Skyline of Sliema
Cost of Living: 115 22,000

Sliema, Malta

Malta's most cosmopolitan town, a bustling waterfront hub with a vibrant promenade, shopping district, and stunning views across Marsamxett Harbour to Valletta.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Sliema is a city in Sliema District with a population of 22,000. Malta’s most cosmopolitan town, a bustling waterfront hub with a vibrant promenade, shopping district, and stunning views across Marsamxett Harbour to Valletta. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 300 sunny days a year. Reported crime rates are relatively low.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 115

Above Average vs Malta Avg (100)

Housing Index 140

Above Average

Median Income €34,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.0%

Job market health

Sliema vs Malta Average

Cost of Living
Sliema: 115
Malta Avg: 100
Housing Index
Sliema: 140
Malta Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Sliema: 35%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 35.0%
  • Sales Tax: 18.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: €34,000
  • Unemployment: 3.0%
  • Population: 22,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 300/year
  • Summer High: 88°F
  • Winter Low: 50°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b

Housing

  • Median Home: €400,000
  • 1BR Rent: €1100/mo

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Cost of Living

Sliema's cost of living index is 115 (Malta average = 100).

CategorySliemaNational AverageDifference
Overall115100+15.0%
Housing140100+40.0%

Data source: NSO Malta / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price€400,000
Median Rent (1BR)€1100/mo
Median Rent (2BR)€1,375/mo
Price per Sq Ft€266

Data source: MaltaPark / Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

%
$90,000 down
%
%

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Sliema:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity€50
Heating & Cooling€2Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)€6Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water€30Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)€35Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities€123Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: MRA, Enemalta, GO 2025

Remote Work Score

Sliema scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
115
Rent
€1100
Sunny Days
300
Tax
35%
Unemployment
3.0%
Climate
88°F / 50°F
Safety
0.9 homicides/100k
Population
22,000
Internet Speed
100 Mbps

Climate

Sliema has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January70°F50°F2.5"
April73°F65°F2.8"
July88°F63°F1.5"
October68°F68°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6b

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Sliema faces the following natural hazards:

Drought High Risk

Frequent drought conditions.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Tsunami Moderate Risk

Island nation with tsunami risk.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 35%
  • Sales Tax: 18%
  • Property Tax: ~0% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Sliema per 100,000 residents:

86.4
Violent Crime
919.9
Property Crime
0.9
Homicide

City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Eurostat

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Jan), Spring (Feb-Jun)
Summer Break June to September (12 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break March/April (1-2 weeks)

Standard academic calendar.

Demographics

The population of Sliema is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Maltese
90.0%
Other
3.0%
Other European
7.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
30.0%
High school graduate
30.0%
Less than high school
25.0%
Some college
15.0%

Religion

Christian (Catholic)
90.0%
Other
5.0%
Unaffiliated
5.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: National Statistics Office (2021)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Sliema, Malta?

The cost of living index in Sliema is 115, which is Higher the Malta national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Sliema?

The median home price in Sliema is €400,000. The housing index is 140.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sliema is approximately €1100/mo.

Does Sliema, SL have income tax?

Sliema is in SL, which has an income tax rate of 35%.

What is the climate like in Sliema?

Sliema enjoys approximately 300 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 50°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: NSO Malta / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: MaltaPark / Numbeo, 2026
  • Income & Employment: NSO Malta Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities MRA, Enemalta, GO 2025

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.