“You left California to live here? Why?”
In our village of Nadur, Gozo, we answer this question more than any other when discussing our expat move from Northern California to Malta. We’ve lived in Gozo for over two years, but we called California home for more than 25 years.
What could possibly inspire two American retirees in their 70s to trade an oceanfront community in the California Redwoods for the sun-soaked landscapes of a tiny, arid island in the Mediterranean?
The answer is simple yet compelling: Gozo offers the perfect backdrop to fulfill our retirement dreams. Here, we can explore the world and savor a vibrant lifestyle while living comfortably on our Social Security. It’s a new chapter filled with adventure and the quality of life we’ve always envisioned.
Here are the details—
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The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2025
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Perfect Traveler’s Location

The Republic of Malta is an archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Strategically positioned amidst Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, it serves as an ideal gateway for accessing our dream destinations quickly and inexpensively compared to traveling from California.
For example, a round-trip flight from San Francisco to London costs between $585 and $673, while from Malta to London, it’s only $72 to $163.
Traveling from Malta to Europe is incredibly convenient. With well-connected flights, we can reach major cities like London, Rome, and Paris in just a couple of hours at a budget-friendly price. This ease of access allows us to explore diverse cultures and destinations without the hassle or expense of long-haul journeys.
Casual Lifestyle
Life in Gozo is slow-paced, almost like stepping back 20 years. It revolves around family, faith, tradition, the land, and the sea. Our friends and neighbors know us well, and we know them. We socialize and take care of one another when needed. Daily visits to the village square for coffee and conversation with locals and expats have become a cherished ritual.
Village festivals and celebrations bring the community together. We revel in the joy of outdoor concerts, lively music, and long communal tables overflowing with traditional Gozitan dishes. Local musicians serenade us with captivating folk songs, creating an atmosphere that’s truly enchanting and full of life.
Children run freely around the square and the church during these events, while adults have a reassuring sense of calm, knowing the community is always watching out for them. This nurturing spirit embodies the essence of life here—filled with compassion, safety, and genuine connection.

Lower Cost of Living
In Gozo, our Social Security more than covers our living expenses. According to Living Costs.org, the cost of living in Malta is 36% lower than in the USA. In our experience, it’s closer to 50%.
Our rent for a 2,000-square-foot, fully furnished luxury apartment with a sea view is just $750 per month. Utilities—including electricity, gas, water, trash, Wi-Fi, internet, two mobile phones, and a house phone—average around $180 monthly. Our monthly food expenses for two are approximately $650.
Mediterranean Climate
Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Here’s a seasonal breakdown:
Spring (March to May): Daytime temperatures range from 17°C (63°F) in March to 25°C (77°F) by May, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring.
Summer (June to August): Temperatures soar to 33°C (91°F), with warm sea temperatures ideal for beach activities.
Autumn (September to November): September remains warm at 30°C (86°F), gradually cooling to 20°C (68°F) by November.
Winter (December to February): The coldest months average 15°C (59°F) during the day, with nighttime lows around 10°C (50°F). There is no snow, just mild, comfortable weather.
With 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, it’s easy to see why Gozo’s bright skies are preferable to the fog and grey clouds of Northern California.
Food
Both California and Gozo offer wholesome, tasty food, but the Mediterranean diet is superior—and far more affordable.
We shop at the Wednesday street market to buy organic fruits and vegetables harvested that very day. Our local butcher sells locally raised meats free from hormones and chemicals, and the fishmonger offers fresh, regional seafood from some of the cleanest waters in the world.
Eating out is one of our favorite activities. A three-course dinner with a bottle of local wine for two costs under $50 in Gozo, compared to $150 in California. A lunch of pizza or a hearty sandwich with wine is just $12 for two here, versus $40 back home.
Language
Malta is a bilingual country with Maltese and English as its official languages. Most locals speak English fluently, as it is taught in schools and used for government business.
While we are slowly learning Maltese, it is a complex language with influences from Arabic, Italian, French, and English.
Friendly Community

Since our first day in Gozo, we have been welcomed into the community. There are Gozitans, Maltese, and expats from many nations. They are eager to learn about us and share their lives and traditions. Gozo is where our hearts live. We are grateful for our wonderful neighbors who helped create that vital feeling of home.
Living in California, it took a while to connect with our neighbors, as some seemed quite guarded. Understandably, their strong desire for privacy and personal space might have made them feel isolated from the community. However, this experience reminds us of how important it is to foster connections, which we have done quickly and easily in Malta.
Ease of Residency
Malta offers several residency options, from student and worker permits to permanent residency and citizenship.
We chose the Digital Nomad Visa, which is quick, inexpensive, and requires no investment. It is usually granted within 30 days of application and can be renewed annually for up to four years.
Will We Return?
People often ask if we miss California or plan to return. While we cherish our memories, we have no plans to move back at this time.
We see family and friends whenever we want with long video calls. Many loved ones have come for extended stays in our en suite guest room. We love showing our guests our tiny but beautiful country and simple and satisfying way of life. Of course, we occasionally need to return to California, where we have property. Still, those trips are few and far between now that we have settled in Nadur.
Living in Gozo has made our retirement dreams come true. Our Social Security income allows us to live comfortably, and we can travel as much as we like.
In the past year, we spent eight weeks in Bulgaria and four weeks in the Baltics. In the coming year, we plan to explore Sicily, Northern Italy, and destinations like Casablanca, Corfu, and Nice.
We are truly living the dream.
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2025
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2025
20 Countries Compared, Contrasted, Ranked, and Rated. You don’t have to be rich to enjoy a pampered retirement, you just need to know where to go. With our 34th Annual Global Retirement Index, our experts hand you a detailed roadmap. Details—and a Special Offer—Here

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