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.
Taiwan : Cost of Living by City
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Taiwan
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $3.96 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.98 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.68 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $3.07 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.98 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.91 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.83 |
| Monthly Pass | $42.28 |
| Gasoline | $1.01 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 |
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
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Taiwan
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Kaohsiung | 56.44 |
| Taichung | 62.23 |
| Taipei | 65.75 |
