Marbella Maintains High Quality of Life Despite Healthcare and Housing Pressures
Marbella continues to rank as one of the cities with the highest quality of life in Spain, thanks to its privileged climate, low pollution levels, and strong public services. However, the growth of tourism and housing pressure are creating tension in key sectors such as healthcare and access to housing.
Climate and environment: major strengths
According to the international platform Numbeo, the city has a quality of life index of 178.38 points, well above the national average. Factors such as the climate (96.5 out of 100), public healthcare (74.6), and low pollution levels make Marbella an attractive destination for residents, tourists, and expats.
“The difference compared to our country is huge,” said an Irish family who settled in Marbella years ago. “Here, we enjoy a healthier life, with great weather, efficient services, and a safe environment,” they told AS newspaper.
Healthcare under strain in summer
The population surge during summer months is revealing a lack of healthcare resources. The local political group OSP recently denounced the “alarming shortage” of ambulances, especially the absence of an advanced life support unit. “We cannot allow a predictable increase in visitors to put emergency care at risk,” they warned.
Environment: invasive algae and plastic pollution
Marbella’s city council has removed over 1,800 tons of invasive algae (rugulopteryx okamurae) so far in July, at a cost of more than €139,000. Mayor Ángeles Muñoz has urgently requested support from the central government to control the spread of the species, which threatens marine biodiversity and impacts tourism on local beaches.
In addition, over 6 cubic meters of plastic were collected from the sea in June alone, according to maritime cleaning services.
Housing: record prices and neighborhood protests
Housing prices in Marbella reached €5,162 per square meter in May — a historical high. This has raised concern among locals, many of whom are being pushed out of the housing market, unable to afford buying or renting.
In response, community groups have organized demonstrations in the city center to demand Marbella be declared a “stressed housing area”, which would allow for rent control measures and penalties on empty homes.
A city for everyone?
Despite its many strengths, Marbella faces the challenge of preserving its quality of life in a fair and sustainable way. “We live in a privileged city, but we cannot allow tourism and speculation to drive out lifelong residents,” said a neighborhood spokesperson during a protest for housing rights.