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Rabat, Malta
Capital City

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,219
Retiree Score
72.0
Safety Index
—
Healthcare
29 facilities

With a population of just 12,352, Rabat is a sleepy town that offers little in the way of big-city amenities. The ancient Roman catacombs and medieval architecture are charming, but the bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the local council even split off a separate town in 1999. Parts of the town were once part of the Roman city of Melite, but today Rabat feels more like a suburb of the nearby historic capital of Mdina. While the climate is mild and the town is safe, there's not much to do beyond visiting the catacombs. Unless you're a history buff content with a slow-paced, provincial lifestyle, Rabat is unlikely to fulfill the expectations of most expats.

Can I afford Rabat?

$

Rabat

You could save

1,781/mo

Savings Rate59%

Monthly Costs

Rent $416
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$803

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
59/100
Retiree Score
(i)
72/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
48/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Malta Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
—
Safety
29
Healthcare
100
Walkability
65
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $4
Rice (1kg) *$4
Chicken (1kg) *$10

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$14
Meal (Mid-range) $145
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $116
Mobile Plan (mo) $29
Gym (mo) *$69
Cinema Ticket $15

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $277
1BR Outside (mo) *$390
3BR Center (mo) $400
3BR Outside (mo) *$632

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Rabat Centre, Howard Gardens area
Best For
retirees, history enthusiasts, families

Expat Life Notes

Rabat is a historic inland Maltese town adjacent to the ancient capital Mdina. A small expat community is drawn by its quieter character, historic setting, and affordability compared to coastal Malta.

Pros

  • ✓ English official language
  • ✓ Historic and authentic Maltese character
  • ✓ More affordable than coastal areas

Cons

  • ✗ Quieter pace may not suit all expats
  • ✗ Limited nightlife
  • ✗ No sea access

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
337 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Nov

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Rabat

Click any question to expand the answer.

Rabat has a population of approximately 12,352 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,733 per month in Rabat, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $693/month.

The nearest airport to Rabat is MLA, approximately 9km away.

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