Compare countries · Italy vs Malta
Italy vs Malta
Across 11 comparable indicators: Italy leads on 4, Malta on 5, 2 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Italy
61.4
Worse than 82% of countries
Malta
56.8
Worse than 79% of countries
Malta: 7% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Italy
20.5
Worse than 70% of countries
Malta
28.2
Worse than 86% of countries
Italy: 27% cheaper rents.
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Italy
52.7
Worse than 57% of countries
Malta
57.0
Better than 56% of countries
Malta: higher perceived safety (57.0 vs 52.7).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Italy
0.906
Better than 85% of countries
Malta
0.915
Better than 87% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Italy
$62,803
Better than 84% of countries
Malta
$72,210
Better than 88% of countries
Malta: 15% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Italy
84.0 yrs
Better than 95% of countries
Malta
83.0 yrs
Better than 89% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Italy
64.9
Around the global middle
Malta
53.3
Worse than 84% of countries
Italy: better-rated healthcare (64.9 vs 53.3).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Italy
114 Mbps
Better than 62% of countries
Malta
209 Mbps
Better than 81% of countries
Malta: 82% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Italy
65/100
Better than 68% of countries
Malta
61/100
Better than 62% of countries
Italy: freer press (65 vs 61 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Italy
6.57
Better than 74% of countries
Malta
6.44
Better than 71% of countries
Italy: happier on the Cantril ladder (6.57 vs 6.44).
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Italy
89.8
Better than 74% of countries
Malta
97.8
Better than 97% of countries
Malta: more pleasant climate rating (97.8 vs 89.8).
Not comparable for this pair
- Peace — Global Peace Index: The Global Peace Index doesn't cover one of these countries.
- English proficiency: EF doesn't score one of these countries — usually because English is a native language there.
Deciding between Italy and Malta for real?
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70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full Malta profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.