Room Prices in Mallorca: Young People Under Pressure

When the shared-room becomes a luxury good

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I know this from firsthand experience: Those who ride the bus line 1 toward the university in the morning and arrive ten minutes later at the cafe at Plaça, often hear the same complaint — rent eats a large part of wages. Current figures show that a room on Mallorca costs on average around 558 euros per month. In Palma it is even around 574 euros. For many young people, that means: one room quickly consumes about a third of the income.

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More than just a number

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The problem is not only the amount but the speed of the increase. Five years ago, a WG room was still paid for at a much lower rate. Those seeking affordable accommodation today stumble upon listings with incl. electricity in tiny rooms or WG offers that hardly have WG character left. University places, internships and part-time jobs in tourism or hospitality often do not pay enough to save anything besides rent.

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A city, many prices

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Palma is drawing people in, you can feel it at every street corner: cafes are full, the city center is lively, but prices follow. On the way to the university in Son Espases or while having an after-work beer at Cala Mayor, we hear stories from young teachers, waitresses and trainees who can hardly see a path to their own room. Some move to villages — but the commute becomes longer, the quality of life suffers.

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What can be done?

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The discussion continues: more social housing? repurposing empty offices? limited short-term rentals? There are ideas, but implementation takes time. Until then, many cut back on everything: leisure, meals outside, small trips. Some move back to their parents or share rooms that they would not have accepted as a long-term solution.

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A tip at the end: If you are currently looking, ask in local groups, check notice boards at universities and neighborhood pubs, and negotiate — sometimes direct contact helps more than a perfect listing. But one thing is clear: in the long run, political solutions are needed, otherwise Palma remains a place that is hardly affordable for young people.