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AverageCostOfLiving
Average cost of living in Taiwan — 4 cities compared on rent, groceries, transport, and salaries in USD.
East Asia Updated

Average Cost of Living in Taiwan

The average cost of living in Taiwan ranges from $560 per month in Kaohsiung to $796 per month in Taipei, with a median monthly basket of $723 for a single person. We track 4 cities in Taiwan.

Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.

On this page 3 sections
Section Description
Taiwan at a glance Headline numbers across 4 cities.
Cities in Taiwan Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index.
Frequently asked about Taiwan Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating.
Cities tracked
4
Median monthly · single
$723
Average cost index
15
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
Taipei / Kaohsiung

Browse cities

4 cities shown

About cost of living in Taiwan

How expensive is Taiwan?
Taiwan has 4 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Kaohsiung is among the most affordable, while Taipei ranks among the most expensive.
How much money do I need to live in Taiwan?
Budget anywhere from $560 per month in Kaohsiung (the cheapest tracked city) to $796 per month in Taipei (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
What is the cheapest city in Taiwan?
Kaohsiung typically offers the lowest cost of living in Taiwan, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
Which city in Taiwan has the best quality of life for expats?
The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
Is the cost-of-living data for Taiwan up to date?
Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.