A three-month winter stay in southern Tenerife typically costs a couple around €2,000 to €3,000 a month including rent, food, eating out and transport, plus flights and insurance. Rent is the biggest variable: in Puerto de la Cruz or with a smaller apartment the total can be lower; in Costa Adeje with a sea view, considerably higher.
Sample monthly budget for a couple
| Item | Modest | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Rent, one-bedroom, bills included | €1,100 | €1,700 |
| Supermarket food and household | €350 | €500 |
| Eating out and coffee | €200 | €450 |
| Transport (buses, taxis) | €40 | €80 |
| Phone data | €20 | €30 |
| Activities and trips | €80 | €200 |
| Monthly total | About €1,800 | About €2,950 |
These are estimates for planning, not quotes. Your costs depend on your area, season and habits.
One-off costs for three months
- Return flights for two from the UK.
- Long-stay travel insurance.
- A week of car hire if you want to explore.
- A deposit, which you should get back.
Where you save compared with the UK
- No heating bills.
- Lower food prices for fruit, vegetables, fish and wine.
- Cheap public transport, especially with a Ten+ card.
- Lower indirect tax: the Canaries use IGIC instead of VAT, with a general rate of 7%.
Where it can cost more
- Peak-season rent.
- Tourist-area restaurants.
- Imported British brands in supermarkets.
How to keep costs down
- Shop at Mercadona, Lidl and local markets.
- Eat the menu del día at lunchtime.
- Use buses instead of taxis.
- Book accommodation early for a better rate.
Our verdict
Many long-stayers find that a Tenerife winter costs little more than staying at home, once heating bills are taken into account. See Is the Canary Islands Cheaper Than the UK in Winter?