The island's expat and office strip: seafront promenades, co-workings and most of Malta's international jobs. Convenient rather than charming.
What it costs to live in Sliema & St Julian's
A one-bed runs around EUR 1,040 a month, about 15% above the national baseline for Malta, which is what you would expect of a city this much in demand. Across the 60 EU cities we profile, that lands Sliema & St Julian's in the middle of the range.
Set against a typical net salary in Malta of about EUR 1,400, that single rent would swallow roughly 74% of it, which is why flat-sharing and longer commutes are the norm here rather than the exception.
What the economy runs on
iGaming offices, fintech, hospitality.
Sliema & St Julian's suits remote and freelance workers, since the country is set up for them, but the rent means you want income that is already established rather than a first freelance year.
How far English gets you
English is effectively a working language in Sliema & St Julian's: work, healthcare, banking and a social life are all available in English alone. English is an official language here, which removes the paperwork problem newcomers hit almost everywhere else in the EU.
Sliema & St Julian's rates 95/100 for English, broadly in line with Malta as a whole at 95/100. There is a fuller breakdown on the English in Malta page.
What day-to-day life leans on
The sea is part of ordinary life rather than a holiday here: Malta scores 98/100 for coastal access in our model, which shows up in weekends, food and how people spend summer.
Public transport is the weak point, at 45/100 for Malta, so budget for a car unless you plan to live centrally in Sliema & St Julian's.
Worth weighing
Dense development and the island's highest rents.
Sliema & St Julian's is the most expensive of the cities we cover in Malta, so it is worth pricing the alternatives before you commit: Valletta (about EUR 900 a month).
City picked, country still open? See the full Malta overview including cost of living, safety, healthcare and the path to residence, or compare Malta with other EU countries.