How Much Does It Cost to Live In Taipei?
Being the center of culture, economy and politics of Taiwan, the capital city is always the most attractive, but at the same time the most expensive city in the country.
This metropolis offers numerous benefits in many areas, and the affordable cost of living amazes anybody coming here, so they decide to enjoy Taipei on a longer basis.
Taipei is welcoming foreigners from all over the world being that it has to offer a number of job opportunities.
Taiwan : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
If you want to have a less expensive meal in Taipei, you should know that there are many restaurants away from the city center which offer healthy food and are a cheaper option.
Alcohol is not too expensive and it is affordable to have your meal followed by beer or wine.
MARKETS
The price of food is high and people find different ways of getting it at lower prices.
One of them is buying it at night markets, which offer cheap food, while affordable fresh fruit and vegetables can be found at local day markets.
Domestic products are relatively inexpensive.
TRANSPORTATION
The vast majority of people in Taipei make use of the public transport, as it is very difficult getting around the huge city by car.
Owning a vehicle would be a great expense as you will not only have to pay the gasoline and insurance, but also pricey parking fees, as well.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
In general, utilities are not pricey in Taipei as you will be able to afford them at the price of $100 per month.
However, during the summer months, due to hot weather, electricity bills will be pretty higher.
The larger apartment with more people living in, the greater will be the costs of services.
SPORTS & LEISURE
When it comes to entertainment, you could spend considerably more or less on these things depending on your preferences.
Watching a film in the cinema would cost you less than $10, while one hour of tennis would take you $14.
All in all, prices are in line with the average monthly salaries.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Among all the cities in Taiwan, Taipei has the most expensive clothing items.
However, the quality of clothing is determined by its price, so designer brands are quite pricey in Taipei.
You will need to devote around $80 for a pair of quality jeans or running shoes.
RENT PER MONTH
Rent for one bedroom apartment ranges from $700 to $900, depending on the location.
It is possible to find cheaper, but larger places usually outside the city, but then you will need to pay more for commuting.
A family would need to provide at least $2000 for the rent if they want to be in the main areas of the city.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Taipei
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $4.54 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.95 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.65 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $11.19 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.61 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.24 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.65 |
| Monthly Pass | $41.51 |
| Gasoline | $3.65 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $70.28 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.16 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $26.85 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $48.15 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $13.44 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $9.73 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $70.03 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $37.58 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $85.34 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $894.69 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $724.06 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $2030.09 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Taipei?
When getting acquainted with the spending habits of the citizens of Taipei, it is important to note that the average expenses can range each month and can be different from person to person.
While some people enjoy dining out rather than doing sports, it is normal that more amount will be given in restaurants than in fitness clubs.
In general, food is of the utmost importance for every person and it is the greatest expense, while apparel does not take too much money.
Average Costs Breakdown
Taipei: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
The difference between the minimum and the average monthly net salary in Taipei is enormous, meaning that it is as high as the rent expenses there.
This is good to have in mind when negotiating the salary with your employer, as everything beyond the average would not be enough and you will have trouble providing for the basic needs.
Saving on rent by buying your own property is possible, as the mortgage interest rates are not too high.
Following the citizens living pattern will make your living easier in Taipei.
Taipei Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Taipei Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Taipei
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Kaohsiung | 56.44 |
| Taichung | 62.23 |
