Malta Cost Overview
Malta sits in the mid-range for Mediterranean destinations. It's significantly cheaper than Italy, France, or Spain's coastal resorts, roughly on par with Portugal or Croatia, and more expensive than Eastern Europe or North Africa.
The good news? Malta offers excellent value for money. You get rich history, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and reliable infrastructure - all at prices that won't break the bank if you're smart about it.
Several factors affect your Malta trip cost:
- Season: Summer (June-August) costs 30-50% more than winter
- Location: Sliema/St Julian's are priciest; Bugibba/Qawra offer better value
- Style: Tourist traps vs local spots make a huge difference
- Duration: Longer trips allow better value from weekly rates
For complete trip planning, see our Malta Travel Guide and First-Timer's Guide.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Here's what to expect for different travel styles, based on actual 2026 prices.
🎒 Budget Traveler EUR 50-80/day
Hostel dorms or budget guesthouses, local food, public transport, and free activities. Comfortable but careful spending.
- Accommodation: EUR 20-35 (hostel dorm or budget room)
- Food: EUR 15-25 (pastizzi, takeaways, supermarket, one sit-down meal)
- Transport: EUR 3-5 (buses, walking)
- Activities: EUR 10-15 (free attractions, occasional paid entry)
🧳 Mid-Range Traveler EUR 100-150/day
3-star hotels or nice Airbnbs, restaurant meals, mix of transport, most attractions. Comfortable without splurging.
- Accommodation: EUR 50-80 (3-star hotel or good Airbnb)
- Food: EUR 30-45 (cafe breakfast, restaurant lunch/dinner)
- Transport: EUR 10-15 (buses, occasional taxi, maybe car rental day)
- Activities: EUR 15-25 (attractions, tours, boat trips)
💎 Luxury Traveler EUR 250+/day
5-star hotels, fine dining, private transfers, premium experiences. No compromises on comfort or quality.
- Accommodation: EUR 150-400+ (5-star hotel or luxury villa)
- Food: EUR 80-150 (fine dining, wine, premium restaurants)
- Transport: EUR 30-50 (private transfers, car rental)
- Activities: EUR 50-100+ (private tours, yacht trips, spa)
For luxury options, see our Luxury Malta Guide and Luxury Hotels Guide.
Flight Costs
Flight prices to Malta vary dramatically by season and how far in advance you book.
| From | Low Season | Shoulder | Peak Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | EUR 30-60 | EUR 60-120 | EUR 120-250 |
| Germany | EUR 40-80 | EUR 80-150 | EUR 150-300 |
| France | EUR 50-100 | EUR 100-180 | EUR 180-350 |
| Italy | EUR 30-70 | EUR 70-130 | EUR 130-250 |
| USA (East Coast) | EUR 400-600 | EUR 600-900 | EUR 800-1,200 |
Flight Booking Tips
- Book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best prices on budget airlines
- Tuesday/Wednesday flights are often cheapest
- Ryanair and Wizz Air offer the lowest fares from Europe
- Malta Airport (MLA) is the only airport - no alternative to compare
- Consider flying to Sicily and taking the ferry for a different experience
More details in our Malta Airport Guide.
Accommodation Prices
Malta offers accommodation for every budget. Prices below are for double rooms in high season (June-September). Expect 20-40% less in winter.
| Type | Price/Night | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel Dorm | EUR 18-30 | Solo backpackers |
| Budget Guesthouse | EUR 40-60 | Budget couples |
| 3-Star Hotel | EUR 60-100 | Most travelers |
| 4-Star Hotel | EUR 100-180 | Comfort seekers |
| 5-Star Hotel | EUR 200-500+ | Luxury travelers |
| Airbnb (1-bed) | EUR 50-120 | Longer stays, self-catering |
| Villa (3-bed) | EUR 150-400 | Families, groups |
Where to Stay by Budget
- Budget: Bugibba, Qawra, or Mellieha offer the best value
- Mid-Range: Sliema or St Paul's Bay balance price and location
- Luxury: Valletta, St Julian's, or Gozo for premium hotels
Food & Drink Costs
Food is where you can really save money in Malta - or splurge beautifully. The difference between tourist traps and local spots is dramatic.
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Upscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee | EUR 1.50 | EUR 2.50 | EUR 4-5 |
| Pastizzi | EUR 0.50 | - | - |
| Breakfast | EUR 3-5 | EUR 8-12 | EUR 15-25 |
| Lunch | EUR 5-8 | EUR 12-18 | EUR 25-40 |
| Dinner | EUR 8-12 | EUR 20-35 | EUR 50-100+ |
| Beer (pint) | EUR 2.50 | EUR 4 | EUR 6-8 |
| Wine (glass) | EUR 3 | EUR 5-7 | EUR 10-15 |
| Water (1.5L) | EUR 0.50 | - | - |
Where to Eat by Budget
Budget (EUR 15-25/day): Pastizzerias, village kiosks, supermarket delis, ftira shops, and takeaways. See our Cheap Eats Guide.
Mid-Range (EUR 35-50/day): Local trattorias, casual restaurants, lunch specials, and one nice dinner. Check our Best Maltese Food Guide.
Fine Dining (EUR 80+/day): Malta has excellent upscale restaurants. See our Fine Dining Guide.
For breakfast spots specifically, see our Malta Breakfast Guide.
Transport Costs
Malta is small (316 km²), so getting around is relatively affordable. Here's what each option costs.
| Transport | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus (single) | EUR 1.50-2 | EUR 0.75 with Tallinja card |
| Bus (day pass) | EUR 21 | 7-day Explore card |
| Taxi (airport) | EUR 20-35 | Depends on destination |
| Taxi (in-town) | EUR 10-20 | Use Bolt app for best prices |
| Gozo Ferry | EUR 4.65 | Return, pay on way back |
| Car Rental | EUR 25-50/day | More in summer |
| Scooter Rental | EUR 20-35/day | Great for exploring |
More details in our Getting Around Malta Guide, Bus Guide, and Taxi Guide.
Activities & Attractions
Many of Malta's best experiences are free or very affordable. Here's what paid attractions cost.
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hypogeum (UNESCO site) | EUR 40 |
| Malta Experience | EUR 16 |
| St John's Co-Cathedral | EUR 15 |
| Mdina Experience | EUR 10 |
| National Museum of Archaeology | EUR 5 |
| Megalithic Temples | EUR 10 |
| Blue Lagoon Boat Trip | EUR 25-45 |
| Gozo Day Trip (organized) | EUR 45-70 |
| Diving (2 dives) | EUR 70-100 |
| Beach Club (day) | EUR 20-50 |
Free Things to Do
Malta offers plenty of free activities:
- Walking around Valletta and Mdina
- All beaches (public access required by law)
- Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens
- Watching the noon cannon from Upper Barrakka
- Fishing villages like Marsaxlokk (free to explore)
- Hiking coastal paths and countryside
- Village festas (summer weekends)
See our Malta Attractions Guide for the full list.
Sample Trip Budgets
Here are realistic budgets for a 7-day Malta trip for 2 people, including flights from Europe.
🎒 Budget Trip: EUR 1,400-1,800 total
- Flights: EUR 150-250 (2 people, budget airline)
- Accommodation: EUR 280-400 (budget hotel/hostel, 7 nights)
- Food: EUR 210-350 (EUR 15-25/day each)
- Transport: EUR 60-100 (buses, occasional taxi)
- Activities: EUR 100-150 (free attractions, 2-3 paid)
- Contingency: EUR 100-150
🧳 Mid-Range Trip: EUR 2,500-3,500 total
- Flights: EUR 250-400 (2 people)
- Accommodation: EUR 500-800 (3-star hotel, 7 nights)
- Food: EUR 500-700 (EUR 35-50/day each)
- Transport: EUR 150-250 (buses, taxis, 1-day car rental)
- Activities: EUR 200-350 (boat trips, attractions, tours)
- Contingency: EUR 200-300
💎 Luxury Trip: EUR 5,000-8,000+ total
- Flights: EUR 400-800 (2 people, premium economy/business)
- Accommodation: EUR 1,500-3,000 (5-star hotel, 7 nights)
- Food: EUR 1,000-1,500 (fine dining, wine)
- Transport: EUR 300-500 (private transfers, car rental)
- Activities: EUR 500-1,000 (private tours, yacht, spa)
- Contingency: EUR 500+
Money-Saving Tips
Timing
- Visit November-March (except Christmas) for lowest prices
- Shoulder season (April-May, October) offers good weather and lower prices
- Book flights 6-8 weeks ahead for best deals
- Midweek flights are usually cheaper
Accommodation
- Stay outside Sliema/St Julian's - Bugibba and Mellieha are cheaper
- Book apartments with kitchens for self-catering savings
- Ask for weekly rates - many places offer discounts
- Consider Gozo - often cheaper and more authentic
Food
- Eat pastizzi for breakfast (EUR 0.50 each!)
- Lunch at village kiosks - half the price of tourist restaurants
- Buy wine from supermarkets - local wine is excellent and cheap
- Avoid waterfront restaurants in Sliema/St Julian's for everyday meals
- Drink tap water - it's safe (though many prefer bottled)
Transport
- Get a Tallinja card for bus discounts
- Use Bolt app instead of taxi ranks
- Walk within towns - distances are short
- Share taxis to/from airport with other travelers
Activities
- Take the public ferry to Gozo instead of organized tours
- Visit attractions early/late to avoid crowds (same price, better experience)
- Swim at public beaches - all beaches are free by law
- Attend free village festas in summer for authentic culture
More tips in our Malta Travel Hacks and Best Value Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trip to Malta cost?
A trip to Malta costs approximately EUR 50-80 per day for budget travelers, EUR 100-150 for mid-range, and EUR 250+ for luxury. A typical 7-day trip costs EUR 700-1,500 for budget travelers (including flights from Europe), EUR 1,200-2,500 for mid-range, and EUR 3,000+ for luxury experiences.
Is Malta expensive for tourists?
Malta is moderately priced compared to other Mediterranean destinations. It's cheaper than Italy, France, or Spanish coastal resorts, but more expensive than Eastern Europe or North Africa. Prices are similar to Portugal or Croatia. With smart choices, Malta can be very affordable.
How much spending money do I need for Malta?
For daily spending (excluding accommodation), budget EUR 40-60 for basic needs, EUR 70-100 for comfortable travel with activities, or EUR 150+ for luxury experiences. A week in Malta typically requires EUR 300-500 spending money for budget travelers, EUR 500-800 for mid-range.
What is the cheapest month to visit Malta?
November to March (excluding Christmas/New Year) offers the lowest prices, with flights from EUR 30-80 and hotels 30-50% cheaper than summer. January and February are the cheapest months. Shoulder seasons (April-May, October) offer good value with better weather.
How much is a meal in Malta?
Meal costs in Malta vary widely: pastizzi snacks cost EUR 0.50-1, takeaway meals EUR 5-8, casual restaurant meals EUR 12-20, mid-range restaurants EUR 25-40, and fine dining EUR 60-100+ per person. A coffee costs EUR 1.50-3, and a beer EUR 2.50-5.
Related Planning Guides
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