Cost of Living in Tenerife

MariaInes · #1 (**permalink**) 20th April 2009

Hello - I am new at this. My husband and I live in Florida, U.S and we are planning to retire next year, when my son goes away to college, in Tenerife. Could anyone give us an idea of how much is needed to live comfortably, not in luxury!, including renting a place with 2 or 3 bedrooms in a safe, nice location, price of electricity, gas, water, food for two, etc.
Any information will be greatly appreciated, as we are putting our budget together.
Thank you!

DestinationTenerife · #2 (**permalink**) 1st May 2009

It all depends where he intends to live.

If he's going to college in the North of the Island, then I can't really help - but in the South, I can give you some rough figures.

The heart of Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos are where it becomes most expensive to live, simply due to the cost of accommodation - however, if he can drive or doesn't mind travelling on the buses (the bus service on the island is run by Titsa, and for the most part, pretty reliable) - you can get a great deal on accommodation in smaller towns and villages.

For a Studio in the heart of Las Americas or Los Cristianos, I'd expect anywhere from 3-600 euros per month to be reasonable - however, if you live outside of the main areas, the same amount of money can net you a 2 or three bedroom apartment, and in some cases, a house.

We're currently looking at places to rent in the South West of the Island - close to Playa San Juan, Los Gigantes and other smaller towns, and large houses are ranging from 500 to 800 euros per month, with smaller apartments ranging from 200 to 400 euros per month.

The cost of normal living in Tenerife is relatively cheap - a lot of groceries are locally grown, such as fruit and vegetables, and even eating out is very cheap, with a full meal in most restaurants not exceeding about 15 euros per head. Again, if you eat out in Playa de Las Americas or Los Cristianos, expect to pay a lot more.

All in all, you're better off attempting to stay away from the tourist areas and saving a lot of money on living.

Hopefully this post has been of help to you!

MariaInes · #3 (**permalink**) 8th May 2009

Thank you so very much for the information. Actually, I was wrong in my post. It's my husband and I retiring, my son will stay in the USA in college or will join the Air Force or Navy. So, basically it would be two adults in a nice neighborhood, not necessarily luxurious. Thank you again for taking the time to reply.

DestinationTenerife · #4 (**permalink**) 8th May 2009

No problems, I'm happy to help. Obviously the information is still the same, regardless of whoever is coming over to live in Tenerife

MariaInes · #5 (**permalink**) 8th May 2009

Hate to be such a pest, but could you give me an idea on cost of utilities (heard they were very expensive) electricity, gas, water. if we were to live in Santa Cruz de Tenerife or similar.
Thank you again!

DestinationTenerife · #6 (**permalink**) 18th June 2009

Apologies on the late reply - would you believe I've only just seen it!

Anyway - utilty prices here in Tenerife aren't too expensive really. Providing you're not excessive with your usage, 30-60€ every 3 months for electricity sounds about right, and maybe 30€ every couple of months for water too.

Telephone costs aren't too expensive either, rental of a line from Telefonica is roughly 29€ per month, and actual call costs aren't too expensive either.