Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

MgarrOverall winner

Luqa is approximately 4% less expensive than Mgarr based on cost of living including rent. This makes Luqa a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Luqa has a FIRE Score of 77/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 87, which is relatively safe.

Recommended profile: Luqa is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.

Side by side

Best in row

Malta

Mgarr

Normal Precautions
Nomad78

Malta

Luqa

Normal Precautions
Retiree81
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. $1,456/mo
$1,556/mo
Monthly savings
Best in row. $1,544/mo
$1,444/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
$840
Best in row. $804
1BR, outside centre
Best in row. $728
$813
3BR, city centre
$1,456
Best in row. $1,308
3BR, outside centre
$1,456
Best in row. $1,290
Scores
FIRE score
64/100
Best in row. 65/100
Nomad score
43/100
Best in row. 55/100
Retiree score
74/100
Best in row. 81/100
Overall score
78/100
Best in row. 81/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
85
Best in row. 87
Internet speed
Best in row. 120 Mbps
80 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

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

About these cities

About Mgarr

Mgarr is a tiny village of 4 thousand people where a single adult can live on $898/mo at the budget tier, and the safety index of 85 with a crime index of 15 makes it one of the easier Maltese addresses to recommend without hesitation. Rents are the catch: $840/mo for a one-bedroom in the center and $1,456/mo for three bedrooms anywhere in town, which is steep for a place this small. Pair that with a $3,997/mo income floor on the Malta Digital Nomad Residence Permit and Mgarr suits remote workers and retirees who already earn well, not budget chasers. English is widely spoken, healthcare is good, and the Mediterranean climate does the rest.

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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Mgarr vs Luqa -- Frequently Asked Questions

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