95
Countries
380
Cities
7
Open datasets
2026
Updated
The Canary Islands are Spain’s best-kept secret for year-round living — and the secret is out. Over 40,000 people relocated to the Canaries in 2024, drawn by eternal spring weather, lower taxes than mainland Spain, and a cost of living that still feels attainable. For digital nomads, Las Palmas de Gran Canariahas become Europe’s #1 remote work hub. For families and retirees, Tenerife South offers safety, sunshine, and international schools.
This guide covers both major islands: Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) and Tenerife, with real cost data, visa options, community info, and practical tips for 2026.
Why the Canary Islands?
- Year-round spring: Average 20–25°C every month. No heating bills, no SAD, outdoor life 365 days.
- Lower taxes: IGIC (Canary VAT) is 7% vs 21% on mainland Spain. Groceries, services, and consumer goods are noticeably cheaper.
- EU territory: Full EU rights, healthcare, and regulatory framework.
- Flight connections: Direct flights to London (4.5h), Berlin (4.5h), Madrid (2.5h), and 100+ European cities. Both islands have international airports.
- Safety: Very low crime rates. Spain scores 77/100 on safety; the Canaries are considered even safer than mainland averages.
- Fiber internet: 300–600 Mbps fiber available in Las Palmas and major Tenerife towns.
Gran Canaria vs Tenerife
Canary Islands for Expats — Island Comparison 2026
Scored on cost, community, infrastructure, lifestyle, and family suitability.
Gran Canaria (Las Palmas)
#1 nomad hub in Europe, urban lifestyle, beach + city
Tenerife South
Family favorite, year-round sun, established expat community
Lanzarote
Quieter, volcanic landscapes, artists and retirees
Fuerteventura
Surf + wind sports, quietest major island
| Metric | 🇪🇸 Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) | 🇪🇸 Tenerife South |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Digital nomads, young professionals | Families, retirees |
| 1BR Rent (Center) | €800–1,200 | €700–1,000 |
| Nomad Community | Huge (1,000+ active) | Moderate (200+) |
| Coworking Spaces | 20+ | 5–10 |
| International Schools | 3–4 | 5–6 |
| English Spoken | High (nomad areas) | High (tourist areas) |
| Nightlife | Active | Quiet |
| Beach Quality | Good (Las Canteras) | Excellent (multiple) |
| Airport | LPA | TFS (South) / TFN (North) |
Cost of Living (2026)
| Metric | 🇪🇸 Solo (Las Palmas) | 🇪🇸 Family of 4 (Tenerife) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR / 3BR) | €900 | €1,400 |
| Groceries | €250 | €500 |
| Utilities + Internet | €100 | €180 |
| Dining Out | €150 | €250 |
| Transport | €60 | €200 |
| Health Insurance | €80 | €250 |
| Coworking / Int'l School | €120 | €600–1,200 |
| Total Monthly | €1,660 | €3,380–3,980 |
Key savings vs mainland: The 7% IGIC (vs 21% IVA) saves roughly €100–200/month on groceries and services. Fuel is also subsidized in the Canaries, making car ownership cheaper.
Build your personalized monthly budget
Calculate your exact monthly costs for island living.
Build your Canary Islands budgetLas Palmas: Europe’s #1 Digital Nomad Hub
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria consistently ranks as the top European city for remote workers. The combination is hard to beat: 22°C year-round, 3km urban beach (Las Canteras), fast fiber internet, 20+ coworking spaces, and a nomad community of 1,000+ active members.
Where to live in Las Palmas
- Triana / Vegueta: Historic center, walkable, character. Rent: €700–1,000 for 1BR.
- Las Canteras (beachfront): The classic nomad zone. Surf in the morning, work in the afternoon. Rent: €900–1,400 for 1BR.
- Mesa y López: Shopping district, practical, well-connected. Rent: €650–900 for 1BR.
- Guanarteme: Between beach and center, growing nomad presence. Best value. Rent: €600–850 for 1BR.
Tenerife South: The Family Choice
Tenerife South (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas) is where most expat families settle. The south gets more sun than the north, has better beaches, and hosts the established international school network.
International Schools in the Canaries
- Wingate School (Tenerife) — British curriculum, primary through secondary. €4,500–8,000/year.
- The British School of Tenerife — IGCSE and A-levels. €5,000–9,000/year.
- Canterbury School (Las Palmas) — British curriculum, well-established. €5,500–8,500/year.
- Oakley College (Las Palmas) — British curriculum, strong reputation. €5,000–8,000/year.
School fees in the Canaries are 40–60% cheaper than Marbella or Mallorca, making them attractive for cost-conscious families who still want English-medium education.
Visa & Tax
The Canary Islands use Spain’s visa system — all the same options apply:
- Digital Nomad Visa with Beckham Law (24% flat tax)
- Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees
- Golden Visa (€500K+ property investment)
Canary-specific tax benefit:IGIC at 7% instead of mainland’s 21% VAT. This applies to all goods and services purchased locally. Companies registered in the ZEC (Zona Especial Canaria) can access a 4% corporate tax rate — one of the lowest in the EU.
Comparing the Canary Islands with other destinations?
This article covers the basics — a Decision Brief covers your situation
Tax brackets for your income, visa pathways for your nationality, real city prices for your shortlist, and a risk assessment. Personalized in 8 minutes.
Ready to take the next step?
Get your personalized relocation reportFrequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to live in the Canary Islands than mainland Spain?▾
Yes, generally 10–15% cheaper than comparable mainland cities. The 7% IGIC (vs 21% IVA) makes groceries and services noticeably cheaper. However, housing in popular areas (Las Canteras, Costa Adeje) has risen significantly since 2022. Rural areas and smaller towns remain very affordable.
Which island is best for digital nomads?▾
Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) is the clear winner. Europe's largest nomad community, 20+ coworking spaces, fastest internet, most urban lifestyle. Tenerife has a smaller but growing nomad scene, primarily in the south and in Santa Cruz.
Do I need a car in the Canary Islands?▾
In Las Palmas, no — the city is walkable with good buses. In Tenerife South, a car is strongly recommended. Distances between towns are short, but public transport is limited outside main routes. Car rental is affordable (€200–300/month long-term) and fuel is cheaper than mainland.
What's the internet speed like?▾
Excellent. Fiber (300–600 Mbps) is available in Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and major towns. Mobile 4G/5G coverage is strong across both islands. Most coworking spaces offer 200+ Mbps. The Canaries have invested heavily in submarine fiber cables connecting to mainland Spain and Africa.
How's the healthcare?▾
Spain's public healthcare system covers the Canaries. Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín and Hospital Universitario de Canarias (Tenerife) are the main public hospitals. Private insurance (Sanitas, Adeslas) costs €60–120/month and gives faster access to English-speaking specialists.