Budget & Costs
What does Tenerife cost?
Thanks to the reduced IGIC VAT rate (7% instead of 21% IVA on the mainland), Tenerife is one of the cheapest travel destinations in the Eurozone. The Canary Islands have a special tax zone — you benefit directly as a tourist: Alcohol, tobacco, electronics, and restaurant visits are noticeably cheaper than in mainland Spain or Germany.
Typical Prices (Guidelines 2025/2026)
| Item | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Café con Leche | 1.20–2.00 |
| Menú del Día (Lunch menu, 3 courses) | 8–14 |
| Dinner at a restaurant | 12–25 |
| Beer (Caña) at the bar | 1.50–2.50 |
| Beer (0.33l) in the supermarket | 0.60–1.00 |
| Supermarket shopping (1 day) | 10–18 |
| Holiday apartment (1-bedroom, per night) | 40–80 |
| Hotel (mid-range, double room) | 60–120 |
| All-inclusive hotel (double room/night) | 100–200 |
| Rental car (per day) | 15–35 |
| Gasoline (per liter) | 1.10–1.30 (cheaper than the mainland!) |
| Bus ride (TITSA, single trip) | 1.50–5.00 |
| Whale watching tour (3h) | 40–75 |
| Teide cable car (return) | 39 |
| Siam Park (day admission) | 40–44 |
Budget Levels
Backpacker / Budget (35–55€ per day)
Hostels or cheap holiday apartments (Airbnb from 25€/night), self-catering in supermarkets (Mercadona, HiperDino, and Lidl are top), Menú del Día at lunchtime (8–12€ for three courses including a drink!), TITSA buses instead of rental cars, free beaches and hikes. Tenerife is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe.
Mid-range (60–120€ per day)
Hotel or good holiday apartment, rental car (from 15€/day!), a mix of self-cooking and restaurant visits, 1–2 activities per week (whale watching, Teide cable car). The most comfortable way to experience Tenerife. A rental car is the best investment — it opens up the whole island for you.
Comfort / Luxury (150–350€+ per day)
5-star hotels in Costa Adeje (The Ritz-Carlton Abama, Royal Hideaway Corales), gourmet restaurants, private boat tours to the whales, exclusive wineries in the north, helicopter flights over Teide. Tenerife can also be truly luxurious — and the value for money is better than in the Balearics even in the luxury segment.
Tipp
The best savings hack in Tenerife: the Menú del Día. At lunchtime, almost all restaurants offer a 3-course menu with a drink and bread for 8–14€. Often better than the more expensive evening menu. In the Guachinches in the north, you get homemade food with wine from 10€ — an unforgettable experience.
Savings Tips
Tenerife is already inexpensive, but with these strategies, you can get even more out of it:
- Take advantage of IGIC: The Canary Islands have only 7% tax instead of 21% on the mainland. Electronics, alcohol, and perfume are significantly cheaper here — the duty-free effect without duty-free.
- Book rental cars early: Tenerife has some of the cheapest rental cars in Europe (from 10€/day with early booking). Providers like Cicar (local) often offer better prices than international chains.
- TITSA bus card (TenMás): The rechargeable bus card saves 30–50% compared to single tickets. Buy at the airport or TITSA counters (2€ deposit).
- Visit Guachinches: These unofficial restaurants in private homes in the north serve homemade food with their own wine at bargain prices (main course 5–8€). No menu, no decor — just honest food. Google Maps is your friend.
- Free beaches: All beaches in Tenerife are public. Instead of paying 20€ for a lounger at the hotel beach, bring your own towel.
- Hiking is free: The best experiences in Tenerife cost nothing: Anaga hikes, Teide National Park (only cable car and summit permit cost), Masca Gorge, coastal paths.
- Supermarkets: Mercadona has the best value for money, HiperDino is the local favorite, Lidl the cheapest option. Local markets (Mercadillo) for fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Travel in the off-season: May/June and October/November offer the best weather at significantly lower prices than the winter months.
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