Planning a trip to the Canary Islands? Understanding whether Tenerife is expensive can make or break your vacation budget. This comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know about Tenerife prices in 2025, from accommodation and dining to transportation and attractions.
- Essential Information About Tenerife Costs
- Grocery Shopping and Basic Essentials
- Dining Out – Restaurant and Bar Prices
- Transportation Costs
- Tourist Attractions and Activities
- Accommodation Costs
- Tobacco and Alcohol – Special Savings
- Money-Saving Strategies
- Budget Planning Guide
- Regional Price Variations
- Seasonal Considerations
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Essential Information About Tenerife Costs
The euro (EUR) is the official currency throughout Tenerife and the Canary Islands. Thanks to the islands’ special tax-free status, many products here cost significantly less than in mainland Europe. This is particularly true for alcohol, tobacco, and cosmetics – making Tenerife cheap for certain purchases that would be expensive elsewhere.
Is Tenerife expensive? The answer largely depends on where you spend your time and money. Tourist hotspots command premium prices, while local neighborhoods offer excellent value that rivals the most budget-friendly European destinations.
Grocery Shopping and Basic Essentials
Tenerife food prices at supermarkets are generally reasonable, with many items costing less than you’d pay in northern European cities. Popular chains like Mercadona, HiperDino, and Lidl offer competitive pricing on everyday essentials.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for basic groceries:
- Fresh bread (loaf): €1-2
- Milk (1L): €1
- Chicken breast (1kg): €10
- Bananas (1kg): €2-3
- Bottled water (1.5L): €0.50
- Local cheese (1kg): €6-10
- Fresh tomatoes (1kg): €1-2
- Eggs (dozen): €3
The cost of living in Tenerife becomes most apparent when comparing supermarket prices to restaurant costs. Shopping at local markets and cooking some meals yourself can dramatically reduce your overall expenses.
Dining Out – Restaurant and Bar Prices
Tenerife food experiences vary dramatically in cost depending on your location choices. Is Tenerife cheap for food and drink? Absolutely – if you know where to look.
Tourist areas command premium prices:
- Tourist restaurant meal: €15-25
- Local restaurant with Menu del día: €10-15
- Coffee: €1-3
- Local beer in Tenerife: €2-3
- Wine (bottle): from €6
- Fast food meal: around €10
Tenerife beer prices showcase the island’s value proposition perfectly. A pint of local beer in Tenerife at a neighborhood bar costs just €2-3, while beachfront establishments in resort areas might charge double that amount.
The Menu del día (daily menu) remains one of the best ways to experience authentic local cuisine without breaking the bank. These complete meals typically include starter, main course, dessert, and drink for under €15.
For those seeking authentic dining experiences beyond typical tourist establishments, explore our comprehensive guide to the best restaurants in Tenerife where locals actually eat. From traditional guachinches serving homemade wine for €4-6 per pitcher to family-run establishments offering complete meals for €8-12, these hidden gems showcase why Tenerife food represents exceptional value when you know where locals dine. Many of these authentic restaurants offer prices significantly lower than tourist-oriented venues while delivering superior quality and genuine Canarian flavors.
Transportation Costs
Getting around Tenerife is surprisingly affordable with well-organized public transport. Here’s what you’ll pay:
- Single bus ticket (TITSA): from €1.50
- TEN+ card (24 hours): €10
- TEN+ card (7 days): €50
- Taxi starting fare: around €3
- Car rental: from €50/day
Tenerife taxi prices are reasonable for short distances, but costs can mount up quickly for longer journeys. How much is a taxi in Tenerife from the airport? Expect to pay €25-40 to reach most resort areas, making shared transfers or public transport more economical options.
Taxi prices in Tenerife vary by time of day and destination. While convenient, frequent taxi use can significantly impact your budget. The TEN+ transport card offers unlimited travel and represents excellent value for active tourists.
Fuel costs remain among Europe’s lowest, making car rental an attractive option for exploring the island independently.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Major attractions represent some of the biggest expenses in your Tenerife cost of living calculations:
- Siam Park: €42 adults, €30 children
- Loro Parque: €42 adults, €30 children
- Teide cable car: €41 adults
- Whale watching tours: from €30
These prices reflect the high quality of Tenerife’s attractions, though advance booking often secures discounts. Many visitors find the experiences justify the costs, especially when comparing to similar attractions in other European destinations.
Accommodation Costs
How expensive is Tenerife for accommodation? Prices vary enormously based on location and season:
- 3-star hotel: from €70/night
- 4-star hotel: from €100/night
- Apartment rental: from €50/night
- Hostel bed: from €20/night
Is Costa Adeje expensive? This popular resort area commands premium prices for accommodation, often 30-50% higher than less touristy areas. However, the convenience and amenities often justify the extra cost for many visitors.
For those seeking quality holiday rentals Tenerife accommodations, consider exploring options like our Los Cristianos apartment with heated pool, which offers exceptional value with premium amenities including dual terraces, modern appliances, and access to one of the few heated pools on the island. Such holiday lettings Tenerife properties often provide better value than hotels, especially for longer stays or families requiring more space and flexibility.
Tobacco and Alcohol – Special Savings
How much are cigarettes in Tenerife? The duty-free status makes tobacco products significantly cheaper than mainland Europe. Tenerife tobacco prices typically run 40-60% below what you’d pay in countries like the UK or Germany.
How much is tobacco in Tenerife? A pack of cigarettes costs around €4-5, while premium brands might reach €6-7 – still representing substantial savings for smokers.
Similarly, drinks prices in Tenerife for alcohol show the tax advantages. A bottle of quality wine that costs €20+ elsewhere might be available for €8-12 here.
Money-Saving Strategies
Why is Tenerife so cheap for smart shoppers? The key lies in knowing where locals spend their money:
- Choose accommodation away from main resort areas
- Shop at local supermarkets rather than tourist-oriented stores
- Seek out restaurants offering Menu del día
- Use public transport instead of taxis
- Look for attraction discounts and combo tickets
- Visit during shoulder seasons (avoid winter peak)
Budget Planning Guide
Is Tenerife expensive for different travel styles? Here’s what to expect:
Budget travelers: €40-60 per day
- Hostel accommodation
- Supermarket food and local restaurants
- Public transport
- Free activities and beaches
Mid-range travelers: €80-120 per day
- 3-star hotels or apartments
- Mix of local and tourist restaurants
- Occasional taxis
- Major attractions
Luxury travelers: €150+ per day
- 4-star+ hotels
- Resort restaurants
- Private transport
- Premium experiences
Regional Price Variations
Tenerife prices differ significantly across the island. Northern areas like Puerto de la Cruz generally offer better value than southern resorts. Local neighborhoods away from tourist zones consistently provide the best deals for dining and shopping.
The cost of living in Tenerife reflects this geographic divide, with some areas feeling genuinely budget-friendly while others rival expensive European capitals.
Seasonal Considerations
How expensive is Tenerife during peak season? Summer months (June-September) see accommodation prices rise 30-50%, while restaurant costs in tourist areas increase modestly. Shoulder seasons offer the best balance of good weather and reasonable prices.
Final Thoughts
Is Tenerife expensive? The honest answer is that it can be both affordable and costly, depending entirely on your choices. The island offers exceptional value for travelers who venture beyond resort areas and embrace local experiences.
Smart planning and local knowledge can make Tenerife surprisingly budget-friendly, while the duty-free shopping advantages provide genuine savings on certain items. Whether you’re seeking luxury or traveling on a shoestring, Tenerife accommodates all budgets with proper preparation.
Remember that prices fluctuate based on season, location, and current market conditions. Always check current rates and plan your budget according to your personal preferences and travel style.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Tenerife offers excellent value compared to many European destinations. While tourist areas can be pricey, the island caters to all budgets. Budget travelers can enjoy a comfortable stay for €40-60 per day, while mid-range visitors typically spend €80-120 daily. The cost of living in Tenerife remains reasonable, especially when you shop at local supermarkets and dine at neighborhood restaurants.
Yes, Tenerife is generally cheaper than islands like Lanzarote or Fuerteventura for accommodation and dining. The larger size and better infrastructure mean more competition and lower prices. Tenerife food prices at supermarkets are particularly competitive, and local beer in Tenerife costs just €2-3 in neighborhood bars.
Tenerife taxi prices start at around €3, with airport transfers to resort areas costing €25-40. Taxi prices in Tenerife vary by time and destination – expect to pay €1.50-2 per kilometer during the day, with higher rates at night and weekends. For regular travel, the TEN+ transport card offers much better value.
From Los Cristianos to Santa Cruz: approximately €45-55. From Puerto de la Cruz to Teide National Park: around €35-45. Airport to Costa Adeje: €25-35. These taxi prices in Tenerife can add up quickly, so consider public transport or car rental for longer stays.
Tenerife food costs vary dramatically by location. A Menu del día at local restaurants costs €10-15, while tourist area meals range from €15-25. Supermarket prices remain reasonable – fresh bread costs €1-2, while local cheese runs €6-10 per kilogram. Drinks prices in Tenerife for alcohol are particularly attractive due to duty-free status.
Local beer in Tenerife costs €2-3 in neighborhood bars, while resort areas charge €4-6 for the same drink. Tenerife beer prices at supermarkets are even lower, with six-packs available for under €5. The island’s duty-free status makes alcohol significantly cheaper than mainland Europe.
Cigarette prices in Tenerife range from €4-7 per pack, representing substantial savings compared to northern European countries. How much is tobacco in Tenerife depends on the brand, but even premium cigarettes cost 40-60% less than in places like the UK or Germany. Tenerife tobacco prices remain among Europe’s lowest.
Tenerife’s special tax-free status as part of the Canary Islands makes alcohol, tobacco, and cosmetics significantly cheaper than mainland Europe. This duty-free advantage, combined with lower operating costs, explains why is Tenerife so cheap for these specific categories while maintaining reasonable prices for most other goods and services.
Tenerife prices for most items are comparable to or slightly lower than mainland Spain. However, imported goods may cost more due to transportation. The biggest advantage comes from duty-free products – alcohol and tobacco cost significantly less, while accommodation and dining prices remain competitive with similar Spanish destinations.
Yes, Costa Adeje is one of Tenerife’s pricier areas. Accommodation costs 30-50% more than other regions, restaurant prices are elevated, and even taxi fares within the resort area command premium rates. However, the superior facilities, beaches, and convenience often justify the higher costs for many visitor
Absolutely, if you know where to shop and dine. Local supermarkets offer excellent value, with basic groceries costing less than most European cities. Neighborhood restaurants serve complete meals for €10-15, while local bars charge just €2-3 for beer. The key is avoiding purely tourist-oriented establishments.
The cost of living in Tenerife for visitors ranges from budget-friendly to expensive depending on choices. Daily expenses can be as low as €40-60 for budget travelers using public transport, shopping at supermarkets, and staying in hostels. Mid-range travelers typically spend €80-120 daily, while luxury seekers may exceed €150 per day.
A pint of beer in local Tenerife bars costs €2-3, while tourist areas charge €4-6. Hotel bars and beachfront locations often charge €5-8 per pint. For the best value, seek out neighborhood bars frequented by locals rather than establishments in main tourist zones.
Yes, drinks prices in Tenerife are very reasonable, especially for alcohol. The duty-free status means wine, beer, and spirits cost significantly less than most European destinations. A decent bottle of wine costs €6-12, while cocktails in local bars range from €5-8. Tourist areas naturally charge more, but even there, prices remain competitive.
