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Photo: Malta

Xaghra, Malta

Data updated Oct 9, 2026

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📊 Scores

81
FIRE
78
Retiree
76
Digital Nomad

Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 81)

Xaghra sits on the island of Gozo, part of the Maltese archipelago, at an elevation of 130 meters above sea level. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The town itself is compact and walkable, centered around a large square and the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. While the data does not name specific neighborhoods where expats choose to live, the entire village offers a quiet, traditional atmosphere with narrow streets and stone buildings. The timezone is Europe/Malta.

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🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1,157/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Xaghra on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,157 a month for one adult, with $561 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $218 on groceries, $101 on dining out, $61.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $216 on utilities and connectivity and $0.00 on transport.

Rent

$561/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$218/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$101/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$61.00/mo

2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$216/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Transport

$0.00/mo

Monthly pass

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$596/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 $560.71/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

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🛡️ Safety & Crime

77
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

23
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Xaghra is a very safe, quiet village in rural Gozo with minimal crime—violent offenses are rare and petty theft uncommon. The tight-knit community and strong police presence create a secure environment for expats. Main concerns are typical Mediterranean issues: occasional scams targeting tourists in nearby Valletta (not Xaghra itself), and standard precautions around valuables. No significant geopolitical risks. This is an excellent choice for retirees seeking peace and security, though the trade-off is limited nightlife and services compared to larger towns.

🏥 Healthcare

Good
Public Hospitals
Yes
Private Clinics
Yes
English-Speaking Doctors
Widely Available

See how Xaghra's healthcare compares with Pietà

🌤️ Climate

Climate Zones
Mediterranean
Summer Temp
28°C
Winter Temp
13°C
Humidity
72%
Air Quality Index
42
Annual Rainfall
408 mm

Best Months

AprMayOctNov

Climate Notes

Xaghra enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (June-September) and mild, wet winters (December-February), making it ideal for those seeking warm weather year-round with minimal rainfall.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
95 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$29/mo
Coworking Availability
Limited
Coworking Spaces Nearby
1
Digital Nomad Score
76/100

Community Notes

Enchants with historical sites and a growing digital community.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
Gozo Creative HubLocated in Xewkija, a short distance from Xaghra, Gozo Creative Hub offers a modern coworking environment with dedicated desks, meeting rooms, and high-speed internet. It's a good option for digital nomads looking for a professional workspace with a community feel on Gozo.
SOHO Office SpaceWhile SOHO has multiple locations in Malta, the closest is in Victoria, Gozo. It provides a more upscale coworking experience with various membership options, meeting rooms, and business support services, suitable for established remote workers.

Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).

Planning to live in Xaghra long-term? Malta Digital Nomad Residence Permit lets remote workers live legally with a minimum income of $3,997/month.

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🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
medium
Banks Nearby
24
ATMs Nearby
31

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Xaghra

Areas of Xaghra 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.

Xaghra Center

Historic heart, village atmosphere

The main square and surrounding streets offer a traditional Maltese village experience. You'll find shops, restaurants, and the iconic Xaghra Parish Church. It's walkable, but parking can be challenging. Expect some noise from local events and church bells.

Marsalforn

Bustling seaside resort town

Technically a separate village but easily accessible from Xaghra, Marsalforn is a popular tourist destination with a lively harbor, restaurants, and beaches. It's very expat-friendly with many English speakers. Expect higher prices and more crowds, especially during peak season.

Victoria (Rabat)

Gozo's capital, central hub

While not in Xaghra itself, Victoria is the capital of Gozo and easily accessible by bus. It offers a wider range of amenities, shops, and cultural attractions. It's a good option if you want to be close to everything but still enjoy the Gozitan lifestyle. Rent can be slightly higher than in Xaghra.

Xaghra (Residential Areas)

Quiet, local residential streets

Away from the main square, Xaghra offers quieter residential streets with traditional houses. This area is more local and less touristy, offering a more authentic Maltese experience. A car is recommended for easy access to amenities, and English proficiency among residents may be lower.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Xaghra

Click any question to expand the answer.

Xaghra has a population of approximately 5,359 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $1,402 per month in Xaghra, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $561/month.
Xaghra is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 77.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Xaghra has an average internet speed of 95 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Yes, but limited. One-bedroom apartments rent €530–580/month with decent WiFi. Most are tourist rentals with seasonal availability. Book 2–3 months ahead in summer. Co-working spaces don't exist locally; you'll work from cafés or home. Consider renting in Victoria (15 min by bus) for more options and lower prices.
Public healthcare is free once you're a resident (requires 3+ months residency). Quality is decent but waits can be long. Private clinics in Victoria offer faster service (€40–80 per visit). Pharmacies are well-stocked. Serious cases go to Mater Dei Hospital on mainland Malta via ferry. Travel insurance is recommended for the first 3 months.
You can find apartments in Xaghra ranging from €700 to €1200 per month, depending on size and location. Expect to pay more for modern apartments with balconies or views, especially near the town square.
Internet connectivity in Xaghra is generally reliable, with fiber optic options available in most areas. Expect speeds of 50-100 Mbps, sufficient for video conferencing and other remote work tasks. Check with your landlord about the specific provider and speed at your rental.
English is widely spoken in Xaghra, as it's an official language of Malta. You'll have no problem communicating in shops, restaurants, and with locals in general. Maltese is the other official language, and learning a few basic phrases is always appreciated.
As a US citizen, you can stay in Malta visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays, you'll need to apply for a residency permit, such as the Malta Retirement Programme or the Global Residence Programme, each with specific requirements.
Groceries in Xaghra are generally comparable to or slightly cheaper than in the US, especially if you shop at local markets. Dining out can be quite affordable, with many restaurants offering delicious meals for €15-€25 per person.
The public bus system is a convenient and affordable way to get around Xaghra and the island of Gozo. Buses run frequently to Victoria (Rabat), the capital, and other towns. Renting a car is also an option, giving you more flexibility to explore.
Xaghra enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Expect sunshine for most of the year, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) in winter to 30°C (86°F) in summer.
While Xaghra itself doesn't have dedicated coworking spaces, several cafes offer reliable Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere for remote work. You can also find coworking options in nearby Victoria, a short bus ride away.
You can open a bank account at a local bank like Bank of Valletta or HSBC Malta. For international money transfers, services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut offer competitive exchange rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks. ATMs are readily available.
As a US citizen, you're still required to file US taxes even when living abroad. You may be able to exclude a certain amount of your foreign earned income using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE). Also, be aware of FBAR reporting requirements for foreign bank accounts.
Xaghra could be a viable option for early retirement on $2500 per month, especially if you're mindful of your spending. Renting a smaller apartment, cooking at home, and utilizing public transport can help you stay within budget. Healthcare costs should also be factored in.
Xaghra offers a relaxed and slower pace of life compared to larger cities. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Gozo. Expect shops and restaurants to close for a few hours in the afternoon for siesta.
Yes, there are several expat groups on Gozo that organize social events and activities. Check online forums and Facebook groups to connect with other expats in the area. The local council also organizes cultural events throughout the year.

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