I am from the UK originally but left 35 years ago and have never lived back there since. I am from a poor provincial town. It depresses the hell out of me to go home, I find it ugly and dirty in many places, the people are downtrodden and cynical and the quality of life is decreasing by the year.
The sheer cost of living in the UK now is off the charts coupled with the cost of housing people are so badly squeezed. I can manage a week at most before I am totally depressed.
I am always so happy to be heading back to the airport to get the hell out.
Long time Maltese resident here…
Housing is expensive here, if you are prepared to share a flat you will pay minimum 300 euros, but probably closer to 500 a month. If you want a place for yourself then stuido apartments in the main towns start at around 800 - 1000 a month. Prices go up from there.
You can get by without a car by living close to work and using public transport which is free but highly unreliable and uncomfortable in the summer months (and most months are summer months here).
You will be lucky to make 5 euros an hour in construction but if you are prepared to work for such money there is plenty of work as the entire island is a building site.
With your budget you could move to Sicily and buy a place for 20K - 30K and live rent free whilst you sort out your income, just a thought.