Living in Tenerife: A Complete Spainguru Guide for Expats
Welcome to Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands and the “Island of Eternal Spring.” This guide is for anyone dreaming of a year-round outdoor lifestyle, framed by dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and sunny shores. Discover what it’s like to live in this incredibly diverse Spanish paradise.
Why Move to Tenerife?
Tenerife’s primary draw is its world-famous climate, offering pleasant, spring-like temperatures all year. But beyond the weather, it’s an island of astounding contrasts. You can spend the morning hiking through ancient laurel forests in Anaga, the afternoon exploring the lunar landscapes of Teide National Park, and the evening watching the sunset from a black sand beach. Expats are drawn by the affordable cost of living, a more relaxed pace of life, a large and welcoming international community, and the endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Pros and Cons of Living in Tenerife
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Fantastic year-round “eternal spring” climate. | Feeling of isolation or being far from mainland Europe. |
| Affordable cost of living and lower taxes (IGIC). | Job market is heavily dependent on the tourism industry. |
| Incredible natural diversity (volcanoes, forests, beaches). | Bureaucracy (*trámites*) can be particularly slow. |
| Huge range of outdoor activities, from hiking to surfing. | Occasional *calima* (Saharan dust storms) can affect air quality. |
| Large, well-established international community. | Public transport is limited outside of the main routes; a car is often needed. |
Weather: Two Worlds on One Island
Tenerife is famous for its microclimates. The island is effectively split in two by the Teide mountain range. The **South** (e.g., Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos) is hot, dry, and sunny year-round—this is where most tourists and sun-seeking expats congregate. The **North** (e.g., Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz) is lusher, greener, and slightly cooler and cloudier, offering a more authentically Canarian experience. You can literally choose your preferred climate. For detailed data, see WeatherSpark.
Cost of Living
Life in Tenerife is significantly more affordable than on the Spanish mainland’s popular coasts or in the Balearic Islands. The Canary Islands also have a special, lower value-added tax called IGIC (at 7%) instead of the mainland’s IVA (at 21%), which helps keep costs down. A single person can live comfortably on €1,400–€1,900 per month. See the latest data for the capital on Numbeo.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (Single Person) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom apt outside center) | €550 – €800 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas, Internet) | €90 – €140 |
| Groceries | €250 – €350 |
| Transport (Car/Bus costs) | €80 – €150 |
| Leisure & Dining Out | €300 – €500 |
Popular Areas to Live
- The Sunny South (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos): The epicentre for British and international expats. This area guarantees the most sunshine and is packed with amenities, restaurants, and beaches. Perfect for a lively social life.
- The Green North (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava): More traditionally Spanish and Canarian, the North is lush and beautiful. Puerto de la Cruz is a charming coastal city popular with German retirees, while La Orotava is a stunning historic town in the hills.
- The Capital (Santa Cruz de Tenerife): A bustling, authentic Spanish port city. It’s the island’s commercial and cultural hub, offering city living away from the main tourist resorts. It co-hosts the world’s second-biggest Carnival festival.
- The West (Los Gigantes): Named for its colossal cliffs, this area offers dramatic scenery and a slightly quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than the bustling resorts of the south, while still being sunny and popular with expats.
Explore properties across the island on Idealista.
A Continent in Miniature
Tenerife’s nickname is well-earned. The island’s geography is incredibly diverse. The centre is dominated by **Teide National Park**, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Spain’s highest peak, offering surreal, volcanic landscapes. In the northeast, the **Anaga Rural Park** contains ancient, misty laurel forests that feel prehistoric. Along the coast, you’ll find everything from the golden sands of Las Teresitas to the dramatic black volcanic sand beaches in the north.
Work and Remote Opportunities
The local job market is overwhelmingly driven by tourism and hospitality. For expats, Tenerife has become a global hotspot for **digital nomads and remote workers**. The combination of low living costs, excellent climate, outdoor activities, and good internet infrastructure makes it an ideal base for location-independent professionals seeking a better work-life balance.
Getting Around the Island
To truly experience all that Tenerife has to offer, a car is highly recommended. It allows you to explore the remote villages, beaches, and hiking trails that are inaccessible by public transport. However, the island does have an excellent and affordable public bus network (known as *guaguas* and run by TITSA) that connects all the major towns and resorts. A tram also links the capital, Santa Cruz, with the historic university city of La Laguna.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference between the North and South?
The climate and the vibe. The South is purpose-built for tourism: it’s dry, sunny, and has a large international community. The North is greener, more humid, and feels more authentically Canarian, with historic towns and a more traditional way of life. Your choice depends entirely on your lifestyle preference.
What is the *Calima*?
The Calima is a weather phenomenon where hot, dry winds carry dust from the Sahara Desert over the Canary Islands. It can last for several days, creating hazy skies, high temperatures, and poor air quality. While not frequent, it is a notable part of the climate here.
Is Tenerife just for retirees and tourists?
Not anymore. While it remains a top destination for both, Tenerife has a rapidly growing community of young professionals, digital nomads, and families. The affordable lifestyle, outdoor activities, and international schools are attracting a new generation of expats seeking a healthier work-life balance.
Explore Other Destinations
Spain is a country of diverse regions and lifestyles. If you’re still exploring your options, browse our other destination guides to find your perfect match.
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