Moving to Las Palmas? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Las Palmas is situated on the coast of the northeast of Gran Canaria and is the Canaries’ third largest island. This volcanic island has dramatic terrain, ranging from deserts to mountains, as well as plenty of green countryside.

If you are considering moving to Las Palmas, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in Gran Canaria’s capital city.

Quick Las Palmas Facts:

Population: 378,998 (2021).
Official Language: Spanish (de facto) with many other languages being spoken by expat residents, including English, French, German, Italian, Arabic and Portuguese.
GDP Per Capita: $20,410 USD (2021)
Christopher Columbus: It is thought that Christopher Columbus stayed here in 1492 before his trip across the Atlantic, where he found the Americas.
Currency: Euro (EUR). As of 2024, £1 = €1.20, $1 USD = €0.89, $1 CAD = €0.66, $1 AUD = €0.61

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Las Palmas

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from major cities around the world, and shipping it to Las Palmas:

Origin City	20-foot Container Rate Range (USD)	40-foot Container Rate Range (USD)
Beijing	$2,500 - $2,600	$4,500 - $4,700
Berlin	$2,000 - $2,100	$3,600 - $3,800
Chicago	$2,300 - $2,400	$4,200 - $4,400
Chongqing	$2,700 - $2,800	$4,900 - $5,100
Delhi	$2,650 - $2,750	$4,800 - $5,000
Dubai	$2,800 - $2,900	$5,100 - $5,300
Houston	$2,400 - $2,500	$4,300 - $4,500
Los Angeles	$2,300 - $2,400	$4,200 - $4,400
Madrid	$1,850 - $1,950	$3,400 - $3,600
New York City	$2,200 - $2,300	$4,100 - $4,300
Paris	$1,950 - $2,050	$3,500 - $3,700
Phoenix	$2,350 - $2,450	$4,300 - $4,500
Rome	$1,950 - $2,050	$3,500 - $3,700
Shanghai	$2,600 - $2,700	$4,700 - $4,900
Sydney	$3,000 - $3,100	$5,300 - $5,500
Toronto	$2,350 - $2,450	$4,300 - $4,500
Vancouver	$2,400 - $2,500	$4,400 - $4,600
Vienna	$2,050 - $2,150	$3,600 - $3,800

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (September 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, Flexport, or Maersk;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. Las Palmas Housing Costs

Housing prices are very affordable compared with other major cities around the world and there’s a large selection of different housing types, from small studios to luxury villas. Prices obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will indicate what’s available at what price.

Monthly Rental Prices in Las Palmas:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: €810+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: €640+
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: €1,300+
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: €750+

Las Palmas Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: €3,800+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: €1,900+

Las Palmas Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Las Palmas compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 70.2% more expensive
New York is 79.6% more expensive
Los Angeles is 72.2% more expensive
Toronto is 57.6% more expensive
Vancouver is 60.7% more expensive
Sydney is 63.9% more expensive
Melbourne is 49% more expensive
Dubai is 57.4% more expensive
Paris is 53.5% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Many people choose flat or house shares as an accommodation option. With a house/apartment share you will have your own room, or, for a cheaper option, you can share a room. The bathroom/s will be shared with other people in the house. There are many flats available for shared rental as well. Have a look at RoomLaLa, Piso Compartido, Erasmusu and Gabinohome to find someone you can get on with to share the costs with you.
Different Areas – Different Prices: Triana and Vagueta have architectural gems dotted around them. They are also the main commercial areas of Las Palmas. Both areas have apartments for rent and Triana has a variety of housing, some fairly recently built. Although prices are at the top end, they are still very reasonable for a major city. Cuidad Jardin is an upmarket area developed by the British in the 19th Century. This is where you’ll find the embassies, large, elegant properties and green spaces. There are many areas along the beaches where you’ll find a selection of apartments but the long-term rentals are generally high due to the regular influx of tourists.

3. Las Palmas Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Las Palmas is one of the world’s top cruise ports which has attracted some excellent chefs from around the globe. The range of food served in the restaurants of Las Palmas is heaven for foodies.

Inexpensive Restaurant: €10.00 – €12.00
Takeout Coffee: €1.50 – €2.00
Bottle of Coke: €1.20 – €1.50
1L of Milk: €0.80 – €1.00
Loaf of Bread: €1.50 – €1.80
12 Eggs: €2.20 – €3.00
1kg Chicken: €5.50 – €6.00
1kg Beef: €11.50 – €13.00
1kg Apples: €2.00 – €2.10
1kg White Rice: €1.70 – €2.00

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

New York restaurants are 79.6% more expensive and groceries are 59.3% more expensive than Las Palmas.
Los Angeles restaurants are 55% more expensive and groceries are 44.9% more expensive than Las Palmas.
London restaurants are 49.6% more expensive and groceries are 24.9% more expensive than Las Palmas.
Paris restaurants are 42.2% more expensive and groceries are 44.6% more expensive than Las Palmas.
Toronto restaurants are 45.1% more expensive and groceries are 37.5% more expensive than Las Palmas.
Vancouver restaurants are 43.7% more expensive and groceries are 40.2% more expensive than Las Palmas.
Sydney restaurants are 47.5% more expensive and groceries are 46.3% more expensive than Las Palmas.
Melbourne restaurants are 45.5% more expensive and groceries are 46.8% more expensive than Las Palmas.
Dubai restaurants are 42.8% more expensive and groceries are 13.9% more expensive than Las Palmas.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Supermarket prices in tourist areas tend to be inflated, so it’s best to steer clear of these areas when food shopping. El Corte Ingles is a supermarket chain similar to the UK’s Marks & Spencers. Carrefour and Dia also have several well-stocked stores in Las Palmas. There are four excellent markets in Las Palmas where all the city’s top chefs buy the ingredients for the delicious and inventive food they create. The market in Vagueta is one of the oldest in Las Palmas. La Isleta’s market is new by Las Palmas standards and has many restaurants and bars surrounding it. All the markets have a wide selection of fish, fruit and vegetables.
Find Cheap Eats: If you search, you will find excellent food at good prices in the city, especially if you move away from tourist areas. Have a look at the following sites to see which restaurants tantalise your taste buds – Trip Advisor (Italian restaurants) and Gran Canaria.

4. Las Palmas Alcohol Costs

Cosmopolitan Las Palmas has a large selection of bars, clubs and nightlife. The following is a list of basic prices of beer and wine from the supermarket and restaurants.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: €2.00 – €2.50
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: €2.75 – €3.50
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: €1.00 – €1.20
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: €1.80 – €2.00
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: €5.00 – €7.00

How To Drink For Less in Las Palmas:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
The high tourist profile of Las Palmas means that you may have to hunt for cheaper alcohol. Have a look at the following sites to find where your favourite tipple is on special – Trip Advisor and Yelp.

5. Las Palmas Transportation Fares

Las Palmas’ public transportation system consists of a bus service run by Global. There is a good service in the city and around the island.

Here are some example ticket costs.

Adult single – €1.30
One day ticket for the bus – €4.00
Monthly season ticket for the bus – €30.00

How to Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a 10-trip ticket – €8.50
Buy a bike. Cycling around the city is certainly an option.
Walk. Depending on where you live and work, walking around the city can be a pleasure.

6. Cost of Internet in Las Palmas

Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Ono: €33.40 a month (fiber broadband up to 600mb)
Orange: €30.95 a month (fiber broadband up to 500mb)

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Las Palmas has a hot desert climate. August is the hottest month with an average temperature of 25°C. The winter’s ‘coldest’ month is January, with an average temperature of 18°C. Its average annual temperature is warm 21.2°C.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: €70.00 – €120.00
Summer Dress: €30.00 – €40.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): €70.00 – €80.00
Business Shoes: €55.00 – €75.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): €70.00
Deodorant: €2.50
Shampoo: €3.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): €2.70
Gym Membership: €40.00 – €45.00 per month
Movie (cinema) Ticket: €7.00 – €9.00

Source: Numbeo and Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Las Palmas

Everyone in Gran Canaria drives on the right. Driving in Las Palmas can be a little frustrating in peak hours and during high tourist season. Parking is often a problem.

If you’re moving to Las Palmas from within Spain, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address with your new Las Palmas one at your nearest traffic office.

If you live outside the EU, then you can drive on that licence for six months. If your foreign licence is not in Spanish, then you must obtain a Spanish translation or get an International Driving Licence. After this six-month period, you must obtain a Spanish driving licence, which you can obviously do in Las Palmas.

If you are from an EU country then you will need to get a Spanish licence after being in the country for two years. However, you must register your details with the Central Register of Drivers and Minor Offenders after six months. Note that persons under the age of 18 are not allowed to drive in Las Palmas.

Residents of certain countries can exchange their licence, other people will need to take a Spanish driving test – both written and practical. Expatica.com has useful information in English for expats wanting to drive in Spain and Las Palmas.

If you are taking a car with you to Las Palmas, you can drive it for 6 months without registering it in Las Palmas. After the 6 months period, you have 30 days to register it.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Las Palmas:

Volkswagen Golf: €19,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): €1.53
Registration Fee (if any): the cost depends on the size of the vehicle and its CO2 emissions.

Source: Expatistan

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Las Palmas:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpoolworld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Uber is not available in Gran Canaria at the moment.

9. Taxes in Las Palmas

There is no VAT in any of the Canary Islands. There is a tax called IGIC which has a rate of 5%. Many necessities are zero-rated.

If you own a property in Las Palmas you will need to pay IBI tax. The amount varies depending on the size of the property, the services you receive and the area it’s in. The annual property tax in Las Palmas at the moment is 0.73%. Note if you rent a property, it is the owner who pays IBI, not the tenant.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Las Palmas, you’ll have to pay various taxes and fees. There is a property purchase tax of 7% for a new property and 6.5% for an older property. Notary fees of around €300 also need to be paid together with a Property Registry Fee of €300. Title deed tax and land registration fees are between 1% and 2.5% of the purchase price and legal fees will cost between 1% and 2%. If you are taking out a mortgage, you will also need to get life assurance and property insurance at the same time.

10. Flight Costs from Las Palmas

If you do make the move to Las Palmas, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

New York: €199
Los Angeles: €370
London: €14
Paris: €14
Toronto: €380
Vancouver: €475
Dubai: €150
Sydney: €580
Melbourne: €1,000
Cape Town: €479
Hong Kong: €440

Other Tips on Moving to Las Palmas:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Las Palmas but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Las Palmas Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be rather daunting. Here are a few tips about settling into Las Palmas.

Meetups: Las Palmas has lots of free meetup groups you can find on Las Palmas. Join Digital Nomads Gran Canaria, Las Palmas Hiking, Beach Volley, Tai Chi and many more.
Attend Local Events: Las Palmas is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with lots of events happening every day. Find out what’s going on from Trip Advisor, Spain – Gran Canaria, Hello Canary Islands.

12. Moving to Las Palmas with a Family

Las Palmas has a lot to offer families. History, culture, architecture, the beach. green spaces and parks and exploring stunning landscapes. Here’s some extra food for thought.

New Parents (or parents to be): Mum Abroad is an excellent site which will give you information on antenatal classes, postnatal classes and general parenting. It’s an interactive site so you can ask for information directly.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: The north of Triana is a good area for families, with its park and proximity to public transport. Cuidad Jardin is an upmarket area where you’ll find elegant, large properties with gardens eminently suitable for families. There is also a park with a swimming pool where people go and picnic at the weekends. Many of the beach areas have apartments which may be suitable for families with young children. Many expat families find that the areas just outside Las Palmas are better suited to family life – away from the tourist areas.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: Holiday Hypermarket, Mummy Travels and Family Travel Scoop all have great ideas for activities and events your kids will love.

13. Moving to Las Palmas for Work

People generally choose to move to Las Palmas for work or retirement. The unemployment rate in Las Palmas is high, some say as high as 30%. If you want a job that isn’t in tourism, speaking fluent Spanish will increase your chances. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.

Hospitality and tourism are obviously the biggest areas of employment in Las Palmas. There are also opportunities in other fields, such as finance, education, healthcare, IT and telecommunications, for those speaking Spanish.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Teleport.
How to Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Las Palmas, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Indeed, The Local and The Transport Job. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Las Palmas from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living in Las Palmas. If you are thinking of joining them, here’s more food for thought:

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Las Palmas with the population of a city in Australia, you’d be looking at a town twice the size of Townsville.
Join Expat Groups: Both InterNations and Meetup offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Las Palmas.

15. Moving to Las Palmas from Canada

A few Canadians are living in Las Palmas. Here are a few extra points to consider:

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of the city of Las Palmas with the population of a city in Canada, you’d be looking at Halifax.
Join Expat Groups: Both InterNations and Meetup offer ways of meeting up with other Canadians in Las Palmas.

16. Moving to Las Palmas from the United States

There’s a small American contingent living and/or working in Las Palmas. If you’re considering it, here are a few bonus tips:

Size Comparison: Las Palmas population is roughly the same as Arlington, Tx.
Expat Groups: Meeting Americans who are already living and working in Las Palmas is an excellent way to make friends and learn how to integrate quickly into your new life. InterNations and Meetup will enable you to meet other expats from the States and other countries.

17. Moving to Las Palmas from the United Kingdom

They are a lot of Brits living and/or working in Las Palmas. If you’re considering it, here are a few bonus tips:

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Las Palmas with an area in the UK, you’d be looking at Kirklees.
Expat Groups: Meeting Brits who are already living and working in Las Palmas is an excellent way to make friends and learn all about living in the city. Have a look at the following sites to find people from home – The British Club and InterNations.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Las Palmas you can start by comparing moving quotes here.