Hamrun sits at just 50 meters above sea level in the heart of Malta, enjoying a classic Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The town's population of roughly 12,000 gives it a close-knit feel, yet it remains well-connected to the rest of the island. Expats tend to settle around the Main Street area and along the borders of Pieta, where the expat community is medium-sized and English is widely spoken, making daily life straightforward for newcomers.
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🏚️ Cost of Living
💰 Budgets and Costs
$1,147/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: budget lifestyle
Hamrun on a budget budget comes to about $1,147 a month for one adult, with $757 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $158 on groceries, $50.00 on dining out, $26.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $156 on utilities and connectivity and $0.00 on transport.
Rent
$757/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$158/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$50.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$26.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$156/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$0.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Single person$390/mo
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
$1,355/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle
Hamrun on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,355 a month for one adult, with $757 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $211 on groceries, $126 on dining out, $105 on entertainment and lifestyle, $156 on utilities and connectivity and $0.00 on transport.
Rent
$757/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$211/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$126/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$105/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$156/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$0.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Single person$598/mo
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
$1,677/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: comfortable lifestyle
Hamrun on a comfortable budget comes to about $1,677 a month for one adult, with $841 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $295 on groceries, $244 on dining out, $141 on entertainment and lifestyle, $156 on utilities and connectivity and $0.00 on transport.
Rent
$841/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$295/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$244/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$141/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$156/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$0.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Single person$836/mo
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $841.07/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
Hamrun is a safe, walkable town with low violent crime—typical concerns are petty theft and vehicle break-ins rather than personal safety threats. The tight-knit community and strong police presence make it welcoming for expats. Avoid displaying valuables, secure your car, and be cautious with online scams targeting foreigners. The main risk is opportunistic theft in crowded areas, not organized crime. For a 30-65 American, this is a straightforward, secure place to live with standard urban precautions.
Hamrun enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (June-September) and mild, occasionally rainy winters (December-February), making it ideal for sun-seekers but requiring summer heat management.
💻 Digital Nomad
Avg Internet Speed
200 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$28/mo
Coworking Availability
Moderate
Coworking Spaces Nearby
1
Digital Nomad Score
84/100
Community Notes
Hamrun offers a mix of local culture with easy access to digital nomad resources.
While SOHO has multiple locations in Malta, it's a popular choice for digital nomads due to its professional environment, reliable internet, and networking opportunities. The location nearest Hamrun is in St. Julian's, a short commute away and a hub for expats.
Regus offers a reliable and professional coworking environment with various membership options. While not directly in Hamrun, The Plaza Business Centre in Sliema is easily accessible and provides a convenient option with standard amenities like meeting rooms and printing services.
Located in Mriehel, just outside of Hamrun, Kollega offers a modern and collaborative workspace. It's a good option for those seeking a community-focused environment with regular events and networking opportunities.
See how Hamrun's digital nomad life compares with Xaghra
🧳 Expat Life
English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Main Street area, borders of Pieta
Banks Nearby
24
ATMs Nearby
31
Expat Life Notes
Hamrun is a bustling, traditional Maltese commercial hub. It is less touristy and more affordable than coastal hubs like Sliema.
Pros
✓ Very affordable
✓ Central location
✓ Authentic local feel
Cons
✗ Heavy traffic
✗ Congested streets
✗ Lack of green space
🏘️ Neighborhoods in Hamrun
Areas of Hamrun that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Hamrun Center
Bustling, traditional Maltese heart
The core of Hamrun, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and the local market. It's a lively area with a strong Maltese identity, making it ideal for those seeking an authentic experience. Public transport is readily available, but parking can be challenging. Expect some street noise.
St. Joseph High Road Area
Commercial, convenient, well-connected
Centered around the main thoroughfare, this area offers excellent connectivity to other parts of Malta. It's a commercial hub with numerous shops and services. While convenient, it can be quite busy and noisy, and lacks the charm of quieter residential areas. Good for those who prioritize accessibility.
Ta' Braxia Cemetery Area
Residential, quieter, local feel
Located near the Ta' Braxia Cemetery, this is a more residential and peaceful part of Hamrun. It offers a glimpse into everyday Maltese life, away from the tourist crowds. While less central, it's still within walking distance of amenities and public transport. Language barriers may be more prevalent here.
Manoel de Vilhena Gardens Area
Green space, family-friendly, residential
Centered around the Manoel de Vilhena Gardens, this area offers a more relaxed atmosphere with green spaces. It's popular with families and those seeking a quieter environment. While not as bustling as the center, it still provides convenient access to amenities and public transport. A good balance of tranquility and accessibility.
Located on the border with Marsa, this area tends to be more affordable. It's a mix of residential and light industrial properties. While not as aesthetically pleasing as other parts of Hamrun, it offers a budget-friendly option. Transportation links are decent, but the area may feel less polished and more gritty.
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Could living/working in Hamrun cut years off your work life?
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $841/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
Hamrun has a population of approximately 11,988 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $2,103 per month in Hamrun, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $841/month.
Hamrun is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 75.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Hamrun has an average internet speed of 200 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
English is universal, so yes. Most jobs are in hospitality, retail, or remote work. Local employment is competitive; many expats work remotely or freelance instead. Maltese language helps but isn't required.
4–8 weeks for standard residency processing. You'll need proof of income (€12,000+/year for self-sufficient status), accommodation, and health insurance. The process is straightforward compared to EU mainland but requires patience and paperwork.
You can find decent one-bedroom apartments in Hamrun starting around €700-€900 per month, depending on the location and amenities. Expect to pay more for modern apartments or those closer to the main streets.
Internet connectivity in Hamrun is generally quite reliable, with fiber optic options available. Expect speeds of 50-100 Mbps, which is sufficient for most remote work tasks, but confirm with your landlord or provider before committing.
While not all doctors in Hamrun are native English speakers, many have a good command of the language, especially younger doctors. Mater Dei Hospital, a major public hospital with English-speaking staff, is a short bus ride away in Msida.
Hamrun is quite walkable, and the Malta Public Transport bus system is readily accessible. Buses connect Hamrun to Valletta and other major towns, making it easy to get around the island without a car.
As a US citizen, you're still required to file US taxes even while living in Hamrun. You may be able to exclude a significant portion of your income using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or claim the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC). Consult a tax professional specializing in expat taxes.
Hamrun is generally considered safe, even at night, but like any urban area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit streets and avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas.
Hamrun has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Expect temperatures to range from 10-15°C (50-59°F) in winter to 30-35°C (86-95°F) in summer.
A single person could retire reasonably comfortably in Hamrun on a budget of €1500-€2000 per month, covering rent, utilities, groceries, and some leisure activities. This allows for a decent quality of life without excessive frugality.
While there aren't coworking spaces directly in Hamrun, several options exist in nearby towns like Valletta and Sliema, easily accessible by bus. These offer a professional environment and networking opportunities.
Be sure to try traditional Maltese dishes like rabbit stew (stuffat tal-fenek), pastizzi (savory pastries filled with ricotta or peas), and ftira (Maltese bread filled with various ingredients). Several local restaurants in Hamrun offer these specialties.
Opening a bank account in Malta can be challenging as an American due to increased scrutiny and compliance requirements. Be prepared to provide extensive documentation, including proof of address, income, and tax information. Consider banks like HSBC or Bank of Valletta.
For stays longer than 90 days, US citizens need a visa or residency permit. Options include the Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) for retirees, the Global Residence Programme (GRP), or a work permit if you have a job offer. Research the specific requirements for each program.
Generally, Hamrun is safe, but like any town, some areas are less desirable than others. It's best to avoid poorly lit, isolated streets late at night. Ask locals for their recommendations on safe areas when you arrive.
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