‘How The F*ck Are You Surviving?’ Is Malta Too Expensive?
Is the cost of living really high in Malta or are we exaggerating?
“Just graduated with a degree and now I’m getting a job. Live with my mom. Even with both of our wages there isn’t anything much above paying rent and bills that would be possible. How are you guys doing this?” local young influencer and rapper, Alex Micallef, took his frustration to Reddit about the high cost of living in Malta. The comments echoed this sentiment, with people highlighting their most expensive costs such as rent and groceries. “I remember paying 20-30 for groceries and seeing it as expensive. I get coffee and basics for €50 if I’m lucky now,”
While the people say this, statistics sing Malta’s praises. According to a study conducted this year: “The cost of living in Malta is somewhere in the median range at €2,205 for one person per month.” This marks Malta as one of the least expensive European countries. Tourists also say this, even having called the island a cheaper version of Ibiza.
Who is right and who is wrong? Numbers can’t be proven wrong. If the problem is not the costs, it is the income. The average gross wage in Malta is €1,193 for manual labourers and €3,008 for managers, according to the NSO in 2023. A Eurostat survey that Maltese wages are amongst the lowest in the EU, falling way under half the EU average. After rent, groceries, loans and other costs, is this a liveable amount for the average Joe?
Keeping this in mind, as well the recent controversies with the TCNs being paid horribly and working in subpar conditions. This begs the question, how will we encourage Maltese youths, such as Alex, to stay in Malta and grow their career here?
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