DAILY POSTCARD | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026 |
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Dear International Living reader, "You left California to live here?" They hear it all the time. This couple traded Northern California for tiny Gozo, Malta—and found a slower, more connected life where Social Security covers the bills. See what they pay for rent, utilities, groceries, and dining out—and why they have zero plans to move back. | P.S. Malta is more than a scenic island—it's a fortress for your lifestyle, your finances, and your peace of mind. Find out how Americans are unlocking this European safe haven at our Malta Seminar… You can watch FREE when you sign up to International Living today. |
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Why We Retired to Malta After 25 Years in California |
By Mary Charlebois and Kevin Scanlon |
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| "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. |
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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. |
A Slower, More Connected Way of Life 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. 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. The Real Costs of Island Living Our Social Security more than covers our living expenses. According to LivingCosts.org, the cost of living in Malta is 36% lower than in the US. 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. | View from our terrace across the Gozo Channel. Photo © Kevin Scanlon |
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. 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. |
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Editor's Note: If you're looking for a safe, affordable, and English-speaking home base in Europe, Malta should be on your radar. With sun-splashed stone cities, world-class healthcare, and a US-friendly tax system, it offers a rare mix of stability and beauty. Our Malta Advantage Seminar reveals how Americans are quietly building their "Plan B" in this fortress-state—with real estate, residency, and lifestyle strategies that are simpler than you'd think. Whether you're ready to move or simply want to secure your escape hatch, this is your chance to learn how with an International Living membership. |
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In lots of safe, warm, friendly spots abroad, a couple can live well for around $2,000 a month. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are already doing it—and you could, too. We'll give you a Blueprint for Your Escape—FREE—with your discounted IL membership today. Special Offer Ends Soon! |
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