Valletta - Post Report Question and Answers
How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
For a western European country, I thought the cost of groceries and household supplies was rather low. I lived next door to a green grocer and across the street from a butcher, where I did the majority of my shopping. Fishmongers were easily found, and I was a 5-10 minute walk from a decently sized grocery store that would remind Americans more of grocery stores from home. Meat, fish, poultry, fresh vegetables and fruits, and all kinds of dry goods are easily found. - May 2023
Comparable to most major cities in Europe, everything you want is available. A tad more expensive at the gourmet grocery stores. Of course, everything depends on the exchange rate. - Oct 2018
Pleasantly surprised at the availability of items. Cost of some things can get expensive, but you learn what to buy locally, what to pouch in, etc. Fresh produce is very nice here and not expensive, but you tend to get that from fruit trucks/markets as the big grocery stores don't have great quality. Same with meat, you'll go to a local butcher in your neighborhood. Some Americans go to a nice one in Naxxar called Charlie Butcher (many businesses here just go by a name and then what they do - Kevin Garage, Donna Hairstyles, Charlie Butcher, Joseph Towing, Kevin Taxi - original huh?) Also, if you see something you like, buy several. Next time, there will not be any on the shelves or an empty space where the item used to be. On an island, availability of items can get spotty. - Sep 2016
Most everything you could want is pretty readily available, though it will set you back more than in the U.S. Fresh breads and produce are affordable and good quality. There is a twice weekly NICE open market by local farmers near the embassy, which we frequent and save money and enjoy better products than the grocers. Seafood is not nearly as nice, prevalent or affordable as one would expect, living in the middle of the Mediterranean. You will NOT find ranch dressing or some other American staples. Several take the ferry to Sicily (Sigonella Naval Air Station) to enjoy access to the U.S. commissary. The ferry is several hundred dollars, but transports your vehicle. - Jan 2014
Twice American costs. - Feb 2010
Local produce (vegetables/meat) are quite affordable. The quality of produce is excellent, meat is so-so. Anything packaged is extremely expensive. Most household supplies widely available. - Feb 2010
Most things are available. Malta has a 30% COLA at the moment, and it seems about right. - Jul 2009
