Malta is a sun-soaked Mediterranean archipelago between Sicily and North Africa, renowned for its ancient fortified cities, crystal-clear waters, and 7,000 years of history. This UNESCO World Heritage jewel blends baroque architecture, prehistoric temples, and vibrant coastal life into one of Europe's most captivating destinations.
Local currency: Euro (€).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Malta.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $20-30/dorm bed
- Budget
- $45-70/private room
- Midrange
- $90-160/3-star hotel
- Luxury
- $220-550+/5-star resort
Food
- Street
- $1-3 (pastizzi, pastry)
- Local
- $8-15 (casual restaurant main)
- Midrange
- $20-35 (sit-down restaurant)
- Fine
- $80-150+/person (Michelin-starred)
Transport
- Bus
- $2/journey or $21/week unlimited
- Taxi
- $8-15 city ride via Bolt app
- Airport
- $17-30 to Valletta (taxi), $2.50 (bus TD4)
- Gozo Ferry
- $4.65 adult return
Activities
- Museum
- $7-12 (Heritage Malta sites)
- Temples
- $12 (Hagar Qim + Mnajdra)
- Tour
- $35-65 (food or walking tours)
- Excursion
- $15-20 (Comino ferry)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Malta costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$420-525/week (hostel, bus, street food, free attractions)
Midrange traveller
$840-1260/week (3-star hotel, mix of dining, paid attractions)
Luxury traveller
$2100-4000+/week (5-star resort, fine dining, private tours, transfers)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Buy a 7-day Tallinja bus pass for €21 and use public transport exclusively — taxis add up quickly
Visit Marsaxlokk fish market on Sunday and buy fresh ingredients to cook at hostel/apartment kitchen
Eat pastizzi ($0.50 each) for breakfast every day instead of cafe breakfasts
Heritage Malta multi-site pass ($30) covers 10+ attractions and pays for itself in three visits
Avoid restaurants on the Valletta Waterfront and near major tourist sites — prices are 30-50% higher than identical food one street back
Consider Gozo as a base — accommodation is 20-30% cheaper than equivalent quality in Sliema or St Julians
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Free public gardens with the best Grand Harbour panoramas in Malta; watch the noon cannon firing ceremony every day at 12pm and 4pm.
Valletta City Walk
Walk the entire length of Republic Street and St John Street to experience Baroque architecture, street art, and the Triton Fountain at no cost.
Marsaxlokk Harbor Stroll
Free to wander the harbor, photograph the iconic painted luzzu fishing boats, and browse the Sunday market without spending anything.
Dingli Cliffs Walk
Free coastal walk along Malta's highest cliffs with stunning views over the Mediterranean — one of Malta's most rewarding free experiences.
Mdina Exploration
Entry to the Silent City itself is free; walk the atmospheric medieval streets, alleyways, and bastions without paying admission.
Sliema Promenade (Xatt tal-Baħar)
Free waterfront walk from Sliema to St Julians with sea views, rock swimming spots, and the best views of Valletta's illuminated skyline at dusk.
Vittoriosa (Birgu) Walking Tour
The historic Three Cities core is free to explore; walk the fortification walls, narrow streets, and marina area without paying any admission.