Cost of Living in Sliema - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,477 monthly including rent, or $1,115 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,930 with rent, or $1,988 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $5,384 including rent, or $2,861 for daily expenses alone.

Sliema sits 80–84% above the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are 33% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$19.96 €17.22
$17.11 €14.76
$28.52 €24.60
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$89.6 €77.2
$57.1 €49.28
$116 €99.7
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$13.89 €11.98
$10.42 €8.99
$15.04 €12.97
Cappuccino
$2.76 €2.38
$2.28 €1.97
$4.57 €3.94
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.22 €2.78
$2.74 €2.36
$3.61 €3.12
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.30 €1.98
$1.73 €1.49
$2.94 €2.54
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.65 €4.01
$3.45 €2.97
$5.74 €4.95
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.29 €4.56
$3.46 €2.98
$6.78 €5.85
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.43 €1.23
$1.33 €1.15
$1.58 €1.36
White Bread (500g)
$1.36 €1.17
$1.14 €0.98
$1.83 €1.58
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.54 €3.91
$3.76 €3.25
$5.85 €5.04
Eggs
$4.36 €3.76
$3.89 €3.36
$5.27 €4.55
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.74 €7.54
$5.23 €4.51
$11.66 €10.06
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.95 €9.44
$8.22 €7.09
$12.92 €11.14
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$18.77 €16.19
$12.63 €10.90
$27.50 €23.71
Apples (1kg)
$4.37 €3.77
$3.26 €2.81
$7.74 €6.67
Banana (1kg)
$2.88 €2.49
$2.21 €1.91
$8.16 €7.04
Oranges (1kg)
$3.78 €3.26
$2.35 €2.02
$11.75 €10.14
Tomato (1kg)
$3.44 €2.97
$1.37 €1.18
$6.88 €5.93
Potato (1kg)
$2.52 €2.17
$1.13 €0.98
$4.99 €4.31
Onion (1kg)
$2.13 €1.84
$1.42 €1.22
$4.75 €4.09
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.36 €2.04
$1.99 €1.72
$3.42 €2.95
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.36 €1.17
$0.94 €0.81
$2.30 €1.98
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$7.15 €6.17
$7.08 €6.11
$7.15 €6.17
Wine (Bottle)
$8.58 €7.40
$7.07 €6.10
$14.14 €12.19
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.83 €1.58
$1.41 €1.22
$2.95 €2.54
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.42 €2.09
$2.27 €1.96
$3.42 €2.95
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.29 €1.97
$2.29 €1.97
$2.86 €2.46
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$140 €121
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.87 €5.06
$5.87 €5.06
$5.87 €5.06
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.37 €2.05
$2.37 €2.05
$2.37 €2.05
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$27.49 €23.71
$27.49 €23.71
$27.49 €23.71
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.52 €1.31
$1.52 €1.31
$1.52 €1.31
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$39.5K €34.1K
$39.5K €34.1K
$39.5K €34.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$39.9K €34.4K
$39.9K €34.4K
$39.9K €34.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$108 €92.9
$94.1 €81.1
$116 €99.8
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$26.58 €22.93
$17.49 €15.08
$29.15 €25.14
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$44.33 €38.24
$37.32 €32.19
$62.3 €53.7
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$77.2 €66.5
$68.5 €59.1
$95.2 €82.1
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$16.55 €14.28
$13.03 €11.24
$17.26 €14.88
Cinema Ticket
$10.43 €8.99
$9.26 €7.99
$11.75 €10.14
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$374 €322
$318 €274
$684 €590
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$11.4K €9,841
$7,230 €6,236
$15.5K €13.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$90.1 €77.7
$57.7 €49.79
$162 €139
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$42.70 €36.83
$11.78 €10.16
$70.7 €61.0
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$102 €88.0
$85.8 €74.0
$114 €98.7
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$81.9 €70.7
$76.1 €65.6
$87.8 €75.7
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,783 €1,538
$1,778 €1,533
$1,824 €1,573
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,287 €1,110
$1,232 €1,062
$1,350 €1,164
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$3,086 €2,661
$1,776 €1,532
$4,925 €4,247
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,460 €2,122
$2,162 €1,865
$3,006 €2,592
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$5,642 €4,866
$4,885 €4,214
$6,588 €5,682
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,730 €3,217
$3,604 €3,108
$3,887 €3,352
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,902 €1,640
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
2.9
2.9
2.9

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: August 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,783 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,287 outside the center. At 94% of the average salary ($1,902), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,902, while typical expenses reach $2,477. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $341 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $90.0 for two – above the European average of $77.0.

Public transport is priced at around $140 per month – above the European average of $50.0.

Cost Highlights

Rice is more expensive than 99% of cities in Europe

Public transport monthly pass is more expensive than 99% of cities in Europe

3-bedroom apartment, city center is more expensive than 97% of cities in Europe

Sliema Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Sliema - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sliema a good value overall for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to other Maltese towns?
Cost of Living in Sliema tends to blend convenience with a coastal premium. The value comes from walkable access to ferries, a dense core of shops, and dining without long commutes, which can appeal to travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Rents vary by building age and location, so you can edge costs down by choosing smaller flats a short walk from the promenade or by sharing. Dining out is convenient, but groceries let you create balanced meals at home. Seasonal demand drives shifts in availability, so timing searches around off-peak periods helps. Tip: Identify a core neighborhood you like and compare one-bedroom prices across a couple of streets to find value.
What does daily life look like in Sliema in terms of housing, food, transport, and coworking or errands?
Daily life centers on short commutes and walkable services. Start your housing hunt around the Seafront and the Strand to balance access with price, but don’t overlook quieter backstreets for better deals. Food options range from markets, cafeterias, and casual bistros to weekly groceries for cooking at home. Transport leans on ferries, buses, and a compact tram-like network, so consider a base near transit hubs to cut time and costs. For coworking or errands, many cafes offer reliable Wi‑Fi; if working full-time, compare month passes with daily rates. Sliema living cost varies with choices, so track your expenses as you explore. Tip: Use a transit card and a shared kitchen to keep daily costs predictable.
How can you maximize quality of life in Sliema while staying mindful of budget and seasonal shifts?
Quality of life in Sliema hinges on balance between pace, access, and budget flexibility. A simple budgeting framework helps you adapt to seasonality: allocate fixed costs first (rent, utilities, SIM/data), then set flexible categories for meals and entertainment. Neighborhood fit matters: the Strand offers easy access and social energy, while quieter lanes provide quieter mornings and lower rents. Embrace seasonal rhythms – summer crowds boost prices and shorten parking windows, while winter quiet can lower costs and ease getting around. Practical wins include cooking at home, using bulk markets, and choosing walkable errands over car trips. Tip: build a weekly routine that clusters errands in the same area to save time and transport cost.
Why is Sliema so expensive compared to other cities?
Budget at least $2,477 per month to live in Sliema once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.
Is rent in Sliema too high relative to local incomes?
With 94% of the average paycheck going to rent, Sliema is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Sliema?
Earning $3,715 monthly in Sliema means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Sliema per month?
Where you live in Sliema makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,783; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,287. Overall, the market runs from $1,287 to $1,783 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Sliema?
A monthly transit pass in Sliema runs about $140, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
Why are groceries so expensive in Sliema?
A single person's grocery bill in Sliema runs about $341 monthly, which is above average. Everything from dairy and meat to fresh produce costs more here, reflecting the city's overall high price level.
Is $3,000 enough to cover living costs in Sliema?
At $2,477 in typical monthly expenses, a $3,000 budget barely covers Sliema. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
Why do retirees choose to move to Sliema?
Retirees thrive in Sliema – living costs average around $2,477 monthly, healthcare is affordable and accessible, and the overall vibe supports a fulfilling, low-stress retirement.

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