Budget & Costs in Malta (2026 Price Guide)

Last updated: January 2026

Malta can be cheap or expensive. The difference is not “luck”—it’s timing, area, and how you move. Below is a practical cost guide for 2026 to help you plan a real budget that matches your travel style.

Daily budget ranges (per person)

• Budget: €70–€110/day (shared room, buses, simple meals, selective experiences)
• Mid-range: €120–€220/day (better hotel, mix of Bolt/bus, nicer dinners, more activities)
• Comfort/VIP: €250+/day (premium stays, frequent rides, higher-end dining, VIP options)

Transport costs (what you actually pay)

• Bus single fares: seasonal pricing applies; visitors typically pay per ride unless using a travel card.
• 7-day unlimited bus card (Explore): strong value if you’ll ride frequently.
• Airport-to-St Julian’s area: buses are cheapest; ride-hailing is faster and more flexible (prices vary by demand).
• Gozo ferry (foot passenger): priced per crossing; vehicle pricing differs by category.

Food & drink (realistic ranges)

• Quick meal / casual: €10–€18
• Mid-range dinner: €20–€40 per person (more if you add cocktails/wine)
• Fast food combo: around €10
• Beer / basic drink: typically €3–€6 depending on area and venue

Accommodation: what drives the price

• Peak months cost more: late June–early September is the most expensive window.
• Area matters: St Julian’s/Sliema usually costs more than calmer bases further north.
• Groups save per head: apartments can be better value if you split costs.

Tourist eco-contribution (important for 2026)

Malta charges an environmental contribution on accommodation stays. In the 2026 budget, this contribution was announced to increase to €1.50 per person per night. Always confirm the exact amount and cap with your accommodation at booking/check-in, as implementation details can be updated.

Smart ways to save (without ruining the trip)

• Pick the right base: staying “too central” can raise costs daily (food + drinks + noise fatigue).
• Use a bus card if you’ll ride often: it quickly beats paying per trip.
• Do fewer, higher-quality experiences: one strong boat day + one strong culture day beats random spending.
• Plan your “big nights”: budget goes off the rails when nights are unstructured.

Practical 2026 budget checklist

• Accommodation total + eco-contribution
• Airport transfers (arrival + departure)
• Daily transport (bus card vs rides)
• Food baseline (2 meals + water)
• Activities you truly care about
• Buffer (10–15%) for surprises

If you want your week to feel “easy,” budget for convenience: a better base location, a few rides when needed, and booking the experiences you actually want upfront. Malta gets expensive when you improvise.