Region · Spain · All places
Seven volcanic islands off the coast of Africa with an all-year spring climate and a tax regime of their own.
The Canary Islands are an archipelago in the Atlantic, closer to Morocco than to mainland Spain. There are seven main islands: Tenerife and Gran Canaria, the biggest and most populated; Lanzarote and Fuerteventura in the east; and La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro in the west. They are volcanic, with black beaches, craters, laurel and pine forests, and a landscape that changes from desert to rainforest within a few kilometres.
The climate is mild in every month, which has made the islands one of Europe's favourite winter destinations. They are an autonomous region of Spain within the European Union, with a special economic and tax regime and a big and growing community of remote workers and retirees.
They suit people who want warm weather, sea and trails all year and do not mind being an island away from the mainland.
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
Fit for you
Neutral priorities. Pick who you are:
Working out your fit…
What the data says
Canarias stands out for housing; it is weaker on jobs and prosperity. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €542 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Canarias’s figures. They are inferences, not official statistics: each says what it rests on.
You will meet English speakers, mostly in the centre and at international employers. Shops, landlords and schools expect Spanish. Contracts, the town hall and most doctors work in Spanish.
Wrinkly potatoes with mojo, gofio, fresh fish, goat cheese and bananas, with a Caribbean touch.
Relaxed and slow, with a gentler Spanish than on the mainland.
Beach bars in the south, a city scene in Las Palmas, lively streets in Santa Cruz at Carnival.
Las Palmas and Santa Cruz are the cities, the south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are resorts, Lanzarote and La Palma are quiet.
Spanish with a soft Canarian accent, English and German common in the south.
Carnival in February and March, the flower carpets of Corpus Christi in La Orotava, village fiestas.
Surf, diving, kitesurf, hiking in Teide and Garajonay, and clear skies for stargazing.
Each island has its own personality. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a big, relaxed city with a long city beach, a port and a young, international population. Tenerife has Santa Cruz, a busy port city famous for its carnival, La Laguna, a university town with a colonial old centre, the resorts of the south and Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, in the middle. Lanzarote is a dark volcanic landscape of lava fields, white houses and the architecture of César Manrique. Fuerteventura is wide beaches, wind and a surf and kitesurf scene. La Palma and El Hierro are quiet, green and rugged, with some of the best stargazing in Europe.
Life moves more slowly than on the mainland. Locals are easy-going, direct and warm, and the culture borrows from Latin America: a soft, rounded Spanish, wrinkly potatoes with spicy mojo sauce, gofio flour, fresh fish and goat cheese. Carnival is the big event, and in Las Palmas and Santa Cruz the whole city goes out for weeks.
The islands also have large international communities: German, British and Scandinavian retirees in the south of Tenerife and in Lanzarote, and a modern remote-worker scene around Las Palmas and the northern beaches.
The islands were settled by the Guanches before the Spanish conquest in the fifteenth century, and later became a stop on the routes between Europe and the Americas. That gave them a strong Latin American link: the local accent and food are close to those of the Caribbean. Bananas, tomatoes and sugar were the first exports, and tourism took over from the 1960s.
Tourism now dominates the economy, particularly in the south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria and in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Isolation and dependence on one industry explain the weak labour market. Unemployment is 13.5% (2025). The average gross salary is €25,120 a year (2024). Poverty is above the national level, with 22.9% of people at risk (2025).
Special rules help business: a lower indirect tax than mainland VAT, tax incentives for companies and a special zone with reduced corporate tax. Housing costs have still climbed fast because of demand from foreign buyers and remote workers. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €542 a month (2024). Buying costs €2,279 per square metre (Q2 2026). Housing comes out above average against similar regions.
Healthcare is the pressure point. Waiting is long for a specialist, at 162 days (H2 2025), and healthcare comes out below average. Island geography means some treatment needs a flight between islands or to the mainland. The region is generally safe, though tourist areas see petty theft. Homicide is 0.63 per 100k people (2024).
Figures for Canarias. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Canarias data only and compares it with other regions. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Housing is above average: around the middle of Spanish regions.
Households spending >40% of income on housing: 5.00% — better than 93% of European metro regions
Above average: 65 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Households spending >40% of income on housingCanarias · 2025 | 5.00% | better than 93% of European metro regions |
| Rent per m²Canarias · 2024 | 7.75 €/m² a month | better than 34% of Spanish regions |
| Rents, change in a yearCanarias · 2024 | 3.70% | better than 21% of Spanish regions |
| Buying price per m²Canarias · 2026-Q2 | 2,279 €/m² | better than 24% of Spanish regions |
| House prices, change in a yearCanarias · 2026-Q2 | 11.0% | better than 82% of Spanish regions |
Safety is around the middle: better than most European metro regions.
Thefts: 397 per 100k people — better than 97% of European metro regions
Average: 52 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesCanarias · 2024 | 0.63 per 100k people | better than 77% of European metro regions |
| Recorded crimeCanarias · 2025 | 48.8 per 1,000 people | better than 38% of Spanish regions |
| RobberiesCanarias · 2024 | 78.3 per 100k people | better than 41% of European metro regions |
| BurglariesCanarias · 2024 | 83.6 per 100k people | better than 77% of European metro regions |
| Road deathsCanarias · 2024 | 3.10 per 100k people | better than 33% of European metro regions |
| Assault rateCanarias · 2024 | 351 per 100k people | better than 50% of European metro regions |
| TheftsCanarias · 2024 | 397 per 100k people | better than 97% of European metro regions |
| Vehicle theftsCanarias · 2024 | 46.1 per 100k people | better than 71% of European metro regions |
Healthcare is below average: in the bottom quarter of European metro regions.
Wait for a specialist appointment: 162 days — worse than 97% of Spanish regions
Below average: 38 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Wait for a specialist appointmentCanarias · 2025-H2 | 162 days | better than 3% of Spanish regions |
| Wait for surgeryCanarias · 2025-H2 | 106 days | better than 38% of Spanish regions |
| DoctorsCanarias · 2024 | 498 per 100k people | better than 39% of European metro regions |
| Life expectancyCanarias · 2024 | 82.9 years | better than 59% of European metro regions |
| Infant mortalityCanarias · 2024 | 3.10 per 1,000 births | better than 48% of European metro regions |
Wellbeing is weak: in the bottom 10% of European metro regions.
At risk of poverty: 22.9% — worse than 85% of European metro regions
Weak: 15 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| At risk of povertyCanarias · 2025 | 22.9% | better than 15% of European metro regions |
| Material deprivationCanarias · 2025 | 9.30% | better than 15% of European metro regions |
Prosperity is weak: in the bottom 10% of European metro regions.
Household income per person: 17,000 PPS per person — worse than 91% of European metro regions
Weak: 9 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Household income per personCanarias · 2023 | 17,000 PPS per person | better than 9% of European metro regions |
| Economic output per personCanarias · 2024 | 28,900 PPS per person | better than 9% of European metro regions |
Jobs is weak: in the bottom 10% of European metro regions.
Jobs in high-tech sectors: 2.10% of jobs — worse than 100% of European metro regions
Weak: 4 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Median gross salaryCanarias · 2024 | 20,632 € a year per worker | better than 3% of Spanish regions |
| UnemploymentCanarias · 2025 | 13.5% | better than 6% of European metro regions |
| Employment rate (20–64)Canarias · 2025 | 67.7% | better than 9% of European metro regions |
| Long-term unemploymentCanarias · 2025 | 5.40% of the workforce | better than 6% of European metro regions |
| Youth unemployment (15–24)Canarias · 2025 | 29.5% | better than 13% of European metro regions |
| Labour-force participationCanarias · 2025 | 73.1% | better than 15% of European metro regions |
| Youth not in employment/education/trainingCanarias · 2025 | 14.3% | better than 3% of European metro regions |
| Jobs in high-tech sectorsCanarias · 2025 | 2.10% of jobs | better than 0% of European metro regions |
What we cannot score for Canarias yet
The Canaries have one of the mildest climates in Europe. Temperatures change little between seasons, thanks to the Atlantic and the trade winds. Winters are warm and sunny, summers are hot but tempered by the sea breeze, and the north of each island is greener and cloudier than the south. The mountains can be cold, with snow on Teide in winter.
It is a winter region in the sense that this is where northern Europeans come for the sun between November and April. For residents the weather is good all year. From time to time a hot, dusty wind from the Sahara, the calima, brings heat and haze for a few days.
Lines start with Spain; switch the others on to compare.
78/100 · strong · 4th of 35 European metro regions
13.5% in 2025
4.4% in Sep 2026
4.4% in 2024
28,900 PPS in 2024
11.0% in Q2 2026
€7.7 per m² a month in 2024
€2,279 per m² in Q2 2026
82.9 years in 2024
67.7% in 2025
Facts about the people who live in Canarias. Shown as context only: none of this changes a score.
Guides for the practical side of moving to Spain: residency, housing, healthcare, tax and schools. Where the rules or prices depend on where you live, the guide says so.
Is Spain right for you, when to go, and how to try it before you commit.
Visas, residence permits, the route that fits you, and keeping your status.
Budgeting the first year, banking, tax residency, income and social security.
Employment, remote work, self-employment, running a business and your rights at work.
Choosing where to live, renting safely, buying, and settling into a home.
Public and private care, health cover, and insurance for your life in Spain.
Family, children, and education
Partners, children, schools, childcare and studying in Spain.
Paperwork, identity numbers, belongings, pets, utilities and the first weeks.
Learning Spanish, understanding local life and building a social circle.
Routines, food, local customs, holidays, transport and getting around.
Scams, disputes, emergencies, your rights and where to get help.
Long-term settlement and leaving
Staying for good, long-term residence and citizenship, retiring, or returning home.
Cost of living and housing by region
You can estimate what the same life costs in different places and how hard it is to find a home there.
You will know whether you need an NIE, which route to take and how to handle its paperwork.
Regional differences in public healthcare
You will understand what really differs by region, how to find your local rule and how to move your cover.
You will be able to estimate your tax, understand the calculation and see how your region compares.
You will know which language your child will be taught in where you plan to live, how settled that rule is, and how to confirm it for one school.
You can see which regions and cities fit your field and income need.
Fit from the data, 0 to 100, against other Spanish regions. Open a group to see the figures behind it.
Carnival, volcanic landscapes, Manrique's architecture and a unique Atlantic and Latin American food culture. The big museum and music scene is smaller.
Nothing stands out.
Better in the region for culture, food and nightlife: Santa Cruz de Tenerife (65), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (64)
Not measured yet: Commute by public transport, Lifestyle, Median age, Transport, Walk most.
Warm winters, a large foreign community and very easy living. Distance from family and from mainland hospitals can be a worry, and specialist waits are long.
Better in the region for retirees: Granadilla de Abona (72), Adeje (66), San Cristóbal de La Laguna (65)
Not measured yet: Climate, Cost of Living, Days above 35 °C, Environment, Frost days, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry).
Good property, a favourable regional tax regime for companies and a mild climate, with fewer luxury services than on the mainland.
Better in the region for high earners and investors: Granadilla de Abona (57), San Cristóbal de La Laguna (57)
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Distance to the main airport, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Two universities, the University of La Laguna in Tenerife and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, offer a cheap student life with surf and sun.
Better in the region for students: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (55)
Not measured yet: Commute by public transport, Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Median age, Price level vs EU average, Transport, Walk most.
Mild weather, beaches and safe towns make the islands pleasant for children. Wages are low and housing costs are rising.
Better in the region for families with children: Granadilla de Abona (47), San Cristóbal de La Laguna (47), Santa Lucía de Tirajana (47)
Not measured yet: 15-year-olds' maths (PISA), Average commute (one way), Average dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
Prices are low in some local areas, but housing costs have grown and wages are low. Jobs are the main limit.
Better in the region for budget-conscious movers: Santa Lucía de Tirajana (53), Arrecife (51), San Cristóbal de La Laguna (49)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Price level vs EU average.
A special regional tax regime and a growing technology and remote-working community, but a small market and distance from big investors.
Nothing stands out.
Better in the region for founders and self-employed: San Cristóbal de La Laguna (58), Santa Cruz de Tenerife (53), Arrecife (50)
Not measured yet: Connectivity, Digital, Distance to the main airport, Regulatory quality.
Opportunities are limited and pay is lower than on the mainland. Tourism and services dominate the job market.
Better in the region for young professionals: Santa Cruz de Tenerife (51), Arrecife (45), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (44)
Not measured yet: Commute by public transport, Lifestyle, Median age, Transport.
Warm weather, good fibre in the main cities, a time zone close to Europe's and a strong remote-worker community in Las Palmas and Tenerife. Flights to the mainland and Europe are frequent.
Not measured yet: Climate, Connectivity, Cost of Living, Digital, Distance to the main airport, Fixed broadband penetration, Homes with fibre to the door, Lifestyle, Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry).
Surf, diving, hiking, cycling, kitesurf and stargazing, every day of the year. Made for the active, with the occasional dust wind.
Nothing stands out.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Climate, Days above 35 °C, Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Frost days, Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry), Rainy days (≥1 mm), Strong-wind days.
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in Canarias as anywhere in Spain.
Click a column to sort. Columns with too little data are left out.
| Place | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| San Cristóbal de La Laguna | 58 | €512 | 308 |
| Granadilla de Abona | 56 | €593 | 335 |
| Arrecife | 52 | €497 | 334 |
| Arona | 50 | €641 | 335 |
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife | 50 | €546 | 308 |
| Santa Lucía de Tirajana | 50 | €474 | 319 |
| Adeje | 48 | €700 | 335 |
| Las Palmas de Gran Canaria | 47 | €567 | 319 |
| Telde | 47 | €500 | 319 |
| San Bartolomé de Tirajana | 45 | €625 | 319 |
Guide written 2026-10-22. Figures are refreshed as new official data is published; the period beside each number says what it covers. “Our read” cards are our inferences from those figures. How we score
Need certainty before you act?
For important relocation decisions, speak with a qualified human specialist.
Always verify important information with the relevant official authority or a qualified adviser before acting. This website uses large language models together with various public data sources, official government documents and other established sources. Due to the amount of data on this website, some information might be wrong. Information may also be incomplete or outdated.