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Cost of Living in Taiwan

166 cities covered · Currency: TWD ($) · Capital: Taichung

Single person, monthly$26,174 ($805)
Couple, monthly$47,101 ($1,449)
Family of four, monthly$61,537 ($1,893)
Average net salary$65,455 ($2,014)

Average Prices in Taiwan

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$258 ($7.95)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$1,034 ($31.80)per meal
Cappuccino$77.51 ($2.39)each
Monthly groceries (single person)$5,857 ($180)per month
Monthly public transport pass$947 ($29.15)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$2,498 ($76.85)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$723 ($22.26)per month
Fitness club membership$723 ($22.26)per month
Cinema ticket$189 ($5.83)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$12,864 ($396)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$8,949 ($275)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$26,846 ($826)per month

Major Cities in Taiwan

Taichung

Taichung · pop. 3,799,301

Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung · pop. 2,733,964

Taipei

Taipei · pop. 2,442,991

Tainan

Tainan · pop. 1,874,686

Hsinchu

Hsinchu · pop. 499,348

Keelung

Keelung · pop. 360,429

Chiayi

Chiayi · pop. 260,749

Changhua

Changhua · pop. 221,048

Zhubei

Hsinchu · pop. 220,662

Pingtung

Pingtung · pop. 191,815

Yuanlin

Changhua · pop. 122,370

Douliu

Yunlin · pop. 109,207

Toufen

Miaoli · pop. 108,269

Taitung

Taitung · pop. 102,810

Zhudong

Hsinchu · pop. 98,074

Caotun

Nantou · pop. 97,445

Hualien

Hualien · pop. 97,077

Nantou

Nantou · pop. 96,524

Zhunan

Miaoli · pop. 91,431

Hemei

Changhua · pop. 86,770

Miaoli

Miaoli · pop. 85,954

Lugang

Changhua · pop. 85,423

Hukou

Hsinchu · pop. 84,815

Ji’an

Hualien · pop. 83,200

Cheapest Cities in Taiwan

MailiaoWandanShuishangErlinDonggangFuxingXiluoDounanYuanliHuatanFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Taiwan

Taichung vs Kaohsiung

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Taiwan

Taichung vs Taipei

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Taiwan

Kaohsiung vs Tainan

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Taiwan

Taipei vs Tainan

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Taiwan

Cost of Living by City Size in Taiwan

Living costs in Taiwan vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of $26,174 ($805) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Taiwan?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Taiwan is $26,174 ($805), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly $61,537 ($1,893) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Taiwan?
Mailiao ranks among the most affordable cities in Taiwan with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Taiwan?
The estimated average net salary in Taiwan is $65,455 ($2,014) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Taiwan derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.