East Asia Updated
Average Cost of Living in Taichung
The average cost of living in Taichung, Taiwan is $562 per month for a single person, and $1,852 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $406 per month. The local average net salary is $1,426 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 12.8 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $562 / month
- Family of 4
- $1,852 / mo
- Student
- $346 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Taichung
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$1,425.92 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Taichung | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Taichung | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Taichung | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Taichung | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Taichung | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Taichung | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Taichung | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Taichung | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Taichung | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Taichung | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Taichung FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Taichung. |
Rent & Property Prices in Taichung
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $406 | $271 – $639 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $282 | $176 – $409 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,227 | $798 – $1,916 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $770 | $383 – $1,118 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $7,265 | $3,832 – $9,580 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $5,349 | $3,193 – $14,370 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $406$271 – $639
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $282$176 – $409
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,227$798 – $1,916
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $770$383 – $1,118
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $7,265$3,832 – $9,580
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $5,349$3,193 – $14,370
Grocery Prices in Taichung
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $3.28 | $2.87 – $3.99 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.76 | $1.12 – $3.19 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $2.71 | $1.92 – $4.79 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $2.59 | $1.53 – $3.83 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $29 | $9.58 – $64 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $8.03 | $7.03 – $9.58 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $17 | $9.58 – $29 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $4.36 | $1.79 – $6.39 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.96 | $1.12 – $4.22 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.84 | $1.25 – $6.39 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $2.24 | $1.00 – $7.04 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.24 | $0.77 – $3.19 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.96 | $0.56 – $3.19 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.19 | $0.64 – $3.19 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.89 | $0.54 – $1.92 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $16 | $9.58 – $19 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.59 | $1.44 – $1.76 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.55 | $1.31 – $3.83 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $3.91 | $3.51 – $4.79 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $3.28$2.87 – $3.99
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.76$1.12 – $3.19
- White Rice (1 kg) $2.71$1.92 – $4.79
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $2.59$1.53 – $3.83
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $29$9.58 – $64
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $8.03$7.03 – $9.58
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $17$9.58 – $29
- Apples (1 kg) $4.36$1.79 – $6.39
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.96$1.12 – $4.22
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.84$1.25 – $6.39
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $2.24$1.00 – $7.04
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.24$0.77 – $3.19
- Onions (1 kg) $1.96$0.56 – $3.19
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.19$0.64 – $3.19
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.89$0.54 – $1.92
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $16$9.58 – $19
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.59$1.44 – $1.76
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.55$1.31 – $3.83
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $3.91$3.51 – $4.79
Public Transport & Car Costs in Taichung
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.72 | $0.64 – $0.96 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $32 | $19 – $38 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $2.71 | $2.55 – $3.83 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.88 | $0.80 – $2.17 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $9.58 | $9.58 – $9.58 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.99 | $0.91 – $1.08 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $34,104 | $34,104 – $34,104 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $23,391 | $23,391 – $23,470 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.72$0.64 – $0.96
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $32$19 – $38
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $2.71$2.55 – $3.83
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.88$0.80 – $2.17
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $9.58$9.58 – $9.58
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.99$0.91 – $1.08
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $34,104$34,104 – $34,104
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $23,391$23,391 – $23,470
Utility & Internet Costs in Taichung
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $96 | $32 – $160 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $15 | $9.58 – $20 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $19 | $13 – $29 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $96$32 – $160
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $15$9.58 – $20
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $19$13 – $29
Childcare & Preschool in Taichung
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $346 | $271 – $479 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $17,563 | $9,580 – $31,933 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $346$271 – $479
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $17,563$9,580 – $31,933
Clothing Prices in Taichung
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $71 | $38 – $96 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $37 | $19 – $64 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $86 | $73 – $96 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $112 | $80 – $192 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $71$38 – $96
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $37$19 – $64
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $86$73 – $96
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $112$80 – $192
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Taichung
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $33 | $22 – $48 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $13 | $7.98 – $13 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $9.90 | $8.94 – $14 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $33$22 – $48
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $13$7.98 – $13
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $9.90$8.94 – $14
Restaurant Prices in Taichung
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $4.79 | $3.19 – $7.98 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $30 | $19 – $64 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $4.79 | $4.79 – $5.75 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.60 | $1.21 – $3.83 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.02 | $1.60 – $5.11 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.86 | $1.44 – $4.15 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.08 | $0.80 – $1.60 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.75 | $0.64 – $0.96 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $4.79$3.19 – $7.98
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $30$19 – $64
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $4.79$4.79 – $5.75
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $1.60$1.21 – $3.83
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.02$1.60 – $5.11
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.86$1.44 – $4.15
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.08$0.80 – $1.60
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.75$0.64 – $0.96
Salaries & Mortgages in Taichung
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $1,426 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 2.27% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $1,426
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 2.27%
Compare Taichung with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Taiwan
Kaohsiung
Monthly / 1 person
$560
vs NYC
12.7/100
Taiwan
New-Taipei-City
Monthly / 1 person
$723
vs NYC
16.4/100
Taiwan
Taipei
Monthly / 1 person
$796
vs NYC
18.1/100
Japan
Beppu-Japan
Monthly / 1 person
$570
vs NYC
12.9/100
Japan
Ebina-Japan
Monthly / 1 person
$578
vs NYC
13.1/100
South Korea
Bucheon-South-Korea
Monthly / 1 person
$543
vs NYC
12.3/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Taichung?
- An estimated $562 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Taichung. A family of four needs around $1,852 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $346.
- How much money do I need to live in Taichung?
- Plan for at least $562 per month as a single person, $1,852 per month for a family of four, or $346 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Taichung.
- What is the average rent in Taichung?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Taichung rents for around $406 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,227 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Taichung?
- The average monthly net salary in Taichung is around $1,426. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 28% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Taichung?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Taichung costs around $4.79. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $66 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($3.28/L) and bread ($1.76/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Taichung?
- A monthly public transport pass in Taichung costs around $32. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Taichung?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Taichung costs around $19 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.