Family moves to Malta and saves almost $1,700 a month despite paying $1,200 more in rent

Moving to Malta has cut a Scottish family's overall monthly costs by £1,251 ($1,673), despite their rent rising by £900 ($1,203).

Here's what to know

According to the Manchester Evening News, business owners Laura Anderson and her husband Callum Anderson moved from Fife, Scotland, to Naxxar, Malta, in October 2026. 

Seventeen-year-old Mia Anderson joined her parents, while their eldest daughter, Lucy Anderson, 20, stayed in the United Kingdom to attend university.

The family no longer pays council tax, and other household expenses, including energy bills, have fallen. Those savings help cover their £2,500-a-month rent for a three-bedroom penthouse. Previously, they spent £1,600 a month on a four-bedroom farmhouse in Scotland.

"If we weren't living in Malta we would have had to move out of our house," Laura said. "It was £690 per month just for oil, with electricity on top of that, wood on top of that, it was £1,100 just to heat the house and put the lights on. Electricity is £85 per month here."

More background

The Andersons previously spent £130 a week on fuel. Even a trip to the shop required a 20-minute drive from their farm. In Malta, they spend £33 on fuel every two weeks.

Laura was diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder in November 2023. The condition can cause severe emotional and physical symptoms, and after struggling to access NHS support, she sought private healthcare. She said spending so much time indoors during Scotland's wet weather was difficult for her mental health.

"We've deliberately chosen to live in an area with access to good walks for the dogs," Laura said. "Walking is one of the things that really helps my head, so it's important I go out on those long walks."

What can be done?

Relocating can be a dramatic step to avoid rising living costs. However, changes at home can make a dent in day-to-day bills. 

For example, swapping a gas-guzzling car for an electric vehicle can save money on fuel and maintenance costs while also reducing your personal pollution impact. Meanwhile, investing in solar panels can reduce energy bills over the long term, and upgrading to an efficient electric heat pump can keep your house warmer for less.

Where can I learn more?

Other families have taken similar steps to reduce their typical living costs. 

• An Australian family moved to Italy to free them from mortgage payments.

• A North Carolina family said off-grid living costs them about $400 a month.

• A woman rented a 260-square-foot home for $1,100 a month to avoid roommates and work less.

• In Spain, one family's three years off-grid brought lessons about water, firewood, and toilets.

• After eight years in Portugal, a couple said off-grid life brought 100 new jobs.

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