Budget & Costs
What does Malta cost?
Malta is significantly cheaper than Central Europe — comparable to Spain or Portugal, sometimes even cheaper. Especially food, public transport, and entries are surprisingly affordable. The biggest cost factors are accommodations (in the high season July/August) and rental cars.
Typical Prices (Guidelines 2025/2026)
| Item | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Pastizzi (2 pieces) | 0.80–1.00 |
| Coffee in a café | 1.50–3.00 |
| Lunch (simple) | 8–14 |
| Dinner in a restaurant | 15–30 |
| Beer (0.5l in a restaurant) | 3.00–5.00 |
| Beer (can in the supermarket) | 1.00–1.80 |
| Bottle of wine (supermarket) | 4–8 |
| Supermarket shopping (1 day) | 10–18 |
| Hostel (dormitory) | 15–30 |
| Hotel (mid-range, double room) | 60–120 |
| Airbnb (apartment) | 50–100 |
| 5-star hotel | 150–350 |
| Bus single ride | 1.50 (winter) / 2.00 (summer) |
| 7-day bus pass (Explore) | 21.00 |
| Ferry Malta–Gozo (round trip) | 4.65 |
| Harbor cruise Valletta | 15–20 |
| Entry Ħaġar Qim Temple | 10 |
| Entry St. John's Co-Cathedral | 15 |
| Dive (1 dive) | 35–55 |
Budget Levels
Backpacker / Budget (35–60€ per day)
Malta is an excellent budget destination. Hostels in Sliema or Valletta cost 15–30€ per night, pastizzi are available for 50 cents, and the bus system is cheap and covers the entire island. Self-catering in the supermarket (Lidl, Pavi, Smart) is very affordable. Beaches and many historical sites are free. With an Explore bus card (21€/week), you are fully mobile.
Mid-range (80–140€ per day)
A good 3-star hotel or Airbnb (60–120€/night for 2 people), restaurant visits at lunch and dinner, entries to the top attractions, a harbor cruise, and a day trip to Gozo. Those who share (traveling in pairs!) can manage with 80€ per person. This budget level offers the best value for money.
Comfort / Luxury (180–400€+ per day)
Boutique hotels in Valletta (The Phoenicia, Palazzo Consiglia), upscale restaurants, private boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, wine tasting on Gozo, wellness in a 5-star hotel. Malta offers surprisingly good luxury at prices that would be unthinkable in Italy or France. A 5-star dinner here costs 50–80€ — double that in Paris.
Tipp
The best saving hack in Malta: the Explore Card (21€/7 days). Unlimited bus rides on Malta and Gozo, including airport transfer and night buses. Single tickets cost 1.50–2€ per ride — the card pays off from the 3rd day.
Saving Tips
Malta is already inexpensive, but with these strategies, you can save even more:
- Travel in the off-season (Oct–May): Hotels cost 30–50% less than in July/August. Flights from 30€ with Ryanair or Malta Air.
- Buy an Explore Card: The 7-day bus pass (21€) pays for itself in 3 days. Available at machines at bus stations or online at Malta Public Transport.
- Pastizzi as a snack: Malta's cheapest food — flaky pastry with ricotta or peas, from 0.40€. Perfect for in-between. Local bakeries (Pastizzeriji) are everywhere.
- Avoid tap water, but wisely: Tap water is safe but tastes salty. Buy large 5-liter bottles in the supermarket (0.80€) instead of small 0.5l bottles (1€ in tourist areas).
- Heritage Malta Multisite Pass: For 50€, you get entry to all Heritage Malta sites for 30 days — worth it from 5 visits. Includes Ħaġar Qim, Hypogeum, Tarxien, fortresses, and museums.
- Ferry instead of tour to Gozo: The regular Gozo ferry from Ċirkewwa costs only 4.65€ (round trip). Organized day tours cost 40–60€. Take the ferry and explore Gozo by bus (Hop-on-Hop-off: 20€).
- Local restaurants away from promenades: In the alleys behind Sliema's promenade or in the suburbs of Valletta (Floriana, Ħamrun), you eat for half the tourist price.
- Free beaches: All beaches in Malta are public and free. Loungers and umbrellas cost 10–15€/day — bring your own towel.
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