Back-to-school costs hit €500 per child in the Canaries
Families in the Canary Islands are preparing for the start of the new school year, but the return to the classroom is set to be more expensive than ever. According to a study by the shopping portal Idealo, the average family will spend €501.26 per child this year, an increase of 2% compared to 2024 and 18% more than just three years ago.
The rise in costs comes at a time when many households are already under pressure from reduced savings and the expenses of the summer period. More than 172,000 pupils across the islands are expected to return to school in the coming weeks.
The report shows that textbooks take up the largest share of the budget. The average cost of school books now stands at €365.64, up 7% on last year. The trend affects both printed and digital versions, with e-books rising from €182 in 2024 to €192.50 in 2025.
Other essentials also add to the bill. On average, families are paying €29.42 for a school bag, €26.07 for a tracksuit, €48.26 for stationery, and €31.87 for sports shoes.
To help ease the financial strain, experts recommend comparing prices across different retailers, both online and in physical stores, where many launch back-to-school promotions. Parents are also advised to reuse items in good condition from the previous year, such as bags and pencil cases, and to consider buying second-hand books or uniforms through specialist shops or digital platforms. Planning purchases early, rather than leaving them to the last minute, can also help families spread out the expense and take advantage of discounts throughout the year.
While the return to school is always a costly period for households, the steady rise in prices has sparked fresh concern for families trying to balance budgets as the new term begins.
Share:
