Best Areas to Live in Malta
Choosing the right neighbourhood can make or break your Malta experience. This guide compares the most popular areas for expats, students, and professionals with honest pros, cons, and price ranges.
Malta may be a small island, but its neighbourhoods vary dramatically in character, price, and lifestyle. The eastern coastal strip from Sliema to St. Julian's is the most popular area for expats, offering modern apartments, international restaurants, and easy access to nightlife and beaches. However, these areas come with premium prices that don't suit every budget.
Moving inland or to the north, you'll find significantly lower rents and a more authentic Maltese atmosphere, though with fewer English-speaking services and expat amenities. Your ideal location depends on your priorities: work commute, social life, beach access, budget, and whether you have a car. Below, we break down the most popular areas to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Price Comparison
| Area | Room Price/Month |
|---|---|
| Sliema | €500 - €800 |
| St. Julian's | €450 - €750 |
| Gzira | €400 - €600 |
| Msida | €350 - €550 |
| Valletta | €550 - €900 |
| Birkirkara | €300 - €500 |
| Swieqi | €450 - €700 |
| St. Paul's Bay | €350 - €550 |
Detailed Area Guide
Sliema
€500 - €800Upscale coastal living
Sliema is one of Malta's most desirable areas, offering a perfect blend of urban convenience and coastal charm. The famous seafront promenade stretches for kilometres, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Sliema attracts professionals and expats who value quality of life and don't mind paying premium prices for prime location.
Pros
- Seafront promenade
- Great restaurants & shops
- Well-connected by bus & ferry
- Safe neighbourhood
Cons
- Higher rent prices
- Can be touristy
- Limited parking
- Crowded in summer
St. Julian's
€450 - €750Vibrant nightlife hub
St. Julian's is the heart of Malta's entertainment scene, home to Paceville—the island's main nightlife district. Beyond the bars and clubs, St. Julian's offers beautiful bays like Balluta and Spinola, upmarket restaurants, and easy access to the iGaming hub. It's ideal for those who want to be in the middle of the action.
Pros
- Entertainment & nightlife
- Many expat-friendly venues
- Close to Paceville
- Good bus connections
Cons
- Noisy at night
- Party crowds
- Higher prices in central areas
- Traffic congestion
Gzira
€400 - €600Central & affordable
Gzira offers the best of both worlds—central location at lower prices than neighbouring Sliema. It's become increasingly popular with expats and students who want easy access to Sliema and St. Julian's without the premium price tag. The area has undergone significant development in recent years with new apartment blocks and improved amenities.
Pros
- More affordable than Sliema
- Central location
- Views of Manoel Island
- Good local amenities
Cons
- Less polished than neighbours
- Some older buildings
- Can be busy
- Limited beach access
Msida
€350 - €550Student-friendly
Msida is Malta's university town, home to the University of Malta campus. This makes it a hub for students and young professionals seeking affordable accommodation. The Msida Marina adds some waterfront appeal, and the area's central location means easy bus connections to virtually anywhere on the island. Rent prices here are notably lower than the Sliema-St. Julian's corridor.
Pros
- Near University of Malta
- Affordable rents
- Good bus hub
- Local shops & eateries
Cons
- Less scenic
- Traffic during rush hour
- Limited nightlife
- Industrial feel in parts
Valletta
€550 - €900Historic capital living
Living in Valletta means immersing yourself in centuries of history. Malta's capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning Baroque architecture, world-class museums, and a thriving cultural scene. Accommodation options are limited but unique—many are restored historic townhouses. It's perfect for those who prioritize culture and character over modern conveniences.
Pros
- UNESCO World Heritage site
- Cultural events & museums
- Unique architecture
- Central location
Cons
- Limited availability
- Older buildings
- Steep streets
- Parking very difficult
Birkirkara
€300 - €500Local Maltese life
Birkirkara is Malta's most populous town and offers a genuine taste of local Maltese life. It's significantly cheaper than coastal areas while still being well-connected by bus. The town has excellent local amenities including shopping centres, markets, and schools. It's ideal for those staying long-term who want to integrate into Maltese society and save on rent.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Authentic Maltese atmosphere
- Large supermarkets
- Good schools nearby
Cons
- Further from beaches
- Less English spoken
- Older housing stock
- Fewer expat amenities
Swieqi
€450 - €700Quiet residential
Swieqi is an upmarket residential area just above St. Julian's. It offers a quieter alternative to the bustling coast while remaining close to entertainment and amenities. The area features many newer apartment developments with modern facilities. It's particularly popular with families and professionals who have a car and prefer a peaceful home environment.
Pros
- Peaceful environment
- Modern apartments
- Close to St. Julian's
- Good for families
Cons
- Need a car ideally
- Limited public transport
- Few shops within walking
- Can feel isolated
St. Paul's Bay
€350 - €550Relaxed northern coast
St. Paul's Bay and the surrounding areas (Bugibba, Qawra) offer affordable coastal living in northern Malta. The area is popular with tourists but also attracts budget-conscious expats, divers, and retirees who enjoy the slower pace. Rent prices are notably lower than Sliema, but the trade-off is a longer commute to central Malta for work or entertainment.
Pros
- Lower rent prices
- Beautiful bays & beaches
- Diving spots nearby
- Less crowded
Cons
- Far from central Malta
- Limited job opportunities
- Fewer amenities
- Tourist-heavy in summer
How to Choose Your Area
Work Location
If you work in the iGaming sector, Sliema and St. Julian's put you close to most offices. For other industries, consider areas near your workplace to minimize commute time.
Budget
Set a realistic budget including utilities (€50-100/month extra). Central coastal areas cost €450-800, while inland towns like Birkirkara or St. Paul's Bay offer rooms from €300-500.
Transport
Malta's public transport centres on Valletta. Areas like Sliema, Gzira, and Msida have excellent bus connections. Northern or southern areas may require a car.
Social Life
If meeting other expats is important, Sliema and St. Julian's have the most international communities. University area (Msida) is great for students.
Our Recommendations
For first-time expats: Start in Gzira or Sliema. You'll be surrounded by other internationals, have easy access to amenities, and can explore Malta from a central location. Once you know the island better, you can move to an area that better suits your long-term needs.
For budget-conscious renters: Look at Msida, Birkirkara, or St. Paul's Bay. You can save €100-300 per month compared to coastal areas. Msida offers the best balance of affordability and connectivity.
For nightlife lovers: St. Julian's puts you in the heart of the action. Be prepared for noise if you live near Paceville, but you'll never be far from bars, restaurants, and entertainment.
For families: Consider Swieqi, Mosta, or Naxxar for quieter residential environments with good schools nearby. You'll likely need a car, but the peaceful surroundings are worth it.
For remote workers: Valletta offers inspiring surroundings and cafes with good WiFi. Sliema's seafront provides a great work-life balance with co-working spaces and beach access.
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