Housing has become the main problem for people who live and work in Ibiza. Many residents on the island spend close to — or even more than — 100% of their monthly income on rent. This is reflected in a recent survey launched by Diario de Ibiza on its social media channels. Asked “What percentage of your salary do you spend on housing?”, the response from the community was overwhelming and stark: the 30% threshold considered financially healthy is a utopia for most Ibizans.
Suffocating percentages
Most respondents to the open survey report critical figures, with between 50% and 75% of their net income going directly towards rent. Some extreme cases claim that rent consumes 100% of their salary — or even more — forcing them to seek a second job or consider leaving the island altogether.
“We left the island because we didn’t want to pay one salary and part of another”, laments one reader. Others point out that the percentage rises even further when utility bills such as electricity and water are added.
“My son was born here and, despite working all year round, he has had to leave the island to raise his family. It’s a shame that this is happening”, says another reader. The debate also includes testimonies from people who, faced with this situation, have opted to live in a motorhome.
Sharing out of necessity
Another reality highlighted by respondents is the need to share accommodation in order to avoid spending their entire salary on housing. Many residents say that, despite having permanent contracts, they are forced to rent rooms or share flats with strangers because the price of a one-bedroom apartment often exceeds the basic salary of a worker in the service sector.
“Rent is €1,600, and you know how much people earn here”, comments another reader, who adds that the real question should be “what the authorities are doing to regulate fair prices”.
“In Ibiza, either salaries should be higher or prices should be more affordable,” concludes another respondent.