Is Malta Expensive? A Local’s 2025 Guide to Smart Budgeting & Hidden Savings

Dreaming of sun-drenched beaches, ancient history, and crystal-clear waters? Before you book that flight, a crucial question pops up: is Malta expensive to visit? Malta sits in the mid-range for European travel costs—neither as pricey as Scandinavia nor as cheap as Eastern Europe. A daily budget of €70–120 per person covers basics, but savvy choices (like skipping tourist traps and using services like Radical Storage to avoid baggage fees) can stretch your euros further. This guide dives into exact 2025 prices, lesser-known costs, and local-tested hacks to help you explore Malta without overspending.

Malta Daily Cost Calculator: What to Expect

To truly answer “is Malta expensive?”, we need to dissect the key elements that will impact your travel budget. Let’s explore the typical costs you’ll encounter in Malta:

Cost Comparison: Malta on Different Budgets (Approximate Daily Spend per Person)

Category	Budget Traveller (€ per day approx.)	Mid-Range Traveller (€ per day approx.)	Luxury Traveller (€ per day approx.)	Examples & Notes
Accommodation	€20 – €40	€80 – €150	€150+	Hostels, budget hotels, basic guesthouses, self-catering outside tourist hubs vs. 3-star hotels, guesthouses in good locations vs. 4-5 star hotels, resorts in prime areas.
Food & Drink	€15 – €30	€30 – €60	€60+	Pastizzerias, street food, supermarket picnics, local eateries, “menu del giorno” vs. Mid-range restaurants in tourist areas vs. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, cocktails.
Transportation	€5 – €10	€10 – €20	€20 – €50+	Public buses (day pass), ferries vs. Mix of buses and some taxis/ride-sharing, Gozo ferry with car hire for a day vs. Car rental for entire stay, taxis/private transfers frequently.
Activities	€0 – €15	€15 – €30	€30+	Free beaches, walking tours, exploring historical streets, some Heritage Malta sites (choose wisely) vs. Heritage Malta Multi-Site Pass, some boat trips, paid attractions vs. Multiple boat tours, private guided tours, premium experiences.
TOTAL (Approx.)	€40 – €95	€125 – €260	€260+	These are approximate daily ranges per person and can vary greatly based on travel style and choices.

Flight Cost Comparison: Flights to Malta (Approximate Return Fares)

Origin City	Season	Booking Time	Airline Type	Approximate Return Flight Cost (€)	Notes
London (Europe)	Peak (Summer)	Last Minute	Budget Airline	€200 – €400+	Peak season, last-minute bookings on popular routes will be most expensive.
London (Europe)	Shoulder (Spring/Autumn)	2-3 Months in Advance	Budget Airline	€80 – €150	Booking in advance and traveling in shoulder season saves significantly.
London (Europe)	Off-Season (Winter)	2-3 Months in Advance	Budget Airline	€50 – €100	Off-season travel to Malta can yield very affordable flights from European hubs.
New York (Long-Haul)	Peak (Summer)	4-6 Months in Advance	Full-Service Airline	€800 – €1500+	Long-haul flights are inherently more expensive, especially during peak season.
New York (Long-Haul)	Shoulder (Spring/Autumn)	4-6 Months in Advance	Full-Service Airline	€600 – €1000	Booking further in advance and traveling off-peak helps reduce long-haul flight costs.
Regional European City (e.g., Rome)	Any Season	1-2 Months in Advance	Budget Airline	€60 – €120	Flights from nearby European cities can often be found at good value, even closer to travel dates.

Is Malta Expensive to Visit? Decoding the Cost of a Maltese Getaway

1. Accommodation: From Luxurious Hotels to Budget-Friendly Hostels

• Luxury Hotels & Resorts: If you’re seeking pampering and high-end comfort, Malta has no shortage of stunning hotels and resorts, particularly in Valletta, St. Julian’s, and Sliema. Expect to pay €150+ per night and upwards for 4- and 5-star experiences, especially during peak season.
• Mid-Range Hotels & Guesthouses: For a comfortable stay without the premium price tag, look at 3-star hotels and charming guesthouses. These can range from €80 – €150 per night, often offering excellent locations and amenities.
• Budget Hotels & Hostels: This is where Malta becomes truly affordable. Budget hotels and hostels, especially in areas slightly outside the main tourist hubs or in towns like St. Paul’s Bay or Mellieha, can offer rooms from €40 – €80 per night. Hostels, with dorm beds, are the ultimate budget option, starting from as low as €20 – €30 per bed per night.
• Self-Catering Apartments & Villas: Consider renting an apartment or villa through platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. This can be very cost-effective, especially for families or groups, offering flexibility and often kitchen facilities to save on dining costs. Prices vary widely depending on location, size, and amenities, but can be competitive with mid-range hotels, especially when split between several people.

Key takeaway: Accommodation in Malta offers a vast spectrum of prices. If you’re on a tight budget, hostels and budget hotels are readily available, making Malta accessible. For those seeking more comfort, mid-range options are plentiful, and luxury is there for those who want to splurge.

2. Food & Drink: Savouring Maltese Flavours on Any Budget

• Restaurants (Mid-Range): Dining out in mid-range restaurants in tourist areas will typically cost €20 – €40 per person per meal, excluding drinks. Expect to pay more in very popular locations or for seafood specialties.
• Trattorias & Local Eateries: Venture away from the main tourist strips and explore local trattorias and smaller eateries. Here, you can enjoy delicious Maltese cuisine for €15 – €30 per person per meal. Look for “menu del giorno” (daily menus) for set-price lunches.
• Pastizzerias & Street Food: For the ultimate budget eats, embrace Maltese pastizzerias (pastry shops)! Indulge in pastizzi (savory ricotta or pea-filled pastries) for just a few euros, hobz biz-zejt (Maltese bread with tomato paste, tuna, and olives) for a cheap and filling lunch, and other local snacks. Street food stalls, especially in markets, offer affordable and tasty options. You can easily eat well for under €10 per meal with these choices.
• Supermarkets & Self-Catering: If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, stocking up at supermarkets like Lidl or local Maltese supermarkets is a fantastic way to save money on breakfast, lunches, and snacks. Prices in supermarkets are generally comparable to Western European averages.
• Drinks: A pint of local beer (Cisk or Hopleaf) in a bar or restaurant will cost around €3-€5. A glass of local wine can range from €4-€7. Water and soft drinks are reasonably priced.

Key takeaway: Eating in Malta doesn’t have to be expensive. By mixing restaurant meals with budget-friendly options like pastizzerias, street food, and self-catering, you can significantly reduce your food expenses. Enjoying local wines and beers is also relatively affordable.

3. Transportation: Getting Around the Maltese Islands Affordably

• Public Buses: Malta’s public bus system is extensive and remarkably cheap. A single journey ticket is around €2, and day tickets or multi-day travel cards offer excellent value for unlimited travel across Malta and Gozo. Buses are the most budget-friendly way to explore the islands, although journey times can be longer, especially during peak hours and to more remote areas.
• Ferries (to Gozo & Comino): Ferries to Gozo are frequent and reasonably priced (around €5-€7 return for foot passengers). Ferries to Comino (Blue Lagoon) are also available, with prices varying depending on the operator and season (expect around €10-€15 return). Ferry travel is essential for island hopping and a worthwhile expense.
• Car Rental: Renting a car offers flexibility to explore Malta and Gozo at your own pace, especially reaching more remote beaches and villages. However, parking can be challenging in busy areas, and driving on narrow, winding roads can be… an experience! Car rental costs vary greatly depending on the season and car type, but expect to pay €25-€50+ per day and factor in fuel and parking costs.
• Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt and eCabs are readily available, but they are the most expensive transportation option. Use them sparingly for short distances or when public transport isn’t practical.

Key takeaway: Malta’s public bus system is a game-changer for budget travelers. It’s efficient, affordable, and covers most of the islands. Ferries are reasonably priced for island hopping. Car rental can be considered for greater freedom, but public transport is often sufficient and much cheaper.

4. Activities & Attractions: Enjoying Malta’s Treasures Without Emptying Your Wallet

• Historical Sites & Museums: Entrance fees to historical sites and museums managed by Heritage Malta (like Valletta’s fortifications, temples, etc.) are generally affordable, ranging from €5-€15 per site. Consider purchasing a Heritage Malta Multi-Site Pass for cost savings if you plan to visit many attractions.
• Beaches & Natural Beauty: Malta’s stunning beaches and natural landscapes are FREE to enjoy! Spending days swimming, sunbathing, hiking coastal trails, and exploring natural reserves costs nothing but your time and sunscreen.
• Boat Trips & Tours: Boat trips to the Blue Lagoon, around Valletta’s Grand Harbour, or to Gozo’s Azure Window (Dwejra Bay) are popular but can add up. Shop around for tour operators and consider off-season travel for better deals. Prices vary widely, from €20 – €60+ per person.
• Free Activities: Malta offers a wealth of free activities! Explore Valletta’s charming streets, wander through Mdina’s silent city, visit local markets, enjoy free walking tours, relax on public beaches, and soak in the atmosphere of fishing villages like Marsaxlokk.

Key takeaway: Malta’s natural beauty and many historical sites can be enjoyed on a budget. Prioritize free activities, explore public beaches, and consider a Heritage Malta pass for cost-effective sightseeing. Shop around for boat trips and tours, and consider visiting in the shoulder seasons for better deals.

When is Malta More Expensive? Factors That Drive Up Costs

• Peak Season (June – August): Malta is most expensive during the summer months. Accommodation prices soar, flights are pricier, and popular attractions are crowded. If you’re on a budget, avoid traveling in peak season.
• Valletta & Popular Tourist Hubs: Accommodation and dining in Valletta, St. Julian’s, and Sliema are generally more expensive than in less touristy areas.
• Luxury Travel Style: If you prioritize luxury hotels, fine dining, private tours, and exclusive experiences, your Malta trip will naturally be more expensive.

Hidden Costs Tourists Miss (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Tourist Tax: €0.50/night—paid at your hotel.
2. Baggage Fees at Attractions: Museums like St. John’s Co-Cathedral charge €2–3 for luggage storage. Solution: Drop bags at a Radical Storage partner (€5/day) near Valletta’s gates.
3. Sunbed Rentals: €10–15 at beaches. Bring a towel and claim free spots by 9 AM.

Budget Tips Only Locals Know

1. Visit in May/September for lower prices and warm weather.
2. Take the Night Ferry to Gozo (€4.65) for a unique, crowd-free experience.
3. Use Radical Storage to explore Malta luggage-free after checkout—drop bags at 50+ spots (€5/day) and hit the beach before your flight.

Our Verdict: Malta Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune

So, is Malta expensive for tourists? Not necessarily! With smart planning, Malta is accessible for all budgets. Prioritize free walks in Mdina, affordable pastizzi, and Radical Storage’s hassle-free luggage drops to sidestep hidden fees. Ready to explore? Book your luggage storage spot in Malta in advance and focus on what matters—soaking up Malta’s sun, history, and crystal-clear waters.