A British holidaymaker has been left gobsmacked by the cost of living in Tenerife, sharing his disbelief in a TikTok video that’s now capturing people’s attention. The man, who goes by deebolar on TikTok, declared that the UK “no longer makes sense to him” after experiencing the stark price differences in Tenerife.
He was particularly struck by the affordability of groceries compared to back home, noting the contrast with popular everyday items. He explained: “I’ve been here for 24 hours, and this supermarket is my best friend, bro. For context, €1 is 85p, so you’re seeing €1 here for like two plus litres of Fanta, Coke, 7up.
“I mean, it’s off-brand, but who gives a toss? It’s like 70p/80p – those bottles are like 50p. And eight litres of water for €1.50 – that’s like £1.20, bro.
“[The] UK is not seeing me again, that might be six Desperados for €1.71. It might be one as well, I ain’t got a clue. Anyways, look at this, eight litres of water, two litres of Fanta, look at the price – €2.39.”
As he showcased an array of products on a table, he added: “Everything on this table, probably like £5 or £6 at most. I’m telling you, it’s nuts.”
His video, captioned “I have to go back to the cost of living crisis after this”, has since gone viral, sparking a conversation among viewers. While many were amazed, others felt compelled to share some crucial insights with him.
One individual lamented: “Canary Islands have the lowest salary of Spain. This isn’t the paradise you think. Our rents are more than half our salary.”
Another expressed frustration: “Cheap for you. Unfortunately, Spanish salaries are every day lower because we pay more taxes and prices are increasing.”
A third person chimed in with a global perspective, noting: “Nowhere is objectively cheap in this world. What is cheap for you might be expensive for the locals. This applies everywhere.”
Curiosity arose from another commenter who inquired: “Which supermarket is this? Going next week.” A fifth added their view, writing: “UK is expensive. Spain is cheaper, always.”
EasyFX highlights that Tenerife is seen by some Brits as an enticing alternative to life in the UK, with the cost of living being a significant draw for those considering a move abroad. The report notes: “On average, rent in Tenerife is considerably cheaper than in the UK.
“A one-bedroom apartment in the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, typically costs between €500 and €700 (£415 – £580) per month, compared to the £1,200 to £1,500 minimum you would have to spend to rent an apartment in London, for example.
“Like most places in Europe, the cost of renting in Tenerife will vary depending on the location and property type you decide on. Popular areas like Santa Cruz, and La Laguna and tourist hotspots such as Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje tend to have higher rental prices.
“For those who prefer to cook at home, Tenerife’s grocery prices are another highlight and much more affordable than the UK. Supermarkets such as Mercadona, Hiperdino and Lidl, offer competitive prices, while local markets provide fresh produce and regional specialties at great rates.
“Shopping at farmer’s markets throughout Tenerife can yield even fresher produce at lower prices, making it an attractive option if you want to stick to a budget without compromising on quality.”
On the other hand, the average salary in Tenerife is estimated to be around €32,239 (£27,849.18) annually, with professions like healthcare, education and technical fields typically earning between €1,500 (£1,295.75) and €2,000 (£1,727.63) monthly. Despite wages in the Canary Islands having seen significant growth since 1978, they are still reported to lag behind the Spanish national average.