How much does it cost to rent a room in Malta?

The average price for a room in Malta ranges from €500 to €900 per month, depending on the area. St. Julian's and Sliema are the most expensive (€700–900). Areas like Birkirkara, Msida or Mosta are more affordable (€450–650).

Is it easy to find a flat in Malta as an expat?

English is an official language, so the language barrier is non-existent. Rental demand is high, especially in coastal areas, so it's worth starting your search early. Hommis is available in English and makes it easy to search before you arrive.

Can I search for a room in Malta before arriving on the island?

Yes. Hommis works from anywhere: you can swipe, get matches and chat with landlords in Malta before you arrive. That way you land with options already lined up instead of starting from scratch.

Which area of Malta is best to live in?

It depends on your lifestyle. St. Julian's and Sliema are the most lively with the most leisure options, but also the most expensive. For a balance between price and quality of life, Msida, Gżira or Swieqi are excellent choices. For something quieter and more affordable, Mosta or Birkirkara are popular with long-term residents.

Living in Malta as an expat: practical guide to finding a flat

Malta has become one of the top destinations for expats: English as an official language, a Mediterranean climate, a vibrant international community, and the chance to combine work and quality of life. But the rental market in Malta has its quirks, and arriving without information can turn into a stressful experience.

This guide is written specifically for people planning to move to Malta who are looking for a room or flat. We explain how the market works, which areas to choose, what prices to expect and how to start your search from home.

Why so many expats choose Malta

Malta attracts thousands of people from across Europe and beyond every year for several reasons:

English is an official language: which makes working and daily life much easier
English language schools: one of the world's top destinations for learning English, creating a very active international student community
Work in tech, igaming and finance: international companies based in Malta hire skilled professionals with competitive salaries
Manageable size: Malta has around 550,000 inhabitants and everything is close. Without a car, you can get anywhere by bus or on foot
Climate: sunshine almost all year round, mild winters and warm summers
Active expat community: plenty of groups, events and fellow internationals to connect with

The main downside is rent, which has risen significantly over the past decade and remains high in the most sought-after areas.

What the rental market in Malta looks like

The rental market in Malta is fast and competitive. Good rooms in central areas rent within days. This means that if you see something you like, you need to act quickly.

Most rentals in Malta work in one of these ways:

Room in a shared flat: the most common option for students and young professionals. Flats usually have 2 to 5 rooms with shared bills.
Studio or entire apartment: more expensive but more privacy. Popular with higher-earning professionals.
Agencies: many landlords work through agencies which charge a fee. Direct options exist if you know where to look.

Contracts are typically 6 or 12 months, though room contracts offer more flexibility. The process usually involves a deposit of 1–2 months and one or two months' rent in advance.

Areas of Malta: where to live depending on your profile

St. Julian's and Paceville — International atmosphere, very lively

The most cosmopolitan area of Malta. Restaurants, bars and clubs around the clock. Very popular with young people on English courses or working in tech and igaming companies. The most expensive area but with the most leisure and social options. Well connected to Sliema and Valletta.

Room price: €700–950/month

Sliema — Residential with good amenities

Right next to St. Julian's, Sliema has a more residential character but plenty of restaurants, shops and the famous seafront promenade. Popular with settled workers who want quality of life without Paceville's noise. Well connected to the rest of the island.

Room price: €650–900/month

Gżira — The price-quality balance

Gżira sits between Sliema and Msida and offers a good balance: more affordable than Sliema but well located. It has a significant expat community and good connections across the island. Highly recommended for those seeking quality of life at a reasonable price.

Room price: €550–750/month

Msida and San Ġwann — University and tech area

Near the University of Malta and many igaming and fintech company offices. Popular with university students and young professionals. More accessible prices and very good bus connections.

Room price: €500–700/month

Valletta — Historic capital, unique atmosphere

Living in Malta's capital is a special experience: historic streets, views over the Grand Harbour and a quiet daytime atmosphere. But Valletta isn't the most practical neighbourhood for daily life (few supermarket options, limited nightlife). A good choice for those who value history and peace.

Room price: €600–850/month

Birkirkara, Mosta and inland areas — The lowest prices

If budget is the priority, inland areas offer rooms between €400 and €600/month. Further from the coast but well connected by bus to the main areas. Very popular with long-term residents who prioritise savings.

Room price: €400–600/month

How to search for a room in Malta from abroad

The advantage of starting your search before you arrive is that you land with options already lined up rather than starting from scratch. With Hommis you can do this easily:

Download Hommis on iOS or Android.
Set up your profile in English: indicate you're looking in Malta, your budget and when you arrive.
Swipe on available rooms and flats on the island.
Get matches with landlords in Malta and start chatting before you arrive.
Arrange viewings for when you land, or request a video call if you want to see it first.

Hommis is available in 11 languages and is actively used in Malta. The match system cuts out the noise: you only talk to landlords who are also interested in you as a potential tenant.

Things you should know before renting in Malta

Bills are often not included: Always ask what the price covers. Water, electricity and wifi can add €80–150 per month in a shared flat.

The deposit is usually 1–2 months: It's normal to pay 1 or 2 months' deposit plus a month's rent in advance when signing. Make sure you have that money available.

English is enough for everything: You don't need Maltese for anything related to renting. English is official and all contracts, communications and paperwork are done in English.

Prices vary a lot by season: In summer there's more demand (tourism and English courses peak) and prices rise. If you can, search outside of July and August.

Be careful with payments: Never send money in advance to someone you haven't met and verified. Use platforms with user verification, like Hommis, for more security.

Useful resources for expats in Malta

Once in Malta, the expat community is active and very willing to help newcomers. Some resources:

Facebook groups for expats in Malta: several very active groups where rooms, work tips and events are shared
Hommis: the most direct app for finding a room or listing yours
Hommis's Malta page (hommis.app/en/malta) has specific information about the Maltese market

Malta can be an extraordinary experience if you arrive well prepared. The first step is making sure you have a good place to live. Download Hommis on the App Store or Google Play and start searching for your room in Malta before you leave home.