How Much Does It Cost to Live in Taiwan?
Determining the cost of living somewhere is not an easy job as it varies depending on the area and the person’s lifestyle.
Taiwan is a place that is constantly developing, thus attracting most foreign nationals who determine to relocate there.
There is a huge difference between living in Taipei and some rural areas, which are much less expensive.
So, before choosing where to settle, have a look at the prices in some of the major cities in Taiwan and then make the right decision.
Cost of Living Breakdown in Taiwan
RESTAURANTS
Even though the price of food is high here, meals at the local restaurants are not that expensive.
You can have a meal for two in an inexpensive restaurant for $8, and above all take a bottle of beer for just $1.9.
Occasional eating out would not be a huge difficulty for your budget.
| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $3.96 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.98 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.68 |
MARKETS
The greatest and most important expense in every country as well as in Taiwan is definitely the food.
It cannot be avoided, as some other costs can, but savvy people would find a way of organizing their budget so as to provide enough food for their families.
| Average Market Prices | |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 Liter) | $3.07 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.98 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.91 |
TRANSPORTATION
Public transport is affordable and reliable in Taiwan and the car is not necessary at all.
Furthermore, the gasoline, insurance, and registration costs are high, so it can only make an unnecessary hole in your budget.
It is possible to get anywhere via buses or trains.
| Average Transport Prices | |
|---|---|
| One Way Ticket | $0.83 |
| Monthly Pass | $42.28 |
| Gasoline | $1.01 |
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
The prices of utilities in Taiwan are affordable.
The costs may rise during the summer months, as it is impossible to stand the heat without cooling the apartment, so electricity bills increase a lot.
Internet access has quite a reasonable price.
| Average Utilities Prices | |
|---|---|
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $78.94 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.17 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $24.59 |
SPORTS & LEISURE
Having leisure time is part of every person’s life and some people like to spend it outdoors, while others are fond of doing some sports inside.
Fitness clubs are not too pricey, as well as tennis court rents, and the prices are in line with the monthly wages.
| Average Leisure Prices | |
|---|---|
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $38.35 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $11.94 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $9.91 |
CLOTHING & SHOES
The cost of clothing in Taiwan is not as high as in some European countries, but the price of it is determined by the quality, so designer clothes are more expensive than non-branded ones.
However, it is up to the individual how much they want or is able to spend on it.
| Average Clothing Prices | |
|---|---|
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $75.90 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $31.74 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $84.87 |
RENT PER MONTH
Housing in Taiwan is not too expensive, but the majority of accommodation is small.
The difference between an apartment of the same size in the city center and out of it is almost $200 which can be used for some other expenses.
The more spacious apartment you rent, the significantly higher costs you will need to pay.
| Average Rent Prices | |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $460.93 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $327.36 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1107.95 |
HEALTHCARE
Taiwan has a national health insurance system funded through payroll contributions of about 5 percent of salary, with private insurance optional for supplemental coverage costing roughly 30 to 80 USD per month.
Out-of-pocket expenses average around 300 to 600 USD per person per year for medications, doctor visits, and hospital services.
With average monthly salaries near 2,500 USD, healthcare costs are moderate and affordable.
EDUCATION
Public primary and secondary schools are tuition-free, with families paying for books, uniforms, and supplies, roughly $200 to $500 per year.
Private schools charge $5,000 to $15,000 annually.
Public universities charge tuition of about $2,000 to $5,000 per year, while private universities cost $6,000 to $15,000 annually.
Students also pay for housing, food, transport, and textbooks.
Average monthly income is about $2,500, so public education is affordable, while private schooling and university costs are high.
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Taiwan?
If you act like the locals do and commute without a car you will save a lot on transportation.
Another very interesting and less expensive means of traveling is by small motorcycles or bicycles which are frequently seen on Taiwan’s streets.
Food is an extremely high expense here, and people spend more than 45% of their monthly salary on it, and dining out is not included in this price.
Very little is left for clothes and sports, but they manage to afford these as well.
Average Costs Breakdown
Taiwan: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Before coming to Taiwan, you might find it helpful to know your monthly income and possible expenses so that you can see approximately how much it costs to live here and whether your salary would be enough to provide for your family.
Everything below the average wage might cause you to struggle, as you will need to pay the rent here, which will take the majority of your salary.
People with minimum wages are not able to afford the smallest apartment here.
Taiwan Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Taiwan Safety Review
| OVERALL RISK | LOW |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK | LOW |
| PICKPOCKETS RISK | LOW |
| NATURAL DISASTERS RISK | MEDIUM |
| MUGGING RISK | LOW |
| TERRORISM RISK | LOW |
| SCAMS RISK | LOW |
| WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK | LOW |
| TAP WATER RISK | MEDIUM |
Cost of Living by City in Taiwan
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
 Kaohsiung |
56.44 |
| Taichung |
62.23 |
| Taipei |
65.75 |
It’s crazy how much of a difference there is in cost depending on where you are in Taiwan. Taipei’s prices can really add up, so it’s smart to explore those rural areas if you’re looking to save some cash!
It’s really interesting how location can shape the entire living experience. Taiwan seems like such a vibrant place, but I can only imagine the impact of those cost differences between the bustling cities and the quieter rural areas. It definitely makes you think about what you truly value in a living situation, whether it’s a lively community or a more affordable lifestyle. Balancing cost and quality of life is such a personal journey.
It’s interesting to see how much the cost of living can change from one place to another in Taiwan. I wonder if the benefits of living in a developed area like Taipei really outweigh the high expenses compared to the quieter, cheaper rural spots. Seems like it’s a tough call to make.