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Live in Tenerife: Learn advantages, disadvantages & costs
If you like peace and quiet and the sea, come and live in Tenerife. Find out about the quality of life here and the advantages it offers.
If you are thinking about moving abroad and want to live in Tenerife for a while, we’re here to help answer your questions. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, with enviable year-round weather, a moderate cost of living, and excellent conditions for settling in as a digital nomad, student, or simply for leisure.
In this article, we will take a closer look at life on the island, covering everything from the education system and top universities to healthcare quality, the most trusted hospitals, the local economy, average salaries, and safety. We will also explore digital connectivity and the facilities that make remote work easy. Discover the Canarian lifestyle and the main benefits of living here. Let’s dive in!
Quality of life in Tenerife
The quality of life is excellent, thanks to its subtropical climate, relaxed pace of life, and stunning natural landscapes and beaches. The services available to foreigners who choose to stay for a while, whether to work remotely as a digital nomad, study at a local institution, or enjoy slow travel, are very accessible. Next, we will explain how to make the most of these services and what options are available.
What is it like to study in Tenerife?
Are you a scholarship recipient considering studying and living in Tenerife? You have made a great choice. The island’s education system is well-structured and publicly accessible. As an international student, you can enroll by having your degree recognized, passing entrance exams, or through international agreements and programs such as Erasmus+. If you are not from a European Union country, you can apply for a student visa at the Spanish embassy in your city.
One of Tenerife’s most notable universities is the University of La Laguna (ULL), one of the oldest in Spain with over 200 years of history, located in the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. You can pursue a bachelor’s degree, master’s, doctorate, or engage in research. There are also other options for further education, such as:
- University School of Tourism: In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, focusing on the tourism sector.
- MBA Business School: Business school offering training in management and administration.
- International House Tenerife: Language center offering Spanish and English courses for foreigners.
Safety when living in Tenerife
According to a study by the Crime Statistics Portal of the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, in the first half of 2024 the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife recorded 40.2 criminal offenses per 1,000 inhabitants, well below the national average.
You can feel confident that living in Tenerife is generally very safe. Of course, as in any place, it is wise to take some precautions, particularly in areas like Añaza, Ofra, and Los Gladiolos. On the other hand, the most peaceful neighborhoods include:
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife city center: Perfect if you are looking for urban living with access to services, shops, and restaurants.
- Barrio Salamanca: A quiet residential area with good transport links.
- La Laguna: A university town with a young and cultural atmosphere.
- Costa Adeje: In the south of the island, with a more exclusive and residential environment, good beaches, and services.
Access healthcare
The Spanish healthcare system is highly regarded internationally. According to the Health Consumer Powerhouse 2022 report, it ranks among the best in Europe for access and quality. Tenerife follows the same standards, so as a foreigner you will also have the right to receive medical care in several ways:
- EU citizens: You can apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your country of origin at the relevant health or social security agency.
- Foreigners residing in Tenerife: If you contribute to social security or are a direct family member of someone who does, you can apply for an Individual Health Card (TSI) at a local health center. To do this, you will need to register your residence at the town hall.
- Non-EU citizens: If you are not from the EU and do not contribute to the Spanish social security system, you can take out private health insurance. This not only gives you coverage but also reduces waiting times and provides more personalized care.
Among the best public hospitals on the island are the University Hospital of the Canary Islands (HUC) and the Hospital of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, both offering highly specialized services and emergency care. For private clinics, Tenerife is home to Hospiten Rambla, Hospiten Sur, and Clínica Parque, all of which have excellent reputations.
Learn about its economy and job market
Compared to the cost of living in Spain, living in Tenerife is much more affordable than in most mainland cities or other parts of Europe. The island’s economy is largely driven by tourism, which accounts for around 35-40% of the Canary Islands’ GDP. Tenerife welcomes over five million visitors each year, so industries such as hotels, restaurants, leisure activities, transportation, and retail generate the most revenue. Smaller sectors include agriculture, fishing, light industry, and renewable energy.
Are you planning to move to Tenerife for work? If you are from the EU, you can do so without a visa. If you are not from an EU country, you will need a work visa if you already have a local job offer, or you can apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa. Holders of a student visa, are allowed to work up to 30 hours per week. The most common positions available to foreigners include:
- Tourism and hospitality: Receptionists, waiters, tour guides, and entertainers with an average monthly salary of $1,365.
- Languages and education: Language teachers, especially English or German, with an approximate salary of $2,048.
- Remote work/technology: In areas such as IT, digital marketing, design, or programming, with salaries around $2,276 per month.
- Construction and personal services: More accessible if you don’t speak Spanish, although with low salaries of around $1,138.
Internet connection
Internet on the island is generally fast and reliable, especially in urban areas. In some rural parts, coverage can be intermittent, although efforts are underway to improve the infrastructure. The main providers in Tenerife are Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange, offering fiber optic connections with speeds exceeding 600 Mbps.
Most online stores, such as Amazon, Shein, or AliExpress, deliver to Tenerife, although shipping can take longer than on the mainland and may include extra fees. Keep in mind that the island uses the IGIC tax, around 7%, instead of the 21% mainland VAT. As a result, orders from outside the Canary Islands may go through customs.
If you plan to live in Tenerife and work remotely, you will find several coworking spaces such as Intech or Playa San Juan, all offering high-speed wifi. For an even higher level of connectivity, monthly plans from Holafly are recommended. They provide unlimited data, stable 5G coverage, and the ability to connect two devices at the same time for $64.90 per month.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Advantages of living in Tenerife
Life on the island is easier on your wallet compared to mainland Spain, allowing you to live comfortably and enjoy a slower pace away from the stress of big cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Here are some of the main benefits of living on Tenerife:
- Subtropical climate: You can enjoy an endless summer, with mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and very little rain. This means you can swim in the sea for most of the year and enjoy a more active social life outdoors.
- Affordable rentals: You can find apartments that are much more affordable than on the mainland, starting at $509 per month for a one-bedroom or $650 for a two-bedroom.
- Easy access to other destinations: The island has two international airports, Tenerife North (TFN) and Tenerife South (TFS), offering direct flights to cities like Madrid, Barcelona, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris, making travel for business or leisure very convenient.
- Water activities: Living in Tenerife means having the sea at your doorstep all year round, making water sports very popular. Activities like surfing, diving, snorkeling, bodyboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing are common in spots such as El Médano, Playa de Las Américas, and Punta Blanca.
- Welcoming population: People in Tenerife are very friendly and welcoming, always willing to help and open their homes. You won’t have any trouble meeting new people and making friends quickly.
Disadvantages of living in Tenerife as a foreigner
The drawbacks of living in Tenerife are, in our view, far outweighed by the benefits of experiencing island life. Still, it’s important to know the less favorable aspects so you can make a well-informed decision before moving to a new country.
- Limited job market: If you want to work for a local company, you’ll find that the job market is largely focused on tourism. Skilled positions are limited, and to access them, you will need a strong command of Spanish.
- Island logistics: Online shopping on the island depends on sea and air transport, which can mean higher prices, longer delivery times, and a smaller selection of products compared to mainland cities.
- Customs procedures: You will need to declare the products you purchase, pay any applicable fees, and go through customs procedures due to the island’s special tax system, known as IGIC.
- Tourist saturation: If you plan to live in southern areas like Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas, you will notice more tourists, which can affect the overall calm and quiet of the surroundings.
Frequently asked questions about living in Tenerife
It is not necessary, but we do recommend it to help you integrate better into the community. At the very least, learn some basic Spanish before your trip.
EU citizens only need to register as residents, while non-EU nationals must obtain a student, work, or residence visa that explains the purpose of their stay. They also need health insurance and proof of financial means.
On sites like Idealista, you can find rentals starting at $509 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in less touristy areas, or up to $906 in high-demand areas like Costa Adeje.
Of course, there is a thriving community of digital nomads on the island, thanks to its reliable internet, peaceful environment, and great weather. There is also a wide range of coliving and coworking spaces available.
The cost of living in Tenerife is lower than in many European cities. You can live comfortably here on a monthly budget of around $1,359 to $1,698, covering rent, food, transport, and leisure.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
