Susan MeierAre you considering relocating your life or business to Cyprus or Malta? Then this article is a must-read. Here, you'll find all the important information about life in these two island nations. Malta and Cyprus are two beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, attracting millions of tourists annually with their Mediterranean weather and stunning seas. Both islands not only share a similar Mediterranean lifestyle but also offer tax advantages for those looking to move. But where do these seemingly similar islands, Cyprus and Malta, truly differ? This article will highlight their key distinctions.
General Information on Cyprus and Malta
The small island of Malta lies south of the Italian island of Sicily and north of Tunisia in the Mediterranean. Malta also includes the islands of Gozo and Comino, which are major tourist attractions, famous for their crystal-clear waters.
Cyprus is located south of Turkey, west of Syria, and north of Israel. It is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily and Sardinia. While geographically closer to Asia when looking at a map, Cyprus is politically part of Europe.
Malta Facts
Malta's capital is Valletta. The official languages are English and Maltese. Approximately 503,000 people live on the island, which covers about 320 km². As you can see from demographic data, Malta has a relatively young population profile (http://wko.at/statistik/laenderprofile/lp-malta.pdf).
Malta's appeal to foreign residents grows year on year, reflected in its increasing visitor numbers. In 2018, Malta's steadily growing tourism industry recorded its highest number of tourists since 1995, with 2.6 million visitors (https://www.laenderdaten.info/Europa/Malta/tourismus/ - as of 2018). It's hardly surprising that 12.7% of Malta's GDP is attributed to tourism. Cyprus also attracts millions of tourists annually (3.94 million in 2018) and owes much to its tourism industry, contributing 13.82% to its GDP. Both island nations are EU members, use the Euro, and enjoy a Mediterranean climate.
Cyprus Facts
Cyprus's capital is Nicosia. The national and official languages are Greek and Turkish. Just under 1.2 million people live in Cyprus. Demographic data also indicates a predominantly young population.
Source: https://www.populationpyramid.net/de/republik-zypern/2016/
Flight Connections
While Malta can be reached by car via a ferry from Sicily, flying is the more comfortable option. Malta has excellent flight connections to Europe - even though, due to its size, it only has one airport. Pre-pandemic, for example, flights to cities like Cologne operated several times a day. Another advantage of connections to Malta is the affordable price; flights can often be found for under EUR 50. Flight times range between 2.3 and 2.5 hours, depending on the destination.
Airlines: Lufthansa, AirMalta, British Airways, Ryanair, Easyjet, Condor, Wizzair, SWISS, TUI FLY
In short, Malta's flight connections are excellent, serving most European cities.
Cyprus, on the other hand, is geographically further from Europe, so for those travelling from the continent, the question of car or plane doesn't even arise - the answer is always the plane. Due to the greater distance, flight times to Cyprus are about 90 minutes longer than to Malta. Cyprus has two airports: Larnaca (in the south-east of the island) and Paphos (in the south-west of the island).
Airlines: Lufthansa, Eurowings, Germania, easyJet, Condor, Cobalt, Cyprus Airways
Since Malta is geographically closer to Europe, with a flight time of 2.5 hours instead of 3.5 hours, and had more flight connections pre-pandemic, Malta takes this point.
Winner: Malta
Infrastructure
Both islands are Southern European nations with similar mentalities. They are former British colonies and therefore drive on the left side of the road.
Due to Malta's manageable size, getting around the island is relatively simple. Malta has a very well-developed bus network connecting all towns and cities on the island. If you choose to drive, you'll need to adjust to left-hand traffic. Despite the often-lively Southern European driving style, you can feel safe with Maltese drivers, who are generally quite considerate.
Furthermore, Malta offers numerous other alternatives: from taxi companies to Uber-like apps (Bolt, eCabs), to e-scooter or bike-sharing systems (Nextbike) - everything is available. You can also rent a car by the minute via GoTo and park it in designated spots.
The best and most scenic means of transport are, of course, boats or ferries. For example, a ferry connects Malta's most beautiful cities - Sliema and Valletta. Residents and visitors can use the ferry every half hour to get from one city to the other. There are also ferry connections from Sliema and Valletta to Gozo.
Cyprus also has similar apps now, such as nTAXI Cyprus, Bolt, or Nextbike, which enable app-based travel. Like Malta, Cyprus also has several ports where cruise ships and boats can dock, allowing you to travel around the island. Additionally, there are occasional ferry connections between Greece and Cyprus, from Piraeus, Rhodes, Ayios Nikolas, and Crete to Limassol. Cargo ships also take passengers at various ports, offering the option to travel to Cyprus - even with a car. The Akgunler Denizcilik ferry company also connects Turkey with Cyprus.
When comparing road conditions, Cyprus definitely scores a point. Due to its larger size, Cyprus has well-developed motorways, which Malta, on the other hand, doesn't really need, explaining the generally poorer road conditions. Nevertheless, Malta has such a well-developed infrastructure that enables quick travel from one side of the island to the other.
Winner: Both
Weather
Malta Source: https://www.klimatabelle.info/europa/klimatabelle-malta
Cyprus Source: https://www.klimatabelle.info/europa/klimatabelle-zypern
In terms of weather, both islands are very similar. The average daytime temperature is 24 degrees Celsius, and 13 degrees Celsius at night. Both countries reach their peak temperatures in July and August, with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
If you want to escape the hot temperatures in Malta, your only option is to leave the island. Cyprus, however, offers more diverse options: the mountainous island provides hiking opportunities in the Troodos Mountains, which offer a good contrast to the sun and sand. Cyprus is known for the possibility of swimming in the sea and skiing at the same time. Cyprus's highest mountain is 1,952 m. However, don't expect a skiing experience comparable to the Alps.
The only significant difference between the two islands lies in the number of rainy days per year. Malta's annual rainfall is almost double that of Cyprus, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, as more rain often means more lush greenery. And, of course, bear in mind that 'more' rain in Malta is still only a fraction of what you'd experience in many parts of Europe.
Winner: Both
Nature
As mentioned regarding the weather, Malta experiences more rainy days, which ultimately leads to more natural landscapes and a wider selection of local fruits and vegetables. Consequently, Malta attracts hiking enthusiasts not only in summer but also during the cooler months. Not only is the island beautiful in summer due to its water quality - in winter, the island boasts lush greenery and beautiful hiking trails.
Winner: Malta
Costs
In Malta and Cyprus, food prices are relatively high compared to many European countries. This is hardly surprising when you consider that most food is imported from European countries like the UK, France, or Germany.
Comparing Malta and Cyprus, Malta scores a point for slightly lower living costs. You might find a cappuccino for EUR 1.50 in Malta, while in Cyprus, a cup of coffee could set you back EUR 4. Besides regular supermarkets, Malta also has numerous local fruit and vegetable vendors where you can buy cheaper local produce. If you ever miss home, you'll also find Lidl supermarkets with prices comparable to those in other European countries.
Despite the high food prices, restaurant prices are relatively low. On average, you can expect a quality meal for about EUR 10.
Alcohol is also cheaper in Malta. In Cyprus, it's not uncommon to pay EUR 8 to EUR 10 for a cocktail in a bar. While you might find these prices in Malta too, they would typically be in a more upscale bar.
However, don't be swayed solely by cheaper cocktails and groceries; Cyprus also has its advantages regarding costs. For example, if you want your own car in Malta, you'll face an import tax that makes a car significantly more expensive than in Cyprus. Rental prices are also, on average, more expensive in Malta than in Cyprus. As most of the activity takes place in the towns of Sliema, St.
Julian's, and Valletta, prices here are steadily rising, approaching those seen in some major European cities. However, the recent pandemic has seen rental prices decrease. In Cyprus, for instance, you can find a good two-bedroom apartment for EUR 500 per month, whereas in Malta, you should expect to pay around EUR 800.
So, unless you plan to live on coffee alone, your total monthly expenses in Malta will likely be slightly higher than in Cyprus.
Winner: Cyprus
Activities
Despite Malta's small size, there are a variety of activities available. In summer, water-related activities are, of course, plentiful: from snorkelling, diving, boat trips, kayaking, to beaches and beach bars. Wine tasting, jeep and motorboat tours, hiking, and exploring cities like Mdina and Valletta are activities you can enjoy all year round. There's also something for history enthusiasts: you can visit Malta's ancient sites and museums.
One striking difference is that Malta was not shaped by Ottoman influences. Malta has experienced countless cultural influences and is a must-visit for anyone interested in European history. From traditional old cities like Valletta and Mdina to the natural beauty of Malta and Gozo, Malta is well worth a visit.
Cyprus also has similar offerings - from sandy beaches to snorkelling and hiking tours, you'll find everything, and in some respects, it even has a bit more to offer. However, if you want to do something specific, you'll quickly realise that travelling from, say, Limassol to Nicosia requires considerable travel time. Both, therefore, have their advantages and disadvantages.
Winner: Both
Beaches
One of the main reasons to relocate to either island is certainly the immediate proximity to the sea and the beach. Life by the sea also means spending a lot of time by the sea or on the beach. Comparing Malta and Cyprus, you quickly see on the map that Cyprus is significantly larger and offers more sandy beaches that stretch for several kilometres. In Malta, you will also find beaches, but they are not as extensive.
If you prefer rocky beaches and consider sand a nuisance, you'll feel right at home in Malta. Along the popular towns of Sliema, St. Julian's, and Valletta, Malta offers rocky beaches, which are also usually less crowded than sandy ones. Regarding water quality, Malta definitely scores a point - Malta's water is considered the cleanest in Europe.
Winner: Malta
Parties
Both Malta and Cyprus have a nightlife hub. In Malta, it's Paceville; in Cyprus, it's Ayia Napa. Both areas are similar. The main difference is that Malta's party hub, Paceville, is very close to popular towns like St. Julian's (a 2-minute drive) and Sliema (a 10-minute drive).
The party strip of Ayia Napa, on the other hand, is 112 km from Limassol, 61 km from Larnaca, and 178 km from Paphos, and offers few facilities for visitors beyond hotels, bars, and restaurants. Of course, Cyprus also has bars and restaurants outside of Ayia Napa, but overall, Malta offers a wider range of party options.
Winner: Malta
Expat Community
Both Malta and Cyprus have a high percentage of expats - not least due to the iGaming and financial industries. While exact figures for expats are hard to come by, estimates suggest around 23,000 foreign residents in Malta and approximately 150,000 in Cyprus. Although Cyprus has a significantly higher number of foreign residents, it's important to remember its larger geographical spread compared to Malta. Consequently, social interaction might be more localised to specific areas.
Furthermore, about 85-90% of young professionals in Malta are employed near Sliema, so the main hub for foreign residents and expats is also located here. In Malta, you'll also find several bars, such as 'The Network', which are an excellent place to meet people your age.
Winner: Both
Language
Although both countries are former British colonies and English is widely spoken in both, Malta enjoys English as an official language alongside Maltese. Cyprus's official languages are Greek and Turkish. As a tourist, you'll barely notice the difference, as both countries have a good command of English.
As an expat, however, this can make a big difference, as the fact that English is an official language means that official communication with banks, authorities, or other institutions takes place in English. You also receive forms in English and/or Maltese. If you have school-aged children, the official language is certainly an important factor to consider in your decision.
In Cyprus, on the other hand, you'll find forms in Greek, meaning you'll need external help for translation, or it will involve significantly more effort for you. In this regard, if you don't speak Greek, life in Malta is considerably easier.
Winner: Malta
Bureaucracy
Cyprus's bureaucracy is as one might expect from Southern European countries, so be prepared for longer waiting times than you might be used to from other parts of Europe. Additionally, in Cyprus, you'll have to deal with forms in Greek, which doesn't simplify matters. Not so in Malta; Malta is on par with the efficiency of many Northern European bureaucracies. Malta's government is significantly more efficient and user-friendly for individuals and businesses for several reasons: communication can be almost entirely digital, including uploading and sending documents; overall communication is better; you receive quicker responses; and you often have a direct contact person for your queries.
Winner: Malta
Healthcare System
Malta's healthcare system is very similar to many Western European systems (you can find more about this in this article: https://drwerner.com/de/gesundheitssystem-in-malta-ist-das-zweitbeste-in-europa/). Malta has more hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants (4.7 vs. 3.4 in Cyprus), though Cyprus has more doctors per 1,000 (3.83 vs. 1.95 in Malta). This is also reflected in the average life expectancy for women: 82.9 years in Cyprus vs. 84.6 years in Malta. Cyprus only introduced a unified healthcare system in 2019.
Winner: Malta
Crime Rate
Both islands are considered extremely safe places. According to data from laenderdaten.info, both Cyprus and Malta score highly for political stability, with 73 and 86 points respectively.
Winner: Both
Education System
Both the education systems in Cyprus and Malta are modelled on the British system and consequently boast a very high standard of education. Despite the high standards, foreign parents often opt for private schools. Nevertheless, it's worth reiterating the point about official languages. Because English is an official language in Malta, the population generally has a strong command of English, which isn't always the case for residents in Cyprus.
Winner: Malta
Conclusion
Overall Winner: Malta
As you can see, these two island nations share similarities in some areas but differ significantly in others. If you're considering Malta or Cyprus as a location for your business or personal relocation, I recommend visiting both countries.
If you have any questions regarding the tax situation in Cyprus or Malta, please feel free to arrange a consultation, and we will advise you accordingly.
