Denia tops the ranking by a wide margin. Credit: ClemMcGann / Creative Commons
A gap of more than €550 separates the highest and lowest average retirement pensions across the Costa Blanca, according to data from the National Institute of Social Security (INSS) published on January in the pension statistics for October 2025.
A map illustrating the distribution of contributory retirement pensions by municipality highlights clear geographical inequalities. At a glance, it shows how larger urban centres tend to concentrate both a higher number of beneficiaries and larger monthly payments, while smaller inland towns record significantly lower averages.
Denia tops the ranking by a wide margin, with an average retirement pension of €1,360.37. It is followed by municipalities close to or above the €1,200 mark, including Gata de Gorgos (€1,219.48), Javea (€1,218.21), Beniarbeig (€1,190.06) and Benissa (€1,178.95).
A broad group of towns sits in the middle range. Els Poblets (€1,167.04), Calp (€1,157.04) and Ondara (€1,157.50) show almost identical figures, while Pedreguer (€1,134.43) and Teulada (€1,081.49) also fall within this band.
The middle and lower ranges
Towards the lower end of the mid-range, around the €1,000 level, are Xalo (€1,019.76), Senija (€1,014.21) and Murla (€1,003.72).
Below €1,000 a month are the lowest average pensions in the comarca. Lliber records the smallest figure, at €801.27. Also in this group are l’Atzúbia (€998.51), Parcent (€976.39), El Poble Nou de Benitatxell (€976.35), Sanet y Negrals (€966.16) and Castell de Castells (€947.02).
Number of beneficiaries and pension levels
Municipalities with a larger number of pensioners often, though not always, show higher average payments. The clearest example is Denia, which combines the highest average pension with 5,037 beneficiaries. A similar pattern can be seen in Xabia, with 2,208 pensions.
However, population size does not always translate into higher pensions. La Vall d’Alcalà, with just 20 pensions, records an average of €1,113.33, higher than that of some much larger towns. Benimeli shows a similar trend, with 55 pensions and an average of €1,124.21.
Exceptions to the rule
In Pego, despite having 1,576 pensioners, the average pension stands at €1,073.91, below that of comparable municipalities. By contrast, Beniarbeig, with only 217 pensions, reaches an average of €1,190.06, outperforming larger towns such as Calp or Benissa.
Pension changes ahead in 2026
The year 2026 marks the final stage of the transitional period of the pension reform approved in 2011, which began in 2013. From 2027 onwards, the definitive parameters of the system will apply permanently.
In 2026, the ordinary legal retirement age rises to 66 years and ten months, two months more than in 2025. However, those with at least 38 years and three months of contributions will still be able to retire at 65. From 2027, the standard retirement age will be set at 67, with retirement at 65 reserved for those who can prove 38 years and six months of contributions.
Retirement age and contributions
The number of contribution years required to receive 100 per cent of the pension will also increase. In 2026, workers will need 36 years and six months, rising to 37 years from 2027.
Minimum ages for early retirement are adjusted in line with the ordinary retirement age. In cases of involuntary retirement due to redundancy, it will be possible to retire up to 48 months earlier, from 62 years and ten months, or from 61 with a long contribution record. Voluntary early retirement will be allowed up to 24 months earlier, from 64 years and ten months, or from 63 for those with long contribution histories.
Early retirement and revaluation
As for revaluation, pensions will rise by 2.7 per cent from January 2026, in line with inflation. The minimum retirement pension with a dependent spouse will reach €17,592 per year, while the maximum pension will be set at €47,034.40 annually, equivalent to €3,359 per month. In addition, those retiring in 2026 and entitled to the maximum pension will receive an extra increase of 0.115 points.