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Cost of Living in Taichung

Taichung, Taichung, Taiwan · Population 3,799,301 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Taiwan average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$32,674 ($1,005)
Couple, monthly$58,965 ($1,814)
Family of four, monthly$77,193 ($2,375)

Estimated Prices in Taichung

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$317 ($9.75)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$1,268 ($39.00)per meal
Cappuccino$95.06 ($2.93)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$7,183 ($221)per month
Monthly public transport pass$1,162 ($35.75)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$3,063 ($94.25)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$887 ($27.30)per month
Fitness club membership$887 ($27.30)per month
Cinema ticket$232 ($7.15)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$16,602 ($511)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$11,549 ($355)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$34,648 ($1,066)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Taichung is $80,275 ($2,470) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $32,674 ($1,005) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $42,476 ($1,307) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($11,549 ($355)) represents about 35% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Taichung

Taichung vs KaohsiungTaichung vs TaipeiTaichung vs TainanTaichung vs HsinchuTaichung vs KeelungTaichung vs Chiayi

Nearby Cities

Houzhuangzi

5 km away · Taichung

Xizhou

15 km away · Changhua

Fenyuan

15 km away · Changhua

Changhua

17 km away · Changhua

Huatan

18 km away · Changhua

Hemei

18 km away · Changhua

Caotun

19 km away · Nantou

Shengang

19 km away · Changhua

Other Major Cities in Taiwan

Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung · pop. 2,733,964

$28,326 ($872) / mo

Taipei

Taipei · pop. 2,442,991

$28,326 ($872) / mo

Tainan

Tainan · pop. 1,874,686

$28,326 ($872) / mo

Hsinchu

Hsinchu · pop. 499,348

$26,174 ($805) / mo

Keelung

Keelung · pop. 360,429

$26,174 ($805) / mo

Chiayi

Chiayi · pop. 260,749

$26,174 ($805) / mo

Changhua

Changhua · pop. 221,048

$24,570 ($756) / mo

Zhubei

Hsinchu · pop. 220,662

$24,570 ($756) / mo

Living in Taichung

Taichung is the capital and one of the key cities in Taiwan. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $32,674 ($1,005), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $11,549 ($355) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $77,193 ($2,375) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $58,965 ($1,814) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Taichung is $80,275 ($2,470). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $42,476 ($1,307) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taichung expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $32,674 ($1,005) per month in Taichung including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Taiwan.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Taichung?
A net salary of around $42,476 ($1,307) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Taichung with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Taichung is $80,275 ($2,470).
How much is rent in Taichung?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $16,602 ($511) per month in the city centre and $11,549 ($355) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $34,648 ($1,066).
Is Taichung cheaper than Taiwan on average?
No — Taichung is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Taiwan average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Taichung?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $7,183 ($221) in Taichung. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $317 ($10) and a cappuccino runs around $95 ($3).
How do transport costs in Taichung compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Taichung is estimated at $1,162 ($36). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Taichung are estimates based on Taiwan national averages adjusted for city size (population 3,799,301) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.