How much does it cost to live in Taiwan?
Taiwan is one of the most affordable places to live in Asia with high quality of life. Monthly costs vary significantly by city:
- Taipei: NT$35,000-60,000 (US$1,100-1,900)
- Taichung: NT$25,000-40,000 (US$800-1,250)
- Kaohsiung: NT$22,000-35,000 (US$700-1,100)
Typical monthly expenses
Rent
| Type | Taipei | Taichung | Kaohsiung | |------|--------|----------|-----------| | Studio | NT$10,000-18,000 | NT$6,000-10,000 | NT$5,000-9,000 | | 1-bedroom | NT$15,000-28,000 | NT$8,000-15,000 | NT$7,000-13,000 | | 2-bedroom | NT$22,000-40,000 | NT$12,000-22,000 | NT$10,000-18,000 |
Food
- Local breakfast: NT$40-80
- Lunch box (便當): NT$80-120
- Night market dinner: NT$100-200
- Restaurant meal: NT$200-500
- Monthly grocery: NT$3,000-6,000
- Monthly eating out: NT$6,000-12,000
Transportation
- MRT single ride: NT$20-65
- Monthly MRT pass (Taipei): NT$1,280
- YouBike: NT$5-30 per ride
- Scooter (125cc) monthly: NT$1,500-2,500 (gas + parking)
- No car needed in most cities
Utilities
- Electricity: NT$500-2,000/month
- Water: NT$200-400/month
- Internet: NT$500-800/month
- Phone plan: NT$299-599/month
Health insurance (NHI)
- Employee: NT$400-800/month (your share)
- Self-employed: NT$800-1,500/month
How does Taiwan compare?
| Expense | Taiwan | Japan | South Korea | Singapore | |---------|--------|-------|-------------|-----------| | Rent (1BR) | NT$15,000 | NT$35,000 | NT$25,000 | NT$55,000 | | Meal out | NT$120 | NT$300 | NT$200 | NT$250 | | Monthly transit | NT$1,280 | NT$3,200 | NT$1,800 | NT$3,500 | | Total/month | NT$35,000 | NT$80,000 | NT$55,000 | NT$90,000 |
Tips for saving money
- Eat local: Night markets and 便當 shops are cheap and delicious
- Use YouBike: NT$5 for the first 30 minutes
- Share an apartment: Splitting rent cuts your biggest expense
- Cook at home: Traditional markets have very cheap produce
- Get an EasyCard: Discounts on MRT, bus, and YouBike
- Skip the gym: Use free outdoor exercise areas in parks