Malta is mid-range by Mediterranean standards — more expensive than Albania or North Macedonia, cheaper than Santorini or Mykonos, roughly comparable to Croatia. The small island nation punches above its weight on historical sites, clear water and year-round sunshine. Here's what things cost in 2026.
✔ Budget daily cost: €60–85 (guesthouse, local food, public bus)
✔ Mid-range daily cost: €110–160 (hotel, restaurants, boat trips)
✔ Currency: Euro (€)
✔ Cards: widely accepted in Valletta and tourist areas. Some village restaurants are cash only
✔ Public buses are excellent and very cheap — no need for taxis most of the time
🏨 Accommodation Costs
Hostels (Valletta, St Julian's, Sliema): €22–38/night dorm bed — limited but improving options.
Guesthouses (B&Bs): €55–90/night private room — often in historic townhouses with character.
Mid-range hotels (Sliema/St Julian's): €90–150/night — comfortable, near the main areas.
Gozo guesthouses: €50–80/night — the quieter island is better value than mainland Malta for accommodation.
Best value areas: Marsaskala (southeast coast, local, good value), Gozo, Mellieha (north, beach access). St Julian's is the party/nightlife hub — convenient but pricier and noisier.
🍽️ Food Costs
Pastizzi (flaky pastry with ricotta or peas): €0.30–0.60 — Malta's iconic street snack
Ftira (Maltese bread sandwich): €3–5 from a local bakery
Rabbit (Fenkata) at a village restaurant: €12–18 — the national dish, best in Mdina area
Fresh fish at a seafront restaurant (Marsaxlokk): €14–22
Pizza or pasta: €8–13 — Maltese pizza culture is strong
Kinnie (local bitter orange soft drink): €1.50–2
Local wine (Marsovin or Meridiana): €4–6 a glass, €12–18 a bottle at a restaurant
Full dinner for two: €35–60 at a mid-range restaurant with wine
Best cheap eating: the village of Marsaxlokk on Sunday morning (famous fish market and local restaurants), Valletta's covered market area, and any village festa (free street food and atmosphere).
🚌 Transport Costs
Malta Public Transport (Tallinja) single ticket: €1.50 anytime, €2 summer night service
Tallinja Day Pass: €3 — unlimited bus travel for a day. Extraordinary value.
7-day Tallinja card: €21 — the best option for a week's visit
Malta Airport to Valletta (bus X4): €3, 30 minutes
Ferry to Gozo: €4.65 return — the cheapest day trip in the Mediterranean
Harbour cruise (Grand Harbour or Comino Blue Lagoon): €15–25
🏛️ Sightseeing Costs
St John's Co-Cathedral (Valletta): €15 — extraordinary Caravaggio paintings inside
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (3600 BC underground temple): €35 — one of the world's most remarkable prehistoric sites. Only 80 visitors per day; book weeks in advance.
Valletta City Gate & Parliament: Free
Upper Barrakka Gardens & Saluting Battery: Gardens free; battery salute demonstration €3
Mdina (medieval walled city): Free to enter, museums €5–8
Comino Blue Lagoon boat trip: €15–25 return — the most Instagram'd spot in Malta
FAQs
Is Malta an expensive destination?
Mid-range by Mediterranean standards. More expensive than North Africa or the Balkans, cheaper than Santorini, Mykonos or Positano. The public transport system is genuinely excellent and cheap, which helps significantly.
Can you visit Malta on €70/day?
Yes — guesthouse room €55–65 sharing, pastizzi breakfast €1, local bakery lunch €5, bus day pass €3, village restaurant dinner €15. Covers a comfortable day with local food and one major sight.
Do I need to book the Hypogeum in advance?
Yes — urgently. Only 80 visitors per day are allowed into the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, and slots sell out weeks to months ahead. Book on the Heritage Malta website the moment your travel dates are confirmed. Missing it due to not booking is the most common Malta regret.