Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

LijaOverall winner

Lija is approximately 27% less expensive than Pietà based on cost of living including rent. This makes Lija a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Lija has a FIRE Score of 59/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 75, which is relatively safe.

Recommended profile: Lija is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Side by side

Best in row

Malta

Lija

Normal Precautions
Nomad73

Malta

Pietà

Normal Precautions
Nomad80
Cost
Cost of living index
-
-
One person, excluding rent
$1,550/mo
$1,550/mo
Family of four, excluding rent
$5,600/mo
$5,600/mo
Total monthly, rent included
Best in row. $1,628/mo
$2,313/mo
Monthly savings
Best in row. $1,372/mo
$687/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
Best in row. $1,100
$1,400
1BR, outside centre
Best in row. $900
$1,120
3BR, city centre
Best in row. $1,600
$2,239
3BR, outside centre
Best in row. $1,300
$1,792
Scores
FIRE score
Best in row. 60/100
55/100
Nomad score
55/100
55/100
Retiree score
63/100
Best in row. 79/100
Overall score
73/100
Best in row. 80/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
75
Best in row. 85
Internet speed
Best in row. 150 Mbps
100 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

Estimates from published local prices. N/A means no figure is published for that city.

About these cities

About Lija

Lija is a tiny village of 4 thousand people, so do not come here expecting big-city energy or a deep rental market. A 1-bedroom in the center runs $1,100/mo and drops to $900/mo outside it, while a 3-bedroom goes for $1,600/mo in the center and $1,300/mo further out, which is steep for a place this small. The trade-off is real: a 75/100 safety index, a 25/100 crime index, good healthcare, widely spoken English, and a 73/100 expat score make it an easy soft landing, especially for digital nomads. Just know the Malta Digital Nomad Residence Permit demands $3,997/mo in income, well above the $1,578/mo mid-range budget, so remote workers here need serious earnings to qualify.

About Malta

Best for digital nomads: Malta offers a Nomad Residence Permit with a clear USD 3,997/mo income requirement, making it accessible for remote workers. Safety is high (US Travel Advisory Level 1) and English proficiency is high, easing daily life. However, the progressive income tax (0% to 35%) can be a hidden cost for higher earners, and the Nomad Residence Permit can lead to permanent residency.

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Lija vs Pietà -- Frequently Asked Questions

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