Cost of Living in Sliema

Yes – it is the most popular base in Malta for remote workers. You get a seafront promenade, plenty of cafés and coworking spaces, English spoken everywhere, and the ferry to Valletta. The trade-offs are higher rent than the rest of the island, construction noise and busy summers.

A one-bedroom apartment in central Sliema typically costs about €1,200–€1,800 per month, with sea views, balconies or a garage adding €100–€300. Two-bedroom apartments are around €1,800–€2,800. Prices are lower a few streets back from the seafront and in nearby Gżira or Msida.

A single person renting a one-bedroom apartment should budget roughly €2,500–€2,700 per month including rent, utilities, food, transport and some eating out. A family of four should plan for around €6,000 or more, mainly because of larger apartments and international school fees.

Most expats live in Sliema and visit Valletta. Sliema has more apartments to choose from, modern buildings, shops and the seafront, while Valletta is small, historic and quieter at night. The two are 10 minutes apart by ferry, so you can easily enjoy both.

No. Sliema is very walkable, buses connect it to the rest of Malta, a monthly Tallinja card is cheap, and ride-hailing (Bolt, Uber, eCabs) is widely used. Parking in Sliema and St Julian’s is notoriously difficult, so many residents do without a car.

Autumn and spring are the easiest. Rents and short-let prices peak in July and August, when the town is busiest and hottest. Arriving between October and May gives you more choice of apartments and better negotiating power on long-term leases.