For the kiwi wanderers, and the other 2.5 million visitors to Malta, who marvel at the cheap food, clothing and entry prices to tourist attractions, spare a thought for the half a million people living here who keep this Island afloat!
The minimum wage is €4.25 (NZ$7.19) per hour. For a 40 hour week €170 (NZ$280) or €800 (NZ$1353) per month.
The average hourly rate for hospitality workers (if they are experienced) is €5-6 per hour. (NZ$8-11)
Healthcare workers €6.09 per hour. (NZ$11.00)
Average Rental properties, and these are usually apartments (if you’re lucky you have a lift) range from €400 (1bed) to €1200 (3 bed) per month. This also can be much higher (2-3 times) if you have sea views, the up market areas and close to the beaches. Average 2-3 bedroom is around NZ$1500-2500 per month. And if you want a house with a back yard this is a different story!
To buy a good house or apartment (2-3 bedrooms) it is area dependent andi what we saw 4 years ago for around €120,000 are now selling for €4-500,000 – from NZ$200,000 to close to a million!
Public Transport is very efficient – ferries always on time, buses usually on time, options of taxis an Uber’s.
Also the transport card system is very easy to use and top up online. Transport is reasonably priced and if you are over 60 very cheap to travel the island on buses and ferries!
Petrol for cars is expensive – works out about NZ$2.50 per litre unleaded. Car insurance and licensing on a par with New Zealand. Car prices Similar, just models and makes vary.
Walking is the best option – as carparking is scarce and the roads are very congested!
Food, healthy food, is well priced, fruit and vegetables fresh and a great variety!
Beer and wine are the same price in supermarkets and when you are out! Beer about the same as NZ and wine averages NZ$6 per bottle. However when you go to a bar or restaurant you still only pay NZ$2-2.50 got a beer or wine! It makes eating out even better.
While Malta is a fantastic tourist venue for its 2.5 million visitors per year (and very valuable income for Malta), spare a thought for the people who live and work here.
If they do not smile, maybe they are tired (or they don’t get paid enough to smile). If you receive fantastic service always leave a tip (remember this may be worth more than their wages). Do your best to take care of the small and overcrowded environment (there are plenty of bins). And always be gracious and kind.
Last time I was here for an extended period, I came away feeling, while many of the Maltese people are not that rich in assets, they are very rich in life and family! And they have hearts of gold!
All who wander are not Lost girls 