Malta vs Italy
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 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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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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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
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Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Malta | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 1: Normal Precautions | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 132.7 | 151 +18.3 |
| Healthcare Index | 52.5 | 65.1 +12.6 |
| Safety Index | 57 +3.9 | 53.1 |
| Cost of Living Index | 48 +3.0 | 51 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $892 +125.2 | $1,017.2 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $3,307 +325.9 | $3,632.9 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1,187.22 | $845.17 +342.05 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $976.16 | $660.88 +315.28 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $2,003.23 | $1,474.53 +528.7 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,580.39 | $1,091.27 +489.12 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 298.65 Mbps +13.6 | 285.05 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Italy. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
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