City · Canarias · All places
A big Atlantic port city with a city beach, an all-year spring climate and a growing remote-working crowd.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the largest city of the Canary Islands, on the northeast corner of Gran Canaria. It is built on a narrow isthmus between two coasts, with the port on one side and a long, golden city beach on the other. Behind it, hills rise to a volcanic landscape of valleys and ridges.
It is a real city, not a resort. It has a port, a university, hospitals, offices and an old colonial centre, and people live here all year, with busy streets, markets and shops. It is also one of the best places in Europe for a steady, mild climate, which has made it popular with remote workers, surfers and retirees.
The city has 381,868 residents (2025). Residents born abroad make up 16.6% (2025).
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria stands out for climate; it is weaker on healthcare and jobs. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €567 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’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.
Summer nights stay warm, so sleep depends on a cooled bedroom. Check for air-conditioning before you sign.
A big airport close to town means direct flights to most European capitals and many long-haul routes.
Almost every home can get gigabit fibre, so working from home is not a gamble on the flat you pick.
Wrinkled potatoes with mojo, fresh fish, goat's cheese and gofio, a flour of toasted grain.
Relaxed and sporty, with the beach busy from first light.
Santa Catalina for port-side bars, Triana for shopping, Las Canteras for sunset cafés.
Vegueta is the colonial old town, Santa Catalina the lively port quarter, Alcaravaneras and Guanarteme residential.
A soft Canarian Spanish, close to the Caribbean, with English heard in the beach districts.
Carnival in February and March, with drag galas, parades and street parties lasting weeks.
Surf, swimming, running on the promenade, and volcanic hiking inland.
Las Palmas is relaxed, sporty and surprisingly cosmopolitan. Las Canteras, the city beach, is the heart of the city: a long, sheltered stretch of sand with a reef that creates calm water, lined with a promenade of cafés, surf schools and apartments. At any hour, people swim, run, skate, practise yoga or walk their dogs.
Vegueta, the old town, has colonial houses, a cathedral and museums, and Triana is the pedestrian shopping street. Santa Catalina is the port quarter, lively and mixed. Locals speak a soft, rounded Spanish that is close to the Caribbean, and they are friendly and informal. Food includes wrinkled potatoes with spicy mojo sauce, fresh fish, goat's cheese and gofio, a flour made of toasted grain.
The city has a surf and kitesurf scene, a growing co-working and start-up community and one of the largest carnivals in Spain, with drag-queen galas, parades and street parties lasting weeks. International residents include Scandinavians, Germans, British and Latin Americans.
The city was founded in 1478 as a military camp, and grew into a stop for ships between Europe, Africa and the Americas. Port activity remains central: the Port of La Luz is one of the busiest in the Atlantic, with cargo, cruise ships, fishing fleets and repairs for ships. Tourism, commerce and public services make up much of the rest of the economy.
Islands have limits. The local job market is small and wages are modest, and the local economy depends on tourism and the port, which leaves jobs coming out weak. Unemployment is 17.4% (2025), and adults with a university degree make up 42% (2024). The islands' special tax regime keeps consumption taxes low, which helps in daily life.
Housing is moderate but rising. Demand from remote workers and visitors has lifted rents, especially near the beach. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €567 a month (2024), and buying costs €2,337 per square metre (Q2 2026).
The airport is some way down the coast, and flights run to the mainland, to Europe and to the other islands. The airport is 22 km from the centre. Life expectancy is a weak point and sits below most Spanish cities: 81.3 years (2023). Hospitals are large, but the pressure on the public system is heavy and healthcare comes out weak against similar places.
Figures for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Las Palmas de Gran Canaria data only and compares it with similar cities. Open “Why this score?” to see the measures behind it.
Climate is above average: in the top 10% of major European cities.
Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry): 319 days a year — better than 100% of major European cities
Above average: 72 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Pleasant days (18–28 °C, dry)Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 319 days a year | better than 100% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 0.00 days a year | better than 88% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 156 nights a year | better than 0% of major European cities |
Prosperity is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Household income per person: 16,088 € a year per person — better than 58% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 58 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 personLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2024 | 16,088 € a year per person | better than 58% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Transport is around the middle: better than most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Commute by public transport: 24.8% — better than 89% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 56 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute (one way)Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2021 | 41.6 minutes | better than 29% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2021 | 58.1% | better than 57% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2021 | 24.8% | better than 89% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Digital is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
5G coverage: 100% — better than 85% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 48 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Homes that can get gigabit internetLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2025 | 97.5% | better than 31% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2025 | 98.0% | better than 37% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2025 | 100% | better than 85% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Housing is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Rent per m²: 8.10 €/m² a month — worse than 54% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 48 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2024 | 8.10 €/m² a month | better than 46% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2024 | 3.30% | better than 49% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2026-Q2 | 2,337 €/m² | better than 49% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2024 | 4.77% | better than 47% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2026-Q2 | 14.2% | better than 51% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Safety is below average: in the bottom quarter of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Sexual offences: 0.68 per 1,000 people — worse than 91% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 32 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2025 | 2.10 per 100k people | better than 12% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2024 | 51.3 per 1,000 people | better than 35% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2025 | 130 per 100k people | better than 30% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2025 | 62.6 per 100k people | better than 88% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2024 | 0.68 per 1,000 people | better than 9% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2025 | 1,182 per 100k people | better than 50% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2025 | 80.7 per 100k people | better than 36% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is weak: in the bottom 10% of major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 21.9 km — worse than 95% of major European cities
Weak: 19 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to the main airportLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2026-10-21 | 21.9 km | better than 5% of major European cities |
| Airport passengersLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2025 | 15.7 million passengers a year | better than 35% of major European cities |
Jobs is weak: in the bottom 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment, change in a year: 0.99 points — worse than 98% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 11 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2025 | 17.4% | better than 17% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2025 | 0.99 points | better than 2% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Healthcare is weak: in the bottom 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Life expectancy: 81.3 years — worse than 95% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 5 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancyLas Palmas de Gran Canaria · 2023 | 81.3 years | better than 5% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
What we cannot score for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria yet
Highs around 24° in September, lows around 17° in February. 319 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C). 156 warm nights above 20 °C: check for air-conditioning.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19.4°C | 17.3°C | 21 mm |
| February | 19.2°C | 16.8°C | 20 mm |
| March | 19.4°C | 16.9°C | 17 mm |
| April | 20.4°C | 17.7°C | 7 mm |
| May | 21.3°C | 18.7°C | 8 mm |
| June | 22.5°C | 20.0°C | 7 mm |
| July | 23.4°C | 20.9°C | 2 mm |
| August | 24.3°C | 21.8°C | 7 mm |
| September | 24.4°C | 22.1°C | 14 mm |
| October | 24.2°C | 21.6°C | 17 mm |
| November | 22.4°C | 20.1°C | 19 mm |
| December | 20.8°C | 18.6°C | 26 mm |
The city's climate is one of the mildest in Europe. The trade winds and the ocean keep temperatures steady: warm winters, cool-to-warm summers, and little rain. The north of the island is cloudy at times, and a Saharan dust wind (calima) can bring heat and haze for a few days. Very hot days number 0 a year (2015–2024). Warm nights, the kind that make sleeping hard, number 156 a year (2015–2024).
Rainfall is low, 163 mm a year (2015–2024), and frost days are 0 a year (2015–2024). Pleasant days, mild and dry, number 319 a year (2015–2024). It is a year-round city, where winters are summer for northern Europeans.
Lines start with Spain; switch the others on to compare.
34/100 · below average · 104th of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
17.4% in 2025
14.2% in Q2 2026
€8.1 per m² a month in 2024
€2,337 per m² in Q2 2026
81.4 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. 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.
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Routines, food, local customs, holidays, transport and getting around.
Scams, disputes, emergencies, your rights and where to get help.
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You will know where Spanish rentals are found, what they cost, how to time and run a search, and how to judge a flat before you commit.
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You will know whether and from when Spain taxes you as a resident, and how to keep the evidence to back your position.
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You will know which stage your child is in, what each school type means in Spain, and how to shortlist schools that fit your family's stay and goals.
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Fit from the data, 0 to 100, against other Spanish cities. Open a group to see the figures behind it.
Surfing, swimming, hiking in the mountains and a year-round outdoor life. The best of the island's nature is inland and in the south.
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
Carnival, the old town, music and a lively food scene. The scale is smaller than that of the mainland's big cities.
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
The University of Las Palmas and a sociable beachside lifestyle make for a pleasant student life. Rents are rising.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
A favourite of the remote-work community: fast connections, coworking, warm weather and a time zone close to Europe's. Flights to Europe are frequent.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for remote workers: Arrecife (64), Santa Lucía de Tirajana (64)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Fixed broadband penetration, Lifestyle.
A steady, warm climate, public and private hospitals, and an easy city with good services. Being far from the mainland can be hard for family visits.
Better nearby for retirees: Granadilla de Abona (72), Adeje (66), San Cristóbal de La Laguna (65)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Doctors, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
Regional tax incentives and a growing tech and remote-work scene, with a small local market.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for founders and self-employed: San Cristóbal de La Laguna (58)
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
Pleasant living, a good climate and favourable regional tax rules for some businesses. Few luxury services.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for high earners and investors: Granadilla de Abona (57), San Cristóbal de La Laguna (57), Santa Lucía de Tirajana (51)
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Jobs in tourism, ports, services and public administration at modest pay. Many young people leave for the mainland.
Better nearby for young professionals: Santa Cruz de Tenerife (51)
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Cheaper than the big mainland cities, but not as cheap as the interior towns, and wages are low.
Better nearby for budget-conscious movers: Santa Lucía de Tirajana (53), Arrecife (51), San Cristóbal de La Laguna (49)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Households spending >40% of income on housing, Price level vs EU average.
Beaches, schools, safe neighbourhoods and an outdoor lifestyle. Salaries are lower than on the mainland.
Better nearby 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 dwelling size, Childcare availability, Education, Environment, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Pre-primary participation.
Taxes, residency and the wider economy are set nationally, so they are the same in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €512 a month
Compare with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria70 m²: €593 a month
Compare with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria70 m²: €497 a month
Compare with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria70 m²: €641 a month
Compare with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria70 m²: €700 a month
Compare with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria70 m²: €625 a month
Compare with Las Palmas de Gran CanariaGuide 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
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