For many long-stayers, a winter in the Canary Islands costs about the same as, or less than, a winter in the UK once heating, food and going out are compared. Rent is the main extra cost, because you are usually paying it on top of your home costs in the UK.
Item by item
| Cost | Canary Islands | UK in winter |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | Rarely needed | A major winter cost |
| Fresh fruit and vegetables | Generally cheaper | Generally dearer |
| Wine and beer | Much cheaper in shops | Dearer |
| Coffee and a pastry | Cheaper in local cafés | Dearer |
| Menu del día lunch | Good value | No equivalent |
| Public transport | Cheap, especially with bus cards | Dearer |
| Fuel | Cheaper than mainland Spain and the UK | Dearer |
| Rent | Extra if you keep your UK home | Your normal housing cost |
| Imported British brands | Dearer | Normal price |
The tax factor
The Canary Islands are outside the EU VAT area and use their own tax, IGIC, with a general rate of 7%, compared with 20% VAT in the UK. That helps explain lower prices for many goods and services.
The heating factor
Winter energy bills are one of the biggest household costs in the UK. In the Canaries, a small heater on cool evenings is usually all you need.
The rent question
If you keep your UK home, rent in the Canaries is an additional cost. Some long-stayers offset it by letting their UK home or by choosing cheaper bases such as Puerto de la Cruz, Las Palmas or Arrecife.
Our verdict
Outside rent, daily life is generally cheaper in the Canaries. See our real budgets for Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.