Where to live in Malta, town by town, and how the areas compare.
It depends on how you want to live. The harbour towns — Sliema, St Julian's, Gżira and Ta' Xbiex — suit people who want to walk everywhere; Swieqi and San Ġwann give more space and quieter streets; Msida is the budget, university-side choice; and Mosta, Mellieħa and Marsaskala offer space, calm and the best value. Our area guides compare all 15 towns.
Most expats start in the harbour towns: Sliema and St Julian's for walkable city life and the iGaming offices, Gżira for the same location at lower rents, and Msida for budget and university living. Those who want calm and space choose Swieqi or Mellieħa, and Valletta suits people who want history on the doorstep.
Families most often choose Swieqi, San Ġwann and Mosta for space, schools and calmer streets, or Marsaskala and Mellieħa for the seaside at lower rents. In Next To Rent's closed deals a 3-bedroom home costs about €1,300–1,600 a month in Mosta, €1,450–1,850 in San Ġwann and €1,200–1,450 in Marsaskala. Test the morning commute before you commit.
Marsaskala and Mosta are the cheapest good places to rent a 1-bedroom apartment: €750–850 and €750–950 a month in Next To Rent's closed deals. Mellieħa, San Ġwann, Birkirkara, Attard and St Paul's Bay follow at about €800–950. If you share, a room in Msida typically costs €400–550. Anything far below these ranges is usually bait.
| Town | 1-bedroom, per month |
|---|---|
| Marsaskala | €750–850 |
| Mosta | €750–950 |
| Mellieħa | €800–950 |
| San Ġwann | €800–950 |
| Birkirkara | €800–950 |
| Attard | €800–950 |
| St Paul's Bay, Qawra and Buġibba | €800–950 |
Ranges are what tenants agreed to pay in long lets Next To Rent closed in 2025–2026, not asking prices. A cheaper town can cost more overall if it means buying a car, so check the commute too. Each town's page has 2- and 3-bedroom ranges and the homes available now.
Reviewed by Yusef Dwah
Choose Sliema if your life runs on the promenade, shops, ferries and cafés; choose St Julian's if you work in iGaming or want restaurants and nightlife at your door. Rents are close: in Next To Rent's closed deals a 2-bedroom costs €1,350–1,700 a month in Sliema and €1,300–1,700 in St Julian's.
Sliema suits people who want the polished, finished version of Malta; Gżira suits younger professionals, couples and students who want the same location for less. In Next To Rent's closed deals a 1-bedroom costs €1,000–1,400 a month in Sliema and €950–1,350 in Gżira, and the two towns are a short walk apart.
St Julian's puts most iGaming offices within walking distance; Sliema is a 15–25 minute walk away and calmer; Gżira is the best value for offices in Ta' Xbiex and Msida; and Swieqi gives quiet streets about ten minutes from the office. Msida is the budget choice. A 1-bedroom runs from about €850 in Msida to €1,400 in St Julian's.
Msida is closest to the University of Malta, with Tal-Qroqq and Swatar within walking distance; Gżira is a 15–20 minute walk and good for two or three sharers. San Ġwann and Birkirkara are cheaper but the peak-hour commute is busy. A room in a shared flat in Msida typically costs €400–550 a month; book early, before the September rush.