Should You Move to Malta or Cyprus?

23rd October 2024 by

Are you deliberating whether to live in Malta or Cyprus? This post will help you decide by comparing key factors, such as the cost of living and the job market to help you decide.

Relocating to a new country is always a challenging experience, and there are many factors to consider before deciding to move.

Two destinations that PSS Removals often receive enquiries on are the island nations of Malta and Cyprus. With both being idyllic holiday hotspots with decent climates and great beaches, it’s easy to see why – but what are the differences between the two, and which is right for you? Let us work through each to help you make an informed decision.

If you need to use a removal service to Malta or Cyprus, consider contacting PSS International Removals. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, our team is dedicated to ensuring that your transition is smooth, with all your belongings arriving safely at your new home.

1. Cost of living in Malta vs Cyprus: Winner Malta

Cost of Living - Cyprus vs Malta

The cost of living is a hot topic at present; especially for Brits who have seen their everyday costs skyrocket at home.

Indeed, dependent on your visa type when you move abroad, it may be that you are required to have a minimum income amount or access to a minimum amount of existing funds – and so it’s important to ensure that such money will get you far enough for a decent quality of living in your new home.

Malta:

Generally speaking, Malta has historically cost more to live in than Cyprus; but the explosion of tourism to the Greek isle now means that Malta comes in slightly cheaper when it comes to everyday expenses. The cost of living in Malta is considered to be around 15.5% cheaper than the UK on average, with residential rents an impressive 22.5% less.

Not including residential rent, it’s estimated that a single person in Malta can live comfortably on approximately €779 (around £664), and a family of four around €2,832 (around £2,417).

In Malta, a litre of milk costs around €1.10 (90p); a bottle of mid-range wine €6.75 (£5,69); a three-course meal for two people €70 (58.99); and a litre of petrol €1.34 (£1.13).

Utility bills are considerably less than you’d expect in the UK – approximately €91.40 (£77.02) for all bills (electricity, water, heating, cooling and waste) per month for an 85m² apartment; €24.26 (£20.44) for a mobile phone monthly plan with 10GB+ data; and €29.87 (£25.17) for a monthly internet subscription of 60Mbps or more with unlimited data.

Cyprus:

Cyprus has seen an increase in its everyday living costs in the last few years, edging it slightly ahead of Malta. However, it remains considerably cheaper than the UK at 13% lower per person for everyday expenses and 18.1% lower in monthly residential rent.

It’s estimated that the monthly costs of a single person living in Cyprus is €864 (£738) without rent, and €3,046 (£2,600) for a family of four.

As far as groceries go, you can expect to pay €1.63 (£1.37) for a litre of milk; €7 (1.37) for a bottle of mid-range wine; a three-course meal for two people at a restaurant for €60 (50.56); and a litre of petrol for €1.41 (£1.19).

Again, utility bills are much cheaper than most will pay in the UK: around €178.60 (£149.99)  for basic bills for an 85m² apartment; €20.29 (£17.10) per month for a mobile phone with 10GB+data; and €31.24 (£26.32) per month for internet at 60Mbps with unlimited data.

It’s worth looking at our previous post on best places to live in Cyprus for further information on where to live.

2. Properties in Malta vs Cyprus: Winner Cyprus

Properties in Malta vs Cyprus (1)

Malta and Cyprus both offer diverse property markets, combining Mediterranean charm with modern living. Malta is known for its historic townhouses and vibrant urban areas, while Cyprus features beachfront villas and modern apartments. Both islands present great opportunities with their strategic locations and favourable climates.

Malta:

Malta offers a vibrant property market with a blend of historic charm and modern living. Buyers can find a wide range of options, from traditional townhouses and quaint farmhouses to sleek apartments and luxurious waterfront villas.

Destinations such as Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s are particularly sought after, featuring properties with stunning sea views, contemporary amenities, and close proximity to restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

For those interested in properties that capture the essence of Maltese heritage, traditional limestone houses with iconic wooden balconies offer a unique Mediterranean experience. Alternatively, modern developments cater to those looking for a more contemporary style, often featuring spacious interiors, private pools, and high-end finishes.

Cyprus:

Cyprus also presents a diverse real estate market that appeals to various lifestyles and preferences. The island offers everything from seaside apartments and luxury villas to countryside homes and modern city residences.

Key areas like Limassol, Paphos, and Nicosia are known for their variety of properties, including beachfront homes, golf resort villas, and contemporary urban apartments. Cyprus is particularly attractive to foreign buyers due to its strategic location, appealing climate, and well-regulated property market supported by attractive residency programs.

Whether you’re looking for a beachfront villa with panoramic ocean views, a cozy countryside home, or a chic city apartment, Cyprus has options to suit your needs. Many properties combine traditional Mediterranean architecture with modern designs, offering open-plan living spaces, large terraces, and private pools.

3. Job Market in Malta vs Cyprus: Winner Malta

Living in Malta vs Cyprus_ The Job Market

When relocating overseas, it’s important to ensure that you have the correct visa type to facilitate the lifestyle you intend to embark upon. If your travel and settlement permissions allow you to, you can continue your career or pick up a whole new one in your new home.

Malta:

The Maltese job market is thriving, and in recent years it has seen an influx of opportunities from companies in iGaming, finance and tourism.  With English one of the two official languages on the island and an impressively low unemployment rate of just 2.9%, industries are increasingly choosing to start operations in Malta. These are one of the many great reasons to move to Malta.

There’s also plenty of entry level jobs for English speakers across waiting and hospitality, language education and tour operator work, for which you can expect to receive between €15,000 (£12,639) – €21,000 (£17,695) per annum.

Cyprus:

The Cypriot job market has numerous job opportunities for expats, but most roles will require at least a working knowledge of Greek and/or Turkish alongside English; particularly for vacancies that are likely to see locals apply as well as foreigners.

In recent years, the Cypriot government has launched employment schemes to attract those with degrees in finance, teaching, medicine and IT, as well as electrical engineering. Occupational shortages across the country tend to be in employment such as construction, hospitality and administration.

4. Work-Life Balance in Malta vs Cyprus: Winner Cyprus

Living in Malta vs Cyprus_ Work-Life Balance

One of the most popular reasons that Brits choose to move abroad is to gain a different type of lifestyle: favouring a healthy work-life balance against the daily grind so many find themselves in the UK. Indeed an Amex Trendex 2024 report found that 61% of British workers prioritise a good work-life balance, but that 30% are still unhappy in their current employment. Could it be time to move?

Malta:

Malta is considered a European leader in work-life balance, with the country having just introduced new EU legislation to improve quality of life for employees and boost paternity, parental and carer’s leave – putting all better than UK levels. The standard working week for the Maltese is 40 hours across five days.

The island boasts five national holidays a year and given its compact nature, allows for short commutes and the extra time to be spent enjoying leisure activities and time with family and friends.

Cyprus:

Cyprus also promotes a balanced lifestyle with a strong emphasis on family and social life, and a working week of 38-40 hours across five days. The Cypriot parliament have similar leave guidelines to the Maltese under an EU directive, so they too have better paid benefits than employees in the UK.

In terms of commute, the island is bigger than Malta so may take longer to get around; but in turn there is more opportunity for expats to explore more of the country during their leisure time.

5. Healthcare in Malta vs Cyprus: Winner Malta

Living in Malta vs Cyprus_ Healthcare

For the most part, the UK is reliant on our fantastic NHS – and it’s often a shock to the system for Brits when we go abroad and find ourselves having to pay for access to decent healthcare. Both Malta and Cyprus have great healthcare systems, but neither are the same as back home.

Malta:

Not dissimilar to the UK, the Maltese healthcare system is divided between the public and private sectors. The public system is funded by citizens’ taxes and offers free healthcare services to eligible individuals for GP and specialist treatment, hospitalization, pregnancy and childbirth care, and rehabilitation. Prescriptions are free while in hospital but otherwise paid for, at an amount determined by the medicine’s value.

Dental care, other than in emergencies, is private. Expats can access the public healthcare system if they have made social insurance and social security contributions, but it’s still recommended that private medical insurance is held for at least the first couple of years of residency (just in case the figures don’t quite add up!).

Cyprus:

Cyprus too has a healthcare system split between public and private sectors. The GHS (General Healthcare System) is funded by citizens’ taxes and offers GP services, hospital care, and pregnancy and childbirth care – but specialist doctors, lab tests, pharmaceuticals and radiology exams are all subject to charge.

State hospitals offer free services but smaller, more specialised units, are payable. Expats can access the GHS if they work in Cyprus as a UK national or hold a Cypriot Permanent Residents Medical Card, but otherwise are advised to take out private health insurance for private healthcare access.

6. Food in Malta vs Cyprus: Winner Cyprus

 

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OK, so you may not find it quite as easy to pick up a Sunday roast down the pub when you move abroad, but what is travel if not a great opportunity for culinary exploration? A new Mediterranean diet may well transform your life!

Malta:

Maltese cuisine reflects the island’s mixed heritage history, with influences from Italy, Spain and France. For many years Malta had to import most of its food and cater for the foreign residents who visited on trade routes, which really opened up the country to new tastes.

The national dish is Stuffat-tal-Fenek, a rabbit stew, which is slow-cooked with wine and garlic; with the sauce served over pasta as a starter and the rabbit and vegetables as main course. You’ll still find restaurants and cafes catering to more western tastes throughout Malta, but the island is only small – so don’t expect to find too many of the chains you’re used to in the UK.

Cyprus:

Unsurprisingly, Cypriot food finds its roots in Greek and Turkish cuisine, with a few Middle Eastern influences. National dishes include Souvlaki (grilled meat kebabs), Kleftiko (slow-roasted leg of lamb in wine and cinnamon) and Kubeck (stuffed vine leaves).

The diverse population of Cyprus does mean you’ll find more dining options here than in Malta, and meze (the Greek version of Tapas with lots of small tasting dishes) remains popular with tourists and locals alike.

7. Scenery and Beaches in Malta vs Cyprus: Winner Cyprus

Scenery and Beaches

While the UK has its beautiful parts, for most the possibility of living abroad is spurred on by the opportunity to enjoy new surroundings; particularly when it comes to the Mediterranean island living on Malta or Cyprus.

Malta:

Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coasts of Tunisia and Libya. It’s further west than Cyprus, but enjoys a Mediterranean climate and boasts small, rocky beaches with crystal-clear waters. 12 of the island’s beaches are Blue Flag rated, and the most popular and largest is Mellieha Bay, known as ‘Ghadira’ by locals.

Its waters are shallow and perfect for swimming – although if you want a truly unique swimming experience, visiting the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island is a must. Maltese scenery is primarily blue waters and impressive cliff faces, although you’ll find beauty everywhere, even in the capital Valletta. Malta enjoys more rainfall than Cyprus, which provides greener scenery, but parts of island is overdeveloped and so it doesn’t always feel such.

Cyprus:

Cyprus presents a wide variety of beach types, from pebbly to golden sands, and is world-renowned for its beach destinations including Nissi Beach and Fig Tree Bay. Beach life in Cyprus tends to cater more for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts than it does swimmers, but leisure swimmers can find a few good spots.

The west coast is full of green forests and inland is littered with mountain ranges; the largest being the Troodos Mountains. Cyprus was once known as ‘the green island’ but scorching temperatures have seen it take on a sandier feel in recent years.

8. Outdoor Activities in Cyprus or Malta: Winner Cyprus

Living in Malta vs Cyprus_ Outdoor Activities

Of course, living abroad, as in the UK, shouldn’t just be focused on work and home life. One of the perks of relocation to the Mediterranean is a warmer climate, which brings with it more opportunity to head outside and enjoy the great outdoors.

Malta:

Malta is easily navigable and its small size means that it’s easy for tourists and locals alike to travel around and try out different activities. The island is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples of Malta and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum) with several more on the ‘tentative’ list which are worth exploring (the Coastal Cliffs, the Gozo Cittadella and the Maltese Catacomb Complexes).

There are a few opportunities for diving, sailing and hiking but the size of the island means it doesn’t boast as many leisure facilities as you’d find in Cyprus.

Cyprus:

Cyprus has long been a popular tourist destination and so boasts a myriad of leisure activities from various tour providers; including guided hikes, tours of ancient ruins, diving, waterskiing, boat hire, cycle hire and even segway hire.

This all said, the variety of leisure offers shouldn’t distract from the island’s natural beauty – there’s plenty of walks and sites to explore that aren’t facilitated by companies or guides.

9. Cultural Differences in Cyprus vs Malta: Winner Draw

Cyprus_ Cultural Differences - Cyprus vs Malta

While the UK prides itself on cultural diversity, even those who have lived their whole lives in bustling mixed communities find that they experience a shock when properly immersed full time in another country’s lifestyle. In order to not just remain respectful but also to ensure a high quality of enjoyable life, it’s imperative that expats understand and can fit into the culture of their desired new home.

Malta:

Maltese culture is a blend of Mediterranean, North African and British influences alongside a Roman Catholic religious background. It feels like nowhere else on earth and is charmingly unique. The small size fosters a really close-knit community feel, so expats can expect to feel swept up in the town culture fairly quickly – although it’s recommended that you at least begin to learn the Maltese language to help.

The island has a whole host of local festivals including village ‘festas’ celebrating Catholic Saints, which make a great opportunity for towns and villages to get out onto the streets and celebrate together!

Cyprus:

Cypriot culture is a mix of Greek and Turkish traditions, although which portion of the country you choose to reside in will impact on which is the most prevalent. Cyprus provides more regional cultural diversity than Malta, in part due to its size, but also has larger and well-established expat communities.

Cypriots are known for their strong values of hospitality and honour, but it’s always recommended that expats speak at least some Greek in order to demonstrate their willingness to adapt to the culture.

10. Travel to the UK, Cyprus vs Malta: Winner Malta

Living in Malta vs Cyprus_ Travel to the UK

Of course, once you’ve moved and started a new life overseas you may not fancy the rainy skies and depressing news cycles of the UK, but if you do need to travel back or would like loved ones to travel to visit you, it’s important to understand what options are available.

Malta:

Malta is a tourist destination, even if not the most well known one, and daily flights depart from Manchester, Birmingham, London, Leeds and Bournemouth. UK flights take between 3hrs 10m and 3hrs 30m, although indirect routes that take longer can be considerably cheaper. Both Ryanair and Easyjet offer budget routes to Malta with good offers for cheap travel.

Cyprus:

Cyprus is world renowned for its tourism, so flights are varied and well spread. Cyprus boasts three airports: Larnaca (LCA, the main entry point to the island), Paphos (PFO) and Ercan (ECN). Easyjet and Wizz Air offer budget routes to LCA and PFO. Flights from the UK can take anywhere between 4hrs 25m to 5hrs.

Living in Malta vs Living in Cyprus: Which is for you?

Malta could be the ideal place for you if you prefer a close-knit community, enjoy clear waters and historical sites, like trying new foods, want to socialise with your neighbours, and don’t need touristy sites or attractions.

On the other hand, Cyprus might be the perfect location if you enjoy a diverse cultural scene, love spending time in the sun and engaging in outdoor activities, appreciate a variety of cuisines, enjoy vibrant nightlife, value a wide range of job opportunities and like spending time in hospitality settings.

While a simple pros-and-cons list can help you identify which setting may be best for your new life, there is a much more exciting way to help judge – visit each! With plenty of flights from the UK to both Malta and Cyprus, there’s plenty of opportunity to scope out both islands and to meet and talk with locals and expats who have already made the leap.

PSS International Removals strive to take the stress and strain out of moves abroad by taking care of shipping your boxes or furniture. With over 40 years’ experience in international removals, we’ve helped countless families ship their belongings to Malta or Cyprus and have heard great things from them as they embark on their new lives on both islands.

Moving overseas is a huge life decision, and that’s why the PSS Removals team are always on-hand to answer queries about moving. Get a quote to receive assistance.