Area comparison
Sliema vs Gzira
Deciding between Sliema and Gzira? Here is how the two areas compare on property prices, rents, and day to day living, using live listing data from Darscover.
Last updated 26 September 2026
Prices at a glance
Median asking prices and live listing counts for both areas, refreshed daily.
| Area | Median sale price | Median rent | For sale | For rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sliema | €805,000 | €1,800 / per month | 142 | 374 |
| Gzira | €333,000 | €1,350 / per month | 80 | 165 |
Sliema is the pricier of the two: its median asking sale price runs about 142% above Gzira.
On rentals, Sliema is the dearer of the two, with a median asking rent about 33% above Gzira.
Figures as of 26 September 2026, from live asking prices on Darscover.
Lifestyle and who each area suits
Sliema
Sliema is Malta's coastal flagship, a dense urban strip running along the Marsamxett harbour from Tigné Point in the south to St Julian's in the north. Originally a 19th century summer retreat for Valletta nobility, today it is the country's most cosmopolitan address, packed with high-rise apartments, retail towers, and an unbroken seafront promenade.
Sliema reads as Malta's Manhattan: walkable, dense, retail-heavy, and overwhelmingly geared to international residents and short-let tenants.
Best for
- expats
- young professionals
- buy-to-let investors
- short-let operators
Getting around
The Sliema Ferry runs every 30 minutes to Valletta in roughly 10 minutes, and the seafront sits on Malta's busiest bus corridor.
Neighbourhoods and sub areas
Tigné Point, The Strand, Tower Road, Qui-si-Sana
Gzira
Gżira hugs the Marsamxett harbour between Sliema and Ta' Xbiex, with views across to Manoel Island and the Valletta bastions. The town is built around the seafront promenade and a dense grid of older terraced houses and modern apartment blocks, and benefits from the major Manoel Island regeneration project that is reshaping the waterfront.
Gżira reads as a slightly calmer extension of Sliema: same harbour walk, same restaurant density, slightly better value per square metre.
Best for
- expats wanting harbour views at lower entry prices than Sliema
- buy-to-let investors
- young professionals
Getting around
The seafront sits on the Sliema-Valletta bus corridor; the harbour ferry terminal is a short walk in either direction.
Neighbourhoods and sub areas
Manoel Island fringe, Rue d'Argens, The Strand
Which should you choose?
Lean towards Sliema if you want expats, young professionals, buy-to-let investors and short-let operators. Lean towards Gzira if you want expats wanting harbour views at lower entry prices than sliema, buy-to-let investors and young professionals. The price table above shows the budget difference between them.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sliema more expensive than Gzira?
Sliema is the pricier of the two: its median asking sale price runs about 142% above Gzira.
Which is better, Sliema or Gzira?
It depends on your priorities. Sliema suits expats, young professionals, buy-to-let investors and short-let operators. Gzira suits expats wanting harbour views at lower entry prices than sliema, buy-to-let investors and young professionals. Use the median prices above to weigh the budget difference.
Ready to look at homes?
Browse live listings in either area, or open the full market report for the numbers behind these medians.