It is clearly leaving an effect and forcing young people to move out of the country for better opportunities and lifestyles. 

According to the research, young people want to leave Malta permanently for three main situations: salaries, job opportunities and the environment.

The result echoes previous findings which found that around 70% of young people want to leave the country, a worrying sign for a potential brain drain in the years to come. 

Malta, like the rest of the world, is currently gripped by a cost of living crisis brought on by the Russian government’s invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing sanctions. 

However, there are other issues that predate the crisis, particularly the rising costs in the real estate sector. 

Malta is trying to act by raising the cost of living adjustment to record levels. 

However, it has not got the backing of key unions with the Malta Employers Association finding that many businesses will pass the cost on to consumers, while trade unions are proposing a new mechanism altogether.

Is your salary enough to deal with the cost of living?