Is Malta expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Malta is moderately priced: cheaper than most of Western Europe, a little cheaper than Italy for hotels and similar to Spain's resort coasts. A budget day is about €80 per person, mid-range about €160 and comfort about €350. Rooms in summer and boat trips are the main costs; buses and pastizzi are very cheap.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €40 | €75 | €160 |
| Food & drink | €20 | €40 | €80 |
| Sights & tickets | €15 | €35 | €70 |
| Local transport | €5 | €10 | €40 |
| Per person, per day | €80 | €160 | €350 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Malta day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Pastizz (ricotta or pea pastry) | about €0.60-1 |
| Bus ride (Tallinja) | about €2-3 |
| St John's Co-Cathedral | about €15 |
| Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum | about €35-50 |
| Dgħajsa water taxi across the Grand Harbour | a few euros |
| Gozo ferry from Ċirkewwa, return | a few euros, paid on the way back |
| Rabbit stew (stuffat tal-fenek) in a restaurant | about €16-25 |
| Mid-range dinner for two with wine | about €60-90 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Rooms take the largest share, especially in Valletta, Sliema and St Julian's from June to September, plus the small eco-contribution per person per night. Sights add up: the Co-Cathedral, the Hypogeum and the Heritage Malta sites charge about €10-50 each, and boat trips to Comino's Blue Lagoon or around the harbours are extra. Buses are cheap, and street food and set lunches keep eating costs down.
When it is cheaper
November to March, outside Christmas and Carnival, is cheapest, with hotel prices often well below summer rates. April, May and October are a good balance of warm weather and moderate prices.
How to spend less
- Use the Tallinja buses, or a multi-journey card, instead of taxis.
- Eat pastizzi and ftira for lunch; a filling meal can cost under €5.
- Consider the Heritage Malta multi-site pass if you plan several museums and temples.
- Book the Hypogeum online weeks ahead rather than paying for a tour.
- Cross the Grand Harbour by ferry or dgħajsa instead of going round by road.
- Stay in Sliema or Gżira, which are often cheaper than Valletta with good ferry links.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Malta cost?
About €80 per person on a budget, €160 mid-range and €350 for comfort, including a shared room.
Is Malta cheaper than Italy?
Often slightly cheaper for hotels and food, though summer prices in Sliema and St Julian's can be high.
Is there a tourist tax in Malta?
Yes, a small eco-contribution per person per night, capped per stay, paid at the hotel.