Is Malta Expensive? Real Travel Costs Revealed

Is Malta expensive? It can be considered moderately priced compared to other European destinations, offering both affordable and premium options depending on your travel preferences. 

Accommodation prices vary widely; budget hostels are available for around €15-€30 per night, while mid-range hotels typically cost €70-€150. Luxury resorts and boutique hotels can exceed €200 per night, especially during peak season (June-August).

When it comes to food, Malta remains relatively affordable. A budget meal at a local restaurant can cost around €10-€15, while a mid-range three-course meal typically ranges from €20-€40 per person. 

Street food like pastizzi is also a cheap option, usually under €5. However, imported drinks and cocktails may be on the pricier side.

Public transportation is reasonably priced, with bus fares around €2 per journey. Renting a car or scooter can cost around €20-€40 per day, though fuel costs can add up. 

Attractions like historical sites and museums typically charge entrance fees of €5-€15, but multi-attraction passes can save money.

Average Daily Cost in Malta

The average daily cost of traveling in Malta varies depending on your travel style:

• Budget Travelers: Approximately €60–€70 per day. This includes staying in hostels or shared accommodations, using public transportation, and eating at local budget-friendly restaurants.
• Mid-Range Travelers: Around €138 per day. This budget allows for more comfortable accommodations, occasional dining at mid-range restaurants, and engaging in activities like guided tours.
• Luxury Travelers: Approximately €273 per day. This includes staying in upscale hotels, enjoying fine dining, and participating in private tours or premium experiences.

For a more balanced experience without splurging, a daily budget of €70–€120 is advisable. This range covers meals, transportation, and activities while offering some flexibility for additional spending.

It’s worth noting that costs can fluctuate depending on the season. Traveling during off-peak months can result in significant savings on accommodations and attractions. Booking in advance and utilizing local transportation passes can also help reduce daily expenses.

Cost of Accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Malta varies based on location, season, and type of accommodation. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Budget Accommodation: Hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels can range from €15–€40 per night for a basic room or dorm bed. This option is perfect for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.
• Mid-Range Accommodation: For more comfort, expect to pay between €70–€150 per night for a 3-star hotel or private apartment. These accommodations typically offer better amenities, including air conditioning, private bathrooms, and more central locations.
• Luxury Accommodation: If you’re looking for high-end stays, 4- or 5-star hotels can range from €200–€500 per night or more. These establishments provide luxury services, such as spas, fine dining, and ocean views, often located in popular areas like Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s.

Food & Drink Prices

Food and drink prices in Malta can vary depending on where you choose to dine. Here’s a breakdown:

• Budget Meals: If you’re looking for affordable options, a meal at a casual restaurant or local eatery will cost around €10–€15. Street food, like a traditional pastizzi or a quick snack, can be as low as €2–€5.
• Mid-Range Restaurants: For a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay between €20–€40 per person. This price range offers a wider variety of international and Mediterranean dishes in more comfortable settings.
• Fine Dining: High-end restaurants will charge between €50–€100 or more per person for a gourmet meal. These typically include premium ingredients and luxurious dining experiences.
• Drinks: A local beer costs around €3–€5 in most bars or restaurants, while a glass of wine can range from €3–€7. Cocktails usually start at €7 and can go up depending on the venue.
• Coffee: A regular coffee or espresso typically costs €1.50–€3 at a local café. Cappuccinos or specialty coffees may be slightly higher.

Transportation Costs

Transportation costs in Malta are generally affordable, with various options depending on your needs. Here’s a breakdown:

• Public Transport: Malta’s public transport system, primarily buses, is an economical option. A single bus ride typically costs around €2 to €2.50, depending on the time of day. If you’re planning on using buses frequently, the 7-day Explore Card, which provides unlimited travel on buses, costs about €21.
• Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis in Malta start at around €5 for the first kilometer, with additional charges of around €1.50–€2 per kilometer. Rideshare services like Uber are available in some areas and may be slightly more expensive, with rates starting from €5–€10 for a short ride.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car can be a convenient way to explore Malta. The cost for a basic economy car rental starts at around €20–€30 per day. Prices can increase depending on the season and the type of vehicle. Insurance, fuel, and parking costs will add to the total expense.
• Ferries: Malta’s ferries to nearby islands like Gozo and Comino are affordable. A round-trip ferry ticket to Gozo costs around €4.65 for a passenger, with car tickets costing more.

Attractions & Activities

Malta offers a variety of attractions and activities, ranging from historical sites to natural wonders. 

Here’s a breakdown of some popular options and their costs:

• Historic Sites and Museums:
  • The National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta typically charges €5 for entry.
  • St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, famous for its Baroque architecture and Caravaggio paintings, has an entrance fee of about €10.
  • The Fort Rinella, which showcases Malta’s military history, charges around €5 for adult entry.
• Beaches and Natural Attractions:
  • Many of Malta’s beaches, such as Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay, are free to access. However, some private beaches or resorts may charge for entry or amenities.
  • The Blue Lagoon on Comino Island is a popular spot. Ferries to Comino typically cost around €10–€15 per person for a round trip.
• Boat Tours:
  • Exploring Malta by boat is a favorite activity. A day tour to the Blue Grotto or around the Grand Harbour can cost anywhere from €15–€25 per person, with private boat tours being more expensive, starting from €50.
• Gozo Day Trip: A trip to the island of Gozo, including ferry transport and sightseeing, can cost around €40–€60 per person for organized tours.
• Adventurous Activities:
  • Activities like hiking, scuba diving, and snorkeling can range from €30–€100 depending on the experience. A guided dive may cost around €60–€80, while boat trips for diving or snorkeling are priced similarly.

Budget Tips for Saving Money in Malta

Here are some practical budget tips to help you save money while visiting Malta:

1. Use Public Transport: Malta’s public bus system is affordable and efficient. Instead of relying on taxis or rental cars, consider purchasing the 7-day Explore Card for unlimited bus travel, which costs €21. This is a cost-effective way to get around the island and see the main attractions.
2. Visit Free Attractions: Many of Malta’s best attractions, such as its beautiful beaches, scenic walks, and historic sites like the Upper Barracca Gardens in Valletta, are free to access. Take advantage of these to experience the island without spending money.
3. Book Accommodation in Advance: Malta has a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to mid-range guesthouses. Booking early often secures better prices. Consider staying outside major tourist hubs like Valletta or St. Julian’s for lower accommodation costs.
4. Eat Like a Local: Save on food by eating at local eateries or grabbing street food, such as the popular pastizzi. These snacks are delicious and inexpensive, often costing less than €2. Avoid dining in tourist-heavy areas where prices tend to be higher.
5. Self-Cater When Possible: Consider staying in apartments with kitchens, which will allow you to cook your own meals. Shopping at local markets for fresh produce and ingredients is an affordable way to enjoy tasty meals at a fraction of the cost of eating out.
6. Travel During the Off-Season: To avoid inflated prices, travel to Malta during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), when flights, accommodations, and attractions are typically cheaper. The peak summer months of June–August are more expensive.
7. Take Advantage of Discounts: Many attractions offer discounts for students, seniors, or group bookings. Always check if you’re eligible for any discounts or passes, such as the Malta Pass, which can save you money on entry fees to various attractions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Malta is an amazing destination that offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. While it may have some higher costs compared to other Mediterranean countries, it remains an affordable option when approached with smart budgeting. 

Public transport is efficient and economical, making it easy to get around without the need for taxis or rental cars. Staying in budget accommodations, especially outside major tourist hubs, can help cut costs significantly.

The island also boasts many free attractions, such as its beautiful beaches, gardens, and historical sites. Eating like a local, at casual eateries or grabbing street food, is another way to keep your expenses low while still enjoying delicious meals. 

For those looking to save even more, shopping at local markets and preparing your own meals can be a cost-effective choice.

Traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offers lower prices on accommodations and flights, avoiding the high costs of the summer months.