City · Canarias · All places
A port capital with a world-famous carnival, mountains at the back door and the Atlantic at the front.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island of Tenerife and, together with Las Palmas, shares the role of capital of the Canary Islands. It is a working port city on the north-east coast, with a harbour, a modern seafront, a handful of parks and a hinterland of volcanic ridges and laurel forest.
It is a practical city of civil servants, port workers and commuters, not a resort. The big tourist areas are in the south of the island. For residents it offers a mild climate all year, an easy daily life, and nature close by.
The city has 211,957 residents (2025). Residents born abroad make up 18.8% (2025).
Data as of · the latest figures cover Jun 2026
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What the data says
Santa Cruz de Tenerife stands out for climate; it is weaker on healthcare and digital. A typical 70 m² rental costs about €546 a month (2024).
Who it suits, 0 to 100
Practical conclusions we draw from Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s figures. They are inferences, not official statistics: each says what it rests on.
A large international and graduate population means English is common at work, in cafés and among neighbours. 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.
Wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce, grilled fish, goat's cheese, gofio and a barraquito coffee.
Gentle and informal, with a port-city habit of stopping for a coffee on the Rambla.
Bars around the Plaza del Príncipe and Calle Castillo, and open-air parties for weeks at Carnival.
The old centre around the Plaza de España, the seafront blocks of Ofra and Cabo Llanos, and the Anaga villages above.
Spanish with a soft Canarian accent and local words that differ from the mainland.
Carnival in February or March, the May Cross fiestas and the Santa Cruz summer music season.
Hiking in the Anaga mountains, diving along the north coast and Mount Teide a drive away.
Santa Cruz is relaxed, friendly and a little scruffy in a good way. Its best-known institution is Carnival, which fills the streets for weeks in February or March with parades, costumes, music and a crowded open-air party that ends with the burial of the sardine. Locals take it extremely seriously, and rehearsals for the carnival groups go on all year.
The seafront has a landmark concert hall, the Auditorio de Tenerife, shaped like a wave, and a long promenade for walks and runs. The city's Rambla and the García Sanabria park are shady, and the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África sells fish, fruit and flowers. Just beyond the city, the Anaga mountains offer ancient laurel forest, hiking trails and coastal hamlets, and Las Teresitas beach has golden sand brought from the Sahara.
The Canarian accent is soft and fast, and food is rooted in simple things: wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce, grilled fish, goat's cheese, gofio flour and ropa vieja stew. A tram links the city with the university town of La Laguna, and life moves at a gentle pace.
Santa Cruz began as a landing point for Spanish ships in the fifteenth century and grew into the island's main port, outstripping the older town of La Laguna up the hill. It became the capital of the Canary Islands in the nineteenth century, and has shared the function with Las Palmas since. Admiral Nelson lost his arm in an attack on the city in 1797, an event local people still mention with pride.
Today the economy depends on the port, public administration, commerce and services for the island's population, while the real money from tourism flows to the south of the island. Wages are lower than on the mainland, and living costs are not. Jobs come out average and prosperity average. Unemployment is 14.5% (2025), and household income per person is €16,081 a year (2024).
Housing costs have risen with demand from remote workers and from people moving to the island, and there is little room to build between the mountains and the sea. A typical 70 m² flat rents for about €546 a month (2024), and buying costs €2,330 per square metre (Q2 2026). House prices rose 19.6% over the latest year (Q2 2026), and housing comes out below average.
Healthcare comes out weak in the overall picture, and life expectancy is 81.5 years (2023), among the lowest of any large Spanish city. Recorded crime is 48.4 per 1,000 people (2024), and safety comes out average, mostly through theft rather than violence.
Figures for Santa Cruz de Tenerife itself, not its region. Each shows the period it covers.
Each card uses Santa Cruz de Tenerife 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): 308 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)Santa Cruz de Tenerife · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 308 days a year | better than 100% of major European cities |
| Days above 35 °CSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 0.00 days a year | better than 88% of major European cities |
| Nights above 20 °CSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2015-01-01..2024-12-31 | 135 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: 16,081 € 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 personSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2024 | 16,081 € 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: 23.3% — better than 86% 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)Santa Cruz de Tenerife · 2021 | 39.7 minutes | better than 39% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by carSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2021 | 60.6% | better than 49% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Commute by public transportSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2021 | 23.3% | better than 86% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Safety is around the middle: around the middle of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Burglaries: 70.8 per 100k people — better than 84% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 53 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| HomicidesSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2025 | 0.00 per 100k people | better than 78% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Recorded crimeSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2024 | 48.4 per 1,000 people | better than 49% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| RobberiesSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2025 | 117 per 100k people | better than 35% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| BurglariesSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2025 | 70.8 per 100k people | better than 84% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Sexual offencesSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2024 | 0.53 per 1,000 people | better than 28% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| TheftsSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2025 | 1,187 per 100k people | better than 49% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Vehicle theftsSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2025 | 79.3 per 100k people | better than 37% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Connectivity is around the middle: around the middle of major European cities.
Distance to the main airport: 12.0 km — worse than 51% of major European cities
Average: 49 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 airportSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2026-10-21 | 12.0 km | better than 49% of major European cities |
Jobs is around the middle: behind most Spanish cities above 50,000.
Unemployment, change in a year: -1.53 points — better than 73% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Average: 46 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| UnemploymentSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2025 | 14.5% | better than 29% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Unemployment, change in a yearSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2025 | -1.53 points | better than 73% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Housing is below average: in the bottom 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Rents, change in a year: 4.40% — worse than 86% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Below average: 30 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Rent per m²Santa Cruz de Tenerife · 2024 | 7.80 €/m² a month | better than 48% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rents, change in a yearSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2024 | 4.40% | better than 14% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Buying price per m²Santa Cruz de Tenerife · 2026-Q2 | 2,330 €/m² | better than 49% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Rent growth a year, over 3 yearsSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2024 | 5.78% | better than 23% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| House prices, change in a yearSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2026-Q2 | 19.6% | better than 15% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Digital is weak: in the bottom 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
5G coverage: 99.4% — worse than 97% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 16 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 internetSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2025 | 96.5% | better than 21% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| Homes with fibre to the doorSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2025 | 97.1% | better than 21% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
| 5G coverageSanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2025 | 99.4% | better than 3% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
Healthcare is weak: in the bottom 10% of Spanish cities above 50,000.
Life expectancy: 81.5 years — worse than 93% of Spanish cities above 50,000
Weak: 7 out of 100, where 50 is typical for the comparison group. These are the measures behind it.
| Measure | Value | Compared with peers |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancySanta Cruz de Tenerife · 2023 | 81.5 years | better than 7% of Spanish cities above 50,000 |
What we cannot score for Santa Cruz de Tenerife yet
Highs around 24° in August, lows around 16° in February. 308 pleasant days a year (dry, 18–28 °C). 135 warm nights above 20 °C: check for air-conditioning.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19.0°C | 16.6°C | 20 mm |
| February | 18.8°C | 16.2°C | 23 mm |
| March | 19.0°C | 16.3°C | 20 mm |
| April | 20.1°C | 17.2°C | 9 mm |
| May | 21.1°C | 18.1°C | 6 mm |
| June | 22.4°C | 19.6°C | 4 mm |
| July | 23.4°C | 20.7°C | 1 mm |
| August | 24.4°C | 21.5°C | 3 mm |
| September | 24.4°C | 21.7°C | 11 mm |
| October | 24.0°C | 21.1°C | 20 mm |
| November | 22.0°C | 19.5°C | 24 mm |
| December | 20.4°C | 18.0°C | 32 mm |
The climate is mild all year. Winters are warm and short, summers are warm rather than hot, and the sea breeze keeps the city comfortable. Rainfall is only 171 mm a year (2015–2024), and the city is drier and sunnier than the north of the island, though clouds can gather on the mountains above it.
Very hot days: 0 a year (2015–2024). Tropical nights, when the temperature never drops below twenty degrees, number 135 a year (2015–2024). Pleasant days, mild and dry, number 308 a year (2015–2024), one of the highest counts in Spain.
It works year-round, which is the main reason people choose the Canaries. A hot dusty wind from the Sahara occasionally brings haze and heat, and the mountains can be cold, with Teide often snow-capped in winter.
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70/100 · above average · 29th of 106 Spanish cities above 50,000
14.5% in 2025
19.6% in Q2 2026
€7.8 per m² a month in 2024
€2,330 per m² in Q2 2026
81.5 years in 2023
Facts about the people who live in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Shown as context only: none of this changes a score.
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Fit from the data, 0 to 100, against other Spanish cities. Open a group to see the figures behind it.
Hiking in Anaga, diving, surfing and Mount Teide, all within an hour. One of the best places in Spain for an outdoor life.
Not measured yet: Environment, Fine-particle pollution (PM2.5), Lifestyle, Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Strong-wind days.
Carnival, an auditorium with a serious programme and a lively local scene. Smaller in scale than on the mainland.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Lifestyle, Walk most.
A mild climate, public and private hospitals and a relaxed city, though far from the mainland and from family.
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).
The University of La Laguna is a tram ride away, with a good student scene in La Laguna itself.
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Cycle most, Education, Lifestyle, Price level vs EU average, Walk most, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Regional tax incentives and a small local market; good for island-based businesses and port services.
Nothing stands out.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Regulatory quality.
Limited opportunities, mostly in government, port and services. Many young people leave for the mainland.
Not measured yet: Jobs in high-tech sectors, Lifestyle, Median gross salary, Youth unemployment (15–24).
Warm weather, a time zone close to Europe's and flights to many European cities, but fibre that is not as universal as on the mainland.
Better nearby for remote workers: Arrecife (64), Santa Lucía de Tirajana (64)
Not measured yet: Cost of Living, Fixed broadband penetration, Lifestyle.
Pleasant, quiet and safe, with limited luxury services. The south of the island has more upscale resorts.
Nothing stands out.
Better nearby for high earners and investors: Granadilla de Abona (57), San Cristóbal de La Laguna (57)
Not measured yet: Average dwelling size, Education, Environment, Income tax and social security, average earner, Total tax on labour, average earner.
Not as cheap as the weak local wages would suggest, and prices have risen. Pay is modest, and work is hard to find.
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.
Safe neighbourhoods, beaches and parks, with schools in the city and a strong family culture. Wages are lower than on the mainland, and rents are climbing.
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 Santa Cruz de Tenerife as anywhere in Spain.
Compared with Santa Cruz de Tenerife; each card says where it is better or worse for someone living there.
70 m²: €593 a month
Compare with Santa Cruz de Tenerife70 m²: €497 a month
Compare with Santa Cruz de Tenerife70 m²: €641 a month
Compare with Santa Cruz de Tenerife70 m²: €700 a month
Compare with Santa Cruz de Tenerife70 m²: €567 a month
Compare with Santa Cruz de Tenerife70 m²: €625 a month
Compare with Santa Cruz de TenerifeGuide 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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