All-In For Under $1900 a Month: Affordable English-Speaking Malta

Discover why Gozo, Malta, could be your perfect destination, as Mary and Kevin share their experience of living comfortably for just $1900 a month - all in!
In this video, they offer valuable insights into the cost of living, real estate options, and the vibrant expat community. Whether you're considering a move or simply curious, get an authentic, first-hand look at living the dream on the enchanting Maltese island of Gozo.
Read more about their life in Gozo here: internationall...
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Thanks for watching!
#gozo #malta #movetomalta

[@internationalliving]

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[@t.k.herrin2788]

We visited Malta for the first time this past May. We loved it. I agree Mary and Kevin, amazing culture, food, history, and people. Great memories and would love to visit again.

[@alindahill01]

t.k.herrin, we hope you find the time to return. Did you visit Gozo while you were here? -Mary & Kevin 🙂

[@MENSA.lady2]

I've known Malta since I did a tour of duty with the RAF circa 1971. I know it's a beautifical place to live. Been back many times since. You made a good choice. Personally I prefer the main island but you get tranquility in Gozo. You pays your Euro you takes your choice.

[@alindahill01]

Thank you, MENSA.lady2, for your comment. We visit the main island, but we definitely prefer the tranquility of Gozo. Next time you are here we would love to get together and hear about your experiences here with the RAF. Cheers, Mary and Kevin 🙂

[@joyfill1295]

Hi Mary and Kevin I just subscribed.I’m watching from Melbourne,lovely video and scenery amazing.Thank you & God bless you both.heart ❤

[@alindahill01]

Thank you very much for your kind words. ☺ You would find many other Aussies here. I bet you've met some Maltese in Australia.

[@Donszee]

Thanks for the video. Malta has been on my bucket list for a long time. We hope to travel there soon.

[@alindahill01]

You are very welcome! A budget friendly time is November-March. Fewer tourist are here sun-seeking, but the weather is delightful. It can rain a bit, but not comstanslty. Prices for lodging can be a real bargin, especially in Gozo. In the low season you can find penthouses, villas, condos, and apartments for under 100 a night, and many under 50 a night. Come visit the Mediterranean jewel, you'll fall in love. -Mary & Kevin 😃

[@urbanart7325]

Hope to meet you one day

[@joanboyle68]

Wow! Now we really, really are excited to come!

[@alindahill01]

It's a lovely place with warm weather and warm people. ~Mary & Kevin

[@johnwho5567]

I live in Sydney Australia and my parents and relations are from Malta and some still live there .Usually when I visit every few years I only spend day trips to Gozo however after watching your video I will make it a priority to spend a few weeks there at least to explore the island with its slower pace and beautiful surrounding now that I am retired and have more time to travel............Enjoy your time and lovely video.🙂

[@alindahill01]

Thank you, johnwho, for your kind remarks. Have a wonderful visit to Gozo; it is so laid-back and beautiful. How lucky to have relatives here. There are lots of Aussies in our village. Many of them are descendants of those who immigrated to Australia after the devastation of WWII. ~Mary and Kevin

[@johnwho5567]

@@alindahill01 Yes.... That is how we came to be in Australia because my Grandfather came out first in 1949 after the WW2 to see if it was good here and then sent back for his family a year later the rest is history...but yes great to have relations still on the island....Beautiful islands and Beautiful people.🙂.......

[@markwatson7652]

I have been fascinated by Malta since I studied about the Knights Hospitallers of Malta, etc., back in college. Definitely going to check it out for retirement.

[@alindahill01]

The Knights figure prominently in Malta's history, customs, faith, and even the food. We've enjoyed learning about their role in the country's history. ~Mary & Kevin

[@MaryLechtenböhmer]

Dear Kevin, dear Mary, thanks for your lovely report about living in Nadur! We´ll be back there on 26. September, maybe we meet and have a drink together! 🙂 Best regards, Mary

[@alindahill01]

Sounds great. See you then, M&K

[@melitatwo]

I am originally from Malta but been here in the states for over 40 years ,getting ready to retire in Gozo . I have been visiting every other year to visit family looking forward to retire to a more affordable safe place with a hop skip away travel to the rest of Europe .thanks for posting the vid

[@alindahill01]

Thank you melitatwo! We appreciate your kind words. What village will you choose for retirement? Look us up when you get here. 😎

[@AnnabelleJARankin]

You forgot to mention or may not have yet encountered - excess building work, overcrowding, pollution, traffic problems, terrible roads, resentment from locals, cruelty towards animals tolerated, workmen who overcharge and do not turn up, most blistering summer sun and highest humidity in Europe, use of fireworks like bombs day and night all year round... could go on.

[@alindahill01]

You are correct, most of these things have not been a part of our experience in Gozo. Thank you for your comment.

[@AnnabelleJARankin]

@@alindahill01 'Most of' - hmm... think you know about the punishing heat and the fireworks right now. I live in a village where I feed stray cats (noticed how many there are and their poor condition?!) and in one location for about 2 years there have been chickens living and breeding that I also throw bread to and put down water. The council have decided they don't want them there and take away or knock over their water every day - there's literally no-one to turn to regarding their plight. Animal Welfare 'don't deal in chickens', the local mayor is not answering my emails and the minister for animals in Malta wrote back to me in a way that showed she had not actually read my email. Where is the good ol' RSPCA when you need them!!

[@ds5379]

There's always someone who has to talk shit about the country

[@AnnabelleJARankin]

@@ds5379 No need to join the rude brigade! There are lots of good things but I stand by all of the above, which is not 'talking sh1t'; and the battle to prevent cruelty to animals continues! Ever thought of fighting for improvements, cessation of ugly new builds and less crazy dangerous driving - using indicators properly would be a good start - ?!

[@ds5379]

@@AnnabelleJARankin I don't know which neighborhood you live in but my neighbourhood in a Maltese village treats animals very well. The strays are always well fed! I refute your notion that Maltese are generally cruel to animals. I find it a rather libellous thing to say.

[@loissutton760]

would love to hear more about how you found your apartment. TY Lois

[@alindahill01]

Lots of research on foot to find the village(s) we would consider, then many hours online to research the market - what was available, what it cost, etc. We found an agent that we liked and worked with our needs and budget. Easy, really, just invested the time and didn't settle for anything out of budget or didn't meet our must-have list. 🙂

[@doriasalmon4790]

Access to health care? Facilities? Is the health care adequate for aging folks? Curious to know, it was not addressed

[@carolmartin4413]

Ditto

[@alindahill01]

Thank you carolmartin for your question. WHO ranks Malta's health care as the fifth-best in the world. We find it to be excellent and readily available. Our Digital Nomad Residency Permit requires us to purchase health insurance for major medical needs. We pay far less than our Medicare and supplemental insurance in the US, with 100% coverage and better care. Many prescription drugs we used in the US are available over the counter at a fraction of the cost. We go to the community clinic for medical and dental needs, paying very little or even zero. Our clinic is very modern and well-staffed. We are in and out in under an hour. We are in our 70s, so, yes, health care is more than adequate for us old folks. ~Mary & Kevin

[@doriasalmon4790]

@@alindahill01 I was the one who asked the question:)

[@alindahill01]

WHO ranks Malta's health care as the fifth-best in the world. We have found it to be excellent and readily available. Our Digital Nomad Residency Permit requires us to purchase health insurance for major medical needs. We pay far less than our Medicare and supplemental insurance in the US, with 100% coverage and better care. Many prescription drugs we used in the US are available over the counter at a fraction of the cost. We go to the community clinic for medical and dental needs, paying very little or even zero. Our clinic is very modern and well-staffed. We are usually in and out in under an hour with no appointment. We are in our 70s, so, yes, health care is more than adequate for us two old folks. ~Mary & Kevin

[@alindahill01]

@@doriasalmon4790 WHO ranks Malta's health care as the fifth-best in the world. We have find it to be excellent and readily available. Our Digital Nomad Residency Permit requires us to purchase health insurance for major medical needs. We pay far less than our Medicare and supplemental insurance in the US, with 100% coverage and better care. Many prescription drugs we used in the US are available over the counter at a fraction of the cost. We go to the community clinic for medical and dental needs, paying very little or even zero. Our clinic is very modern and well-staffed. We are in and out in under an hour. We are in our 70s, so, yes, health care is more than adequate for us old folks. ~Mary & Kevin

[@suemorassi1360]

Share the real estate agency that helped you with the apartment please

[@alindahill01]

Gaetano Bugeja at Dhalia Real Estate in Victoria, Gozo.😊

[@helenequinn]

We’ve been to Malta & loved it so much, but we were told by many people, especially locals, that it is not an easy process to become a Malta citizen. We were specifically educated about this. Can you speak about this?

[@goldengirls0125]

Wow this place looks gorgeous! It seems like it can get pretty humid during summer. Perhaps it’s good as a winter destination and then going to a dryer area for summer. Any idea what place that might be nearby . I would def consider this place as a part line place to retire but I hate humidity.

[@alindahill01]

Thank you for your question, goldengirls0125. Yes, it is humid here in summer, but it can be rainy in winter. It might be dryer in Africa or the Middle East - both are nearby. Perhaps in the interior of Sicily or Italy. ~Mary and Kevin

[@seanknapton7449]

I first went to Malta in the early 90s,it was an independent Island with it's own Currency and quirky lifestyle,but the mass building programme,and joining the EU has ,in my opinion, ruined the Island, before it was cheap and cheerful,but now it is much more expensive and too much over developed, apart from that, it's still a great little Island

[@alindahill01]

Thank you for your thoughts. Gozo is still a quiet place that we find has a very reasonable cost of living. Malta is getting overbuilt in some areas and does cost a bit more than Gozo. ~Mary & Kevin ☺

[@levrejanovinsky8889]

So happy for you enjoy!

[@alindahill01]

Thank you, @levrejanovinsky.

[@william-fla-321]

The fountain at 6:26 of the video is one of the most beautiful fountains I’ve ever seen in my life. I believe, I was told the three Greek gods are holding up the island of Malta.

[@alindahill01]

The Triton Fountain is spectacular. I never tire of seeing it or photographing it.☺

[@Martiniddelina]

Loved your video,will be in gozo nadur festa on the 11th this month, come over lunch time we have an open air maltese BBQ, I will buy you a beer .thank you for your video

[@alindahill01]

Thank you for your kind words; making the video was a labor of love. We would like to meet you and share a libation, but we won't be here on August 11. We are on our way to the Baltic States for a 30-day scouting tour. Perhaps we can get together in September. Best wishes, Mary & Kevin😎

[@michaeldaviddavies4952]

Should not advertise those red sprayed arrows on the rocks as it was an illegal act by a French tour company many foreign tourists try to spoil our wonderfull country

[@paulgoode5245]

Gozo is Beautiful❤ enjoy guys

[@theagencylife]

Amazing and Motivating Video. ❤👍

[@brianwebster7622]

How does banking work if your main residence and bank account is in the U.S. but live in Malta as a digital nomad ?

[@joannebedford2695]

Food for thought

[@TheBlueskyson]

Great vid guys. 'It's a new life in an old world'. Indeed! I'm considering Gozo. Single fella. Do u reckon i'd get a mid range quality 2 brm apartment, studio or similar for around $400 USD p/month in Gozo? thanks

[@NordicAdvRider]

Malta, if you like low salaries and expensive apartments then it’s for you. Malta is good to visit for a week of vacation

[@alindahill01]

Thank you for your comment. ☺

[@seemaaggarwal1888]

Very informative vlog.Will try to meet you guys when we will visit Malta as we are looking for PR through investment.Cheers!

[@alindahill01]

We love to meet new folks. Let us know when you are here. If we aren't out scouting other countries, we'll meet-up.

[@seemaaggarwal1888]

@@alindahill01 sure.Thank you

[@TheRealDlo]

I literally looking to do the same thing... I currently live in Northern CA also 😮

[@alindahill01]

Dlo, are you thinking of moving to Malta? Have you been here?

[@nncadi1]

Where on earth did you find accommodations for that price? I did a quick search and found 30 day rentals for $2000 plus.

[@stevefarrugia-dc7qt]

Long term rent price that they quoted is very accurate for Gozo but you are also right for only 30 days. Its a very honest description of Malta's sister island.

[@andrewbeery4208]

Guys... wonderful video -- period. Full stop. I am a formerly retired pastor (retired to Portugal from Florida before I was pulled back kicking and screaming to help my stepmother's church also in Florida.) I'm about 8-12 months from trying to retire again (second time is the charm.) Thinking Gozo might be a better option than Portugal. I'm a reasonably successful science fiction author. Since I publish on Amazon is it reasonable that I could utilize a digital nomad visa or would it make more sense to just use my social security? Is it true I need to pay a minimum tax of 8000 euros on my social security? Hope to meet you in person perhaps a year down the road.

[@asifhirji226]

Wonderful review!

[@alindahill01]

Thank you asifhirji226. Making this video was a labor of love for Kevin and me. Since moving here, our lives have changed more than we imagined. We are happier and healthier, travel more, and enjoy life daily. We are proud to be part of this country, especially our village. ~Mary & Kevin

[@AG-so4gl]

I love Malta for hols and diving but its terrible for living, very over crowded and inflated prices. I do miss Gozo tho

[@burt3907]

Malta was not overcrowded, until foreigners started buying property, and inflated prices for the locals.

[@Lepewhi]

I really need to visit Malta. I live in Belgium and the weather is not so good. I'll plan a visit soon. Did you receive citizenship yet?

[@alindahill01]

We are Digital Nomad residents, not citizens. We have no plans to become citizens, just residents. The weather is nice most of the year, but summer is HOT!!!

very good guys !

[@alindahill01]

Thank you, Gerald.

[@JamesWilliamson-w8y]

Malta is beautiful but not that cheap. On Gozo $1900 a month maybe, but on the main island I dont think so.

[@alindahill01]

Yes, you are correct. We believe that prices in Malta are about 25% higher than in Gozo and are continuing to rise in some areas. This is one of the reasons why we opted for Gozo. ☺

[@thetravelingkittens1393]

How did you find your apartment? Seems like you need to be there a while and find it as there is nothing on airbnb even close to what you are paying!

[@alindahill01]

We visited here for several extended trips to experience living like locals. We found an Airbnb, of course, which was way more expensive than our current flat. We scouted each of the Gozo villages while here and settled on three we liked. When we returned to California, we spent many hours researching Gozo real estate sites, FaceBook pages, and anything else that showed us what we could rent, how much, and what was included. On our final extended stay, we began reaching out to agents. We had a list of 'must-haves,' including our budget of no more than 800 euros per month. Most of the agents ignored our wishes, but we found one who listened to us and didn't show us anything that didn't fit our needs. He was a gem. He showed us three places. The first one was perfect, but we looked at all three and waited 24 hours before calling and accepting our ideal flat. We just signed a lease for our third year. We love it and our landlord. Airbnb or 'short lets' are more expensive than long lets,' but they are an excellent way to live like a local and find out if Gozo is suitable for you before making a long-term commitment. Also, if you find something you like, you can negotiate. We did, and it was worth it. Good luck, Mary & Kevin

[@alindahill01]

Airbnb will always be more than a long-term lease with the same location, size, and features. We visited the villages and chose three we felt we would like. We did hours of research online at Malta real estate sites, rental agents, and Facebook pages showing long-term rentals. The research gave us a good idea of the inventory and costs. We made a list of 'must haves' and must not haves.' The list included our budget. We contacted agents but did not work with those who didn't honor our list. We found an agent that worked with our needs and even came in under budget. We love the flat and have just signed our lease for 2025. Gozo will be cheaper than Malta and also quieter. Our suggestions are to work with an agent, always get a contract, and be certain it is registered with the housing authority.

[@HH-fo9sg]

Is your KZbin channel the basis for your digital nomad residency visa?

[@alindahill01]

Heavens, no! Our KZbin channel - kzbin.info/door/A01_k9D-DeTVdlFT9xY13g - does not make a dime. Our Digital Nomad Residency Permit is based on income from a business in California.

[@janepowell1303]

I loue gozo when l go to see my son and his family lt is so louely 🍺🍺👒🙋🏼‍♀️🤗

[@alindahill01]

Where do you live now, janepowell?

[@janepowell1303]

@@alindahill01 in malta it nice to but l go a lote to gozo thank you Jane 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@ChrisEmeka-fw6bl]

🎉 how long have you lived in Malta,

[@alindahill01]

We have lived in Gozo 21 months. ☺

[@johnduffy532]

It seems like you need a high annual income to live here of $100,000? We have investment monies and cash on hand well over 600,000 but living off Social Security and a pension doesn’t put us in the hundred thousand dollar category. Can you elaborate on that? Thank you.

[@alindahill01]

No, you do not need a high income to live here. Ours is nowhere near $100,000.

[@geo.t.t1055]

​@@alindahill01 I imagine you need a European passport.

[@alindahill01]

@@geo.t.t1055 No, you do not need a European passport. A valid passport from any country is the identity asked for when applying for residency.

[@geo.t.t1055]

@@alindahill01 Thank you. I might be missing something, is there a particular Visa # which applies to residency? I don't seem to be able to locate it.

[@pippocaruana]

Alot of it is true accept cost of living.

[@alindahill01]

Thank you for your comment. There is nothing untrue about this video, especially the cost of living. -M&K ☺

[@royferguson2297]

The sea might look clean but it's not, Ships are not allowed to make fresh water from the sea water, the sea is all but land locked, only main opening is at Gibraltar.

[@alindahill01]

Thank you for your comments, royferguson. How sad that not only the Mediterranean but all the oceans on earth are polluted. We must all do our part to ensure we are not contributing to this environmental disaster. Here is an article from NOAA that shares what everyone can do to help our oceans - oceanservice.noaa.gov/ocean/help-our-ocean.html

[@markfarrugia644]

One of the cleanest seas in the Mediterranean. Check it.

[@alindahill01]

@@markfarrugia644 - Thank you, Mark, I agree. 😀

[@icejeepwill]

My wife and I plan to move to Malta in the next few months. How did you find your ARM and who did you use? There are more than 500 in the List of Authorised Registered Mandatories. Too many choices.

[@alindahill01]

Hello, @icejeepwill. We are Digital Nomad Residents, and that Visa does not require an ARM to be involved. I'm sorry we couldn't be more help, but we are clueless on the subject. M&K ☺

[@icejeepwill]

@@alindahill01 thanks for the response

[@geo.t.t1055]

Could you share which Visa you are on that you don't have to keep moving out of Malta every 90 days

[@alindahill01]

We have a Digital Nomad Residency Permit that must be renewed annually. We can stay in Malta all we want, but the Schengin rules still apply to the rest of the Schengin Area, in other words, we can only be in the Schingin Area for 90 days within the last 180 days, Time in Malta does not count towards the 90 days. Learn more about Digital Nomad Residency Permit at - nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt/. Learn more about the Schingin Area at - www.gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area#. Good luck.

[@geo.t.t1055]

@@alindahill01 Thank you. That explains it perfectly.

[@roberthemedes1064]

The woman's voice sounds like it was generated by AI.

[@timsmith5096]

It was even better 20 years ago, it’s started to get too busy and loose it’s innocence

[@alindahill01]

We chose Gozo because its way of life is more like Malta's 20 years ago: slow-paced and focused on family, faith, the land, and the sea. 🙂

[@WilliamHANSEN-r6e]

How is the weather there?

[@alindahill01]

Hot, dry summers, cool, wet winters. Right now (July 31, 2024, at 3:30 PM), it is 88 F, but it feels like 101 F. This heat wave is not normal. Normal would be much less hot. 😅

[@burt3907]

Over 300 days of sunshine a year.

[@alindahill01]

@@burt3907 - Yes, or 3000 hours. It's wonderful.

[@Tbonner0818]

How 'bout those Chieeeffs!

[@alindahill01]

We love them!

[@carolmartin4413]

Beautiful country but sooo strict due to catholic religion...think I would visit but never live there. Happy for you...fits your needs.

[@alindahill01]

Thank you for your comment. carolmartin44223. While it may have been so in the past, today, Malta is incredibly open and accepting of all people and lifestyles. Despite not being Catholics ourselves, we deeply respect those who follow the faith. The Catholic church holds significant importance in our village, and we actively participate in numerous church-sponsored events. I am confident that should you choose to visit our adopted country, you will be warmly welcomed, regardless of your beliefs. ~Mary & Kevin

[@carolmartin4413]

@alindahill01 thank you for responding. I was raised catholic. I believe it is a beautiful religion when it sticks to the basics of loving humankind and being a source of consolation during bereavement. It is also paternalistic, misogynistic and perversely brutal in its desire to control its flock. They lost me on abortion rights and child sexual abuse. Nonetheless..glad you enjoy Malta.

[@alindahill01]

@@carolmartin4413 Thank you for your thoughts. ~Mary & Kevin

[@stevefarrugia-dc7qt]

@@carolmartin4413 Its true,WOKE people better stay home. Nut cases are still looking for a country that don't know what gender they are of the 58 shades of humanity.People on drugs are illegal anyway.They lost you on abortion rights or the child lost its right to live ? Anyway, what does any religion have to do with living in Malta ? Its a very liberal country and not at all what you are insinuating. Nonetheless ...... depression pills are very very expensive in Malta,unlike other medicines.

[@AM_Worldwide]

Why aren't people living in theirs own country ...

[@larrys4383]

I think I understand your question and do not intend to sound mean spirited, but humans have been on the move from one place to another since the beginning of humanity. People, in general, always seeks their best interest.

[@AM_Worldwide]

@@larrys4383 I understant that. But see that the big melting pot we see nowadays clearly tends to erase the authenticity of autochtone people. Why not make the best of the best out of the countries we come from instead ... I think Putin said that we belong where our ancestors lived and are resting. Just a thought that resonates wise to my heart. May be I'm not the only one ...

[@alindahill01]

@@AM_Worldwide - Some of us have a nomad's heart. ☺

[@ntblkenf]

, ​@@AM_Worldwide,I come from a family with multiple roots in many different countries and cultures and I am proud of that fact, but given that Where would you have me live,as I like many others are of multi national and cultural ancestry and I had no say when my ancestors left their homelands for whatever reason?

[@AM_Worldwide]

@@ntblkenf Sure, one can't change what's already done. It is just that nowadays leaving one's own country becomes a big trend and the whole world is going to lose local particularities. Once a Nordic have descendance with i.e. an African, the blond hair dissapear quasi for ever. Is it what we want ... we are free of course to choose. -Ps: You are proud of your multicultural heritage. Is it still ok to have only one region ... big question ...

[@pmcgowanp]

Looks great but what about EU taxes and migrants from North Africa and the Middle East?

[@fatou1975]

Migrants are human being like you and I so what about them you are concerned for?

[@doriasalmon4790]

What about the migrants?

[@OmendsFavor]

@@doriasalmon4790indeed what about migrants. This person doesn’t see these whites from CA as Migrants as the ones from Africa and the Middle East… Malta isn’t for the Westerners alone. Weird Xenophobic question.

[@deanndanie8961]

Agreed! What about the migrants???

[@deanndanie8961]

What about them???

[@internationalfranchisealli5547]

Malta is beautiful if you don't mind awful food

[@alindahill01]

We love the food and find it fresh, clean, and unadulterated, but, of course, it isn't for everyone's taste. ☺

[@larrys4383]

Your comment seems rather bizarre given many people find organic, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a Mediterranean diet very healthy. Perhaps you could help me understand.

[@alindahill01]

@@larrys4383@larrys4383 I just wanted to share our delightful food experience without imposing our tastes on those who may not enjoy Mediterranean cuisine. Everyone has different preferences, and that's perfectly okay. But the food here is absolutely fantastic.

[@alindahill01]

@@stevefarrugia-dc7qt , Thank you for taking the time to comment. Just to clarify, the video is focused on travel, not cooking. It has garnered 13436 views so far. May we confirm if your comment was made for Mary & Kevin Travel or another individual? ~Mary & Kevin ☺

[@stevefarrugia-dc7qt]

@@alindahill01 No, not for you wonderful people. It was for someone else.I removed the comment . Love your video and people like you.