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8 Things That Cost More In Malta Than In The Rest Of Europe

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Malta has a whole lot of things on Europe – we’ve got beautiful beaches, incredible food, and a long history that makes places like the USA or Australia look like literal babies compared to Malta.

However, there are some areas where Malta is still losing out compared to Europe – and it’s not just in the democratic values area. 

Some things in Malta are just more expensive than in the rest of Europe. Here are 8 of those things.

1. Consumer electronics

Malta was found to have the highest priced consumer electronics in Europe. Things like TVs, fridges, smartphones, laptops – these all cost more in Malta than any other country in Europe. 

And that includes countries like Spain, Italy and Greece, which are still reeling from 2008’s recession and subsequent austerity measures. Ħazin guys. 

Consumer Electronics 1

All of these things cost more in Malta

2. Hostels

Hostels are known throughout Europe as the obvious low-cost choice: there are thousands upon thousands of them throughout the continent, catering to all budget types.

However, hostels are a relatively new and rare offering in Malta, and as such aren’t so budget-friendly.

Plus, many of Malta’s hostels are billed as “boutique” hostels, which just means that they are going to cost more than a hotel while offering smaller bedrooms with some très funky lampshades.

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3. Lidl

Ironically, even discount stores cost more in Malta. It was found that about 200 products in Malta’s Lidl cost more than in Italian and Sicilian outlets. Prices ranged from a difference of 50c up to €30. 

The price difference was blamed on freight expenses. 

6 Jd Lidl Survey

4. Household appliances 

Just like with consumer electronics, Malta isn’t doing too well when it comes to household appliances. From toasters to vacuum cleaners to ovens, instead of Birkirkara, maybe try Budapest for the cheapest appliances in the EU.

5. Turkish fast food

This one personally pains me. Go to Germany, Holland, Belgium, or nearly any other European country, and you can obtain incredible Turkish doner kebabs starting at €2.50. 

Some of the best Turkish food around can be obtained in Berlin for €3 – and it ain’t no small portion.

In Malta, expect to pay at least €5 on a basic doner wrap – and, more often than not, expect the price to reach up to €8.50, especially in popular areas like St. Julians or Sliema.

You would think with the amount of Turkish outlets Malta has, the price would have gone down. Let’s just put the blame on freight expenses, shall we?

Doner Kebab

6. Long distance travel

Malta just loses out in this category. 

From Spain to Romania – hell, even other islands like the UK – our fellow Europeans can always cut their costs when it comes to long distance travelling by turning to options like trains, private cars, rented cars or even hitchhiking to get to foreign countries or distant cities. 

I even know a guy who happily spends his days travelling by boat between London and Bristol. 

His own boat, which he can also sleep on.

If you count petrol, A/C, internet, and food and drink costs, it probably costs more to get from Mosta to Valletta in rush hour then homeboy spends to go from London to Bristol. 

My face when I realise that might actually be true

7. Internet/broadband services*

We’ve all complained about the quality of the internet in Malta at some point in our lives, but a study found that the price of internet can reach up to three times the cost than in the rest of Europe.

Malta was found to have the most expensive broadband in the EU – and the worst quality as well.

8. Apartments for rent

Renting an apartment in Malta used to be an easy affair, with low prices and lots of different types of residences available. 

But the last couple of years has seen Malta’s apartment prices rise astronomically, putting Malta in the top half of European prices. 

Malta is now priced higher than most of south and eastern Europe, as well as most of Spain and Italy. Ħazin guys. 

* The Malta Communications Authority has said that the information was quoted from a 2015 report that is outdated and that does not take into account market developments for internet quality.

Do you know of other things that cost way more in Malta than the rest of Europe? Let us know in the comments below.

READ NEXT: Maltese People React To Being Called The Ugliest In Europe

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]

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