Torrevieja Among Spain’s Ten Most Unequal Large Municipalities

The Costa Blanca city of Torrevieja has been identified as one of Spain's ten most unequal large municipalities, according to a new report by the Foundation for Applied Economic Studies (Fedea). Located in Alicante province, Torrevieja ranks tenth nationwide for income inequality, based on data from 2023. The report, which uses the Gini coefficient to measure income distribution, highlights a significant wealth gap within the city.

While Torrevieja has substantial residential and tourism-related wealth, many households face lower-paid, seasonal or insecure employment. Fedea's ranking includes municipalities with populations exceeding 50,000 residents, and it goes beyond identifying the poorest or wealthiest areas. It focuses on the pronounced differences in income levels among residents.

Other Spanish municipalities with high income inequality include Pozuelo de Alarcón, Alcobendas, and El Ejido. In contrast, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Cornellà de Llobregat, and Cerdanyola del Vallès in Barcelona province have the most evenly distributed incomes. The report also reveals that severe inequality is not confined to wealthier municipalities.

High-earning areas like Pozuelo de Alarcón, Alcobendas, and Majadahonda coexist with lower-income cities like Torrevieja and Elda. This disparity is particularly relevant for Torrevieja, a rapidly growing coastal city with a diverse population and an economy heavily influenced by tourism, construction, property, and hospitality.