Cost of living

Malta-flag-140The cost of living in Malta depends on the lifestyle you intend to enjoy . Accommodation is expensive in Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s, but in the South of the island it is much cheaper.

Food and drink prices also vary depending  on the location: items sold in tourist areas are more expensive than in other areas. Supermarkets or tiny “hole in the wall” type outlets which sell pastizzi, pizza and pies, are the best choice for those on a budget because of their lower costs. Some examples of average prices are: soft drink from 1 to 1.50 euros; water 0.80 euros, sandwich from a cafeteria 1.50- 2.00 euros, Bread 0.80 euros.

Money and banking

To open a bank account in Malta, you will need to provide some documentation for example, a copy of your passport and a utility bill proving your address. In addition, you will need a reference from a bank that you currently hold an account with.

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Travelling costs

Flights for all destinations arrive at MaltaInternationalAirport (MLA, also known as Luqa by locals). Buses, taxis and dedicated airport shuttle services are frequent and reliable. There are also fast and frequent ferries to and from Italy.

Students and researchers who participate in an EU Mobility Programme usually receive a grant which should cover the cost of travelling to Malta. Others, who make their own arrangementsor use the assistance of a private organisation, should pay all their own costs, including travel costs.

The transport system in Malta is efficient. Buses are the main form of public transport and offer a cheap and frequent service to many parts of Malta and Gozo.

Fares across the island cost less than € 2.30 (Malta ID holders pay € 1.30). Taxi costs are € 15 for short hops and not much more than € 35 for a trip across the island; from the airport the official fares are from € 10 to € 30.

The Maltese drive on the left, as in the UK. The speed limits are 80kph (50mph) on highways and 50kph (30mph) in urban areas). It’s advisable to have at least third party  insurance.

Foreigners who have an EU licence may drive in Malta until their license expires and those who have a non-EU driving license may drive in Malta for up to 12 months, but must then apply for a Certificate of Local Registration of Visitor’s Driving Licence, which is issued on the spot and is free of charge. Visitors driving their own car do not need  to have their licence endorsed.

Erasmus Mundus Programme – University of Malta

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