Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to mainland Europe. Prices can vary depending on whether you’re in tourist hotspots like Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas or local areas like La Laguna and Santa Cruz.
1. Accommodation Costs 🏡
Rent (Monthly):
1-bedroom apartment (City centre – Santa Cruz, La Laguna, Costa Adeje): €750 – €1,200
1-bedroom apartment (Outside city centre): €500 – €850
3-bedroom apartment (City centre): €1,200 – €2,000
3-bedroom apartment (Outside city centre): €900 – €1,500
Short-term Airbnb (Tourist Areas): €80 – €200 per night
💡 Tip: Long-term rentals are significantly cheaper than short-term holiday lets. Many expats choose to rent in local areas to save money.
2. Food & Grocery Prices 🛒
Supermarket Prices (Per Unit):
Milk (1L): €1.10 – €1.50
Bread (500g loaf): €1.20 – €2.00
Eggs (12): €2.00 – €3.50
Chicken Breast (1kg): €6.50 – €8.00
Rice (1kg): €1.50 – €3.00
Local Cheese (1kg): €9.00 – €15.00
Bananas (1kg – locally grown!): €1.00 – €2.50
💡 Tip: Shopping at Mercadona, Lidl, or Hiperdino is more affordable than high-end supermarkets like El Corte Inglés.
3. Eating Out & Drinks 🍽️🍷
Local “Menu del Día” (3-course meal in local restaurants): €10 – €15
Mid-range restaurant (for two, incl. drinks): €35 – €60
Fine dining (for two): €80 – €150
Coffee (Café con leche): €1.50 – €2.50
Beer (Local, 0.5L): €2.00 – €4.00
Cocktail in a beach bar: €8 – €12
💡 Tip: Tourist areas have higher prices—head to local restaurants (guachinches) for the best food at lower costs.
4. Transportation Costs 🚍🚗
Public Bus (TITSA ticket – single trip): €1.50 – €3.00
Monthly Public Transport Pass: €47 (unlimited travel)
Taxi Start Fare: €3.50 – €5.00 + €1 per km
Car Rental (Per Day): €25 – €60 (cheaper for long-term rentals)
Petrol (1L): €1.10 – €1.30
💡 Tip: Public transport is reliable and affordable, but renting a car is the best way to explore the island.
5. Utilities & Internet 🔌📶
Electricity, Heating, Water (for 85m² apartment): €50 – €120 per month
Internet (Fibre Optic, 300 Mbps): €30 – €50 per month
Mobile Phone Plan (10GB Data + Calls): €15 – €30
💡 Tip: Electricity costs are lower than in mainland Spain, but air conditioning can increase bills in summer.
6. Entertainment & Leisure 🎉🏋️
Cinema Ticket: €6 – €9
Gym Membership (Monthly): €25 – €50
Surfboard Rental (Per Day): €15 – €30
Theme Park Entry (Siam Park, Loro Parque): €40 – €45
💡 Tip: Many attractions offer resident discounts—get your Empadronamiento (residency certificate) for lower rates!
7. Healthcare Costs 🏥
Doctor’s Visit (Private): €50 – €80
Dental Cleaning: €40 – €80
Health Insurance (Private, per month): €50 – €150
💡 Tip: Public healthcare is free for residents and EU citizens with an EHIC card.
Overall Monthly Budget Estimates 💰
Budget Lifestyle (single person, shared flat): €800 – €1,200
Comfortable Lifestyle (single, 1-bedroom flat): €1,500 – €2,500
Luxury Lifestyle (expat couple, high-end living): €3,000+
Tenerife offers an amazing quality of life with reasonable costs; whether you’re a digital nomad, expat, or retiree.
