

Malta has a European atmosphere due to its close contact with the Continent, particularly with southern Europe. The Maltese are known for their warmth, hospitality, and charity to foreigners, a feature mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles to St. Paul, the Apostle, who was claimed to have been shipwrecked from the Malta coast in 60 CE.

Roman Catholicism has had a significant impact on Maltese culture. Various customs have developed around religious holidays, particularly those celebrating town and village patron saints. The eight-pointed, or Maltese, cross, adopted in 1126 by the Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, is generally associated with Malta's identity and is printed on the country's euro coin. The capital is Valletta.

Culture of Malta

Before you know about the cost of living in Malta, you must know about its cultural aspects. Malta's culture reflects a blend of Arab and Italian cultures. The Maltese are well-educated and have a strong respect for the arts. Caravaggio, an Italian painter, and Dun Karm, a Maltese poet, are regarded as great contributors to art and literature in Malta. Malta's cultural impacts are primarily a result of the country's history of foreign dominance and the Roman Catholic Church's influence. Folk traditions have developed mainly around fests honouring a village's patron saint, celebrated by processions and fireworks.

Malta, a Roman Catholic country, observes Good Friday with colourful processions in several communities. Mnarja, or the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, is celebrated in Rabat's Buskett Gardens during the weekend preceding June 29. It is the country's main folk festival, with contests for folksinging (gana) and fried rabbit picnics. The yearly Carnival is held in several villages throughout Malta. Still, the main activities are held in Valletta, where vigorous dancing performances such as the Parata, a sword dance honouring the Maltese triumph over the Turks in 1565, and the Maltese national dance are performed. On September 21, we celebrate Independence Day, and on December 13, they honour Republic Day.

Average Malta Cost of Living

It is not appropriate to say that Malta cost of living is high. The main reason for this expense is that many general goods get imported from Italy. In the below-mentioned point in this blog of Gradding.com, we will provide you with House, Food and Transportation details in Malta. But, overall, rent is expensive in this island country. Euro is the currency of Malta, and you need to budget carefully for your lifestyle in this nation.

The average cost of living in Malta is $1210 or €1010 per month. This cost excludes rent because it usually comes under separate costs. There are several student halls in Malta, which is cheaper than renting houses in Malta. When you get admission to top Malta universities with help from Gradding.com, these colleges will guide you more about this after admission. 

Note: You may need to be aware that this country allows cards and cash. You can use your cards in large stores or supermarkets. However, you can use cash in other small outlets or restaurants in Malta. 

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Know about Malta Living Expenses

Potential expats—retirees, investors, and digital nomads—continue to look for places to stretch their finances in an increasingly expensive world.

Malta's bright and historic Mediterranean islands have emerged as a rising Euro star for people seeking affordability compared to the soaring expense of living in North America.

Expats from New York discovered that the cost of living in Malta is much lower than in New York City. "I'd say grocery bills are very comparable. Restaurant dinners are unquestionably less expensive. In New York, our two-bedroom flat in Sliema with a gorgeous balcony facing the harbour would easily cost three times as much." To know about Malta cost of living, you should know about its different aspects. 

Housing

Despite the islands' small size, numerous housing options are available. And, as with any other purchase, costs will vary depending on criteria such as location, views, amenities, square metres, and overall build quality.

Malta has one of the highest populations in the EU, with 1256 people per square kilometre (3,000 people per square mile). With such density, apartment (condominium) buildings—many with sea views—will be the top options in most popular cities such as Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian's, and St. Paul's.

For example, a furnished two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat in the charming seaside town of Melliea, northern Malta, will cost around $700 per month and is within walking distance of the beach. 

Malta is currently experiencing (and has been for the last decade) a housing boom. Many old buildings are gutted and rebuilt to new, modern standards while retaining the original historical façade. New homes are continuously being placed on the market, providing a diverse selection of purchasing choices. Unfortunately, it also means more cranes spanning the skyline and construction noise and dust during the day.

If you want to buy, you can discover brand-new apartments/condos for as little as $199,000 in Malta and its sister island of Gozo. Increase your budget to $250,000 to $300,000, and you could find yourself in a place typically costing more than $1 million. So, this is about Malta living expenses regarding housing in Malta. 

Food

Because Malta is a limestone rock island with little cropland, the majority of food is imported. Surprisingly, this only sometimes implies increased expenses. Because the country is a member of the EU, it is a tariff-free zone. And, unlike many other islands, there is no need to fly in products because ships arrive daily from Italy, delivering commodities from all over the European mainland.

Wellbee's, Lidl, and Marks and Spencer Food are among the major grocery chains. Food prices in the EU are comparable to those in most Mediterranean countries. A 12-pack of eggs, for example, costs about $3.60, a litre of milk is about $1, and a large fresh baked baguette costs only 50 cents. Non-EU items (for example, coffee will be expensive).

You can save money by shopping at small markets. Throughout the country, there are mobile produce trucks and low-cost fish markets. Fresh fish collected in the morning are available at the famous Marsaxlokk fish market, where you can mix and match six kilogrammes (13 pounds) for just $30. So, this is a gist about living cost in Malta. 

Going out to dine is also less expensive than in North America (assuming you avoid the tourist districts; otherwise, rates are comparable). A typical Maltese lunch costs $12, including a full meal and a Cisk (local beer pronounced "Chisk"). Malta has five significant wine producers, all well-crafted and reasonably priced. They can compete with neighbouring grape-producing countries even if you have yet to hear of them. Bottles can be purchased for as low as 4-12$. 

Transportation

Malta, unlike the rest of Europe, lacks a train system. However, Malta Public Transport operates a public bus service in both Malta and Gozo. Buses are safe, travel almost everywhere, and are fairly efficient—though they rarely run on time (patience!). Fares are $2 during the daytime and $3 at night. Tallinja commuter cards can also be purchased physically or via the app. For example, $21 for seven days of unrestricted travel or $15 for 12 single-day trips.

There are also ferries (from Malta to Gozo, Valletta to Sliema, and Valletta to Sicily) and various water taxis from Valletta's Grand Harbour. Prices vary based on the travel. However, seniors receive discounts on buses and ferries.

Jobs and Healthcare in Malta

It is not false to say that accommodation in Malta for students is quite expensive, which is why finding a job can help you out in such a situation.

Finding part-time work in Malta is doable if you speak English fluently. Malta has a sizable tourism industry that is always in need of workers. Work can be highly beneficial in assisting with Maltese living expenses. 

Malta has both a public and private healthcare system. Its public healthcare system is well-known for being excellent and free at the point of use. Only Maltese and European citizens and residents have access to public healthcare. If you work, you may be allowed to use this system if you pay enough taxes. Your boss will be able to inform you. In terms of private healthcare, the health insurance you'll need for your visa will provide you access to it. 

Winding Up

Lastly, Malta, which is a beautiful country, is one of the best destinations to study abroad. If you think that the cost of living in Malta is quite high, then you are partially right, but there are certain ways by which you can easily sort out this problem. Yes! Studying in Malta can indeed be expensive, but it does not mean that it is much costlier than the UK or Canada. If you think you can get admissions easily, you have the wrong perception. This country is small but costly, and getting admission to top universities is different from eating an apple pie. But, if you get help from our platform Gradding.com, we can support you studying in Malta. We hope you liked our blog on Malta cost of living, and for more informational blogs, join our platform as soon as possible. Dedication and hard work can easily convert your dreams into reality.