At some point in the Malta expat Facebook groups, someone posts a screenshot of a Sliema studio apartment for €1,200/month and asks how people afford to live here. The answers divide into two camps: those who earn iGaming salaries and consider €1,200 manageable, and those who have been here longer and know that the secret is simpler than it appears — you do not start in a Sliema studio. You start in a shared apartment, you build your Malta life and savings from there, and if you decide to upgrade to your own place, you do it with the knowledge of what you are paying for and why.
Shared accommodation is not a compromise in Malta. It is a rational choice for the first six to twelve months, and for many people — particularly those in the service industry and entry-level roles — it remains the right financial decision for the duration of their Malta life. Understanding what shared apartments cost, where to find them, and how to avoid the common traps is the information that makes the difference between a move that works financially and one that does not.
The typical cost: A room in a shared two-bedroom apartment runs €380–600/month per person in central Malta (including Sliema/Gzira), depending on location and quality. Bills are either included (typically +€50–80/month) or split between housemates. Total all-in monthly cost: approximately €430–680/person. Compare this to a solo studio at €800–1,000/month: the shared option saves €300–400/month.
Shared Apartment Costs by Area
| Area | Room/month (excl. bills) | With bills split |
|---|---|---|
| Sliema / St Julian's | €500–700 | €560–780 |
| Gzira / Ta' Xbiex | €420–580 | €480–650 |
| Msida / Valletta | €400–560 | €460–630 |
| Birkirkara / San Ġwann | €350–500 | €410–570 |
| St Paul's Bay / Mellieħa | €320–460 | €380–530 |
| South Malta | €280–420 | €340–490 |
| Gozo | €250–400 | €310–460 |
Where to Find Shared Apartments in Malta
The primary platform is Facebook — specifically the groups "Malta Accommodation Expats," "Malta Rooms for Rent," and "Expats in Malta." These groups are active, English-language, and where most of Malta's international room-sharing market actually operates. New listings appear daily; popular rooms at reasonable prices are claimed within hours. Refresh in the morning between 8am and 10am for the day's new listings.
Maltapark.com and djar.ai also list shared accommodation but with less density than the Facebook groups. Some employment agencies (particularly iGaming recruitment firms) have referral networks for accommodation — if you are being recruited into a Malta job, ask your recruiter whether they have accommodation referrals.
What to Check Before Signing
Who is on the lease — you should ideally be a named tenant, not a subtenant. Subletting without the landlord's knowledge is common in Malta but creates risk if the primary tenant leaves or the landlord finds out. Verify the current tenants' situation before you move in. Confirm whether bills are included or split and how disputes are handled. Check that the number of tenants registered with ARMS matches the number living there — otherwise you may not benefit from the residential tariff and eco-reduction that lower the electricity bill significantly.
