Italy vs Malta
Malta costs roughly 6% less than Italy, though Italy scores higher on healthcare. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Malta is approximately 6% less expensive than Italy based on cost of living including rent. This makes Malta a more expensive option for expats considering a move.
Italy has a FIRE Score of 55/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 53.1, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Italy is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over savings.
About Italy
Retirees with steady income fare better here than remote workers chasing savings. Rent outside the center runs $660.88/mo, cheap by European standards, but income tax climbing to 43% erodes any freelance upside fast. The Elective Residence Visa requires $2,895/mo in passive income, and citizenship stays complex even after years of residency.
$1,138/mo
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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.
$921/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Italy | Malta |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 1: Normal Precautions |
| Quality of Life Index | 151 +18.3 | 132.7 |
| Healthcare Index | 65.1 +12.6 | 52.5 |
| Safety Index | 53.1 | 57 +3.9 |
| Cost of Living Index | 51 | 48 +3.0 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $1,017.2 | $892 +125.2 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $3,632.9 | $3,307 +325.9 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $845.17 +342.05 | $1,187.22 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $660.88 +315.28 | $976.16 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,474.53 +528.7 | $2,003.23 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,091.27 +489.12 | $1,580.39 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 285.05 Mbps | 298.65 Mbps +13.6 |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Malta. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
Get covered before you move to Malta. Genki Traveler offers insurance designed for nomads and expats.
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