Cost of Living in Taiwan

Updated: January 01, 2025

If you've ever considered moving to Taiwan, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Taiwan?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Taiwan and whether the reported $1680 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $1395.38.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Taiwan

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	3.76 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	28.2 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	4.7 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	1.88 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	2.51 $
Cappuccino (regular)	2.62 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	0.95 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.66 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	2.93 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	1.85 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	2.83 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	2.67 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	15.46 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	7.5 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	17.92 $
Apples (1 lb)	3.73 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.86 $
Oranges (1 lb)	2.55 $
Tomato (1 lb)	3.24 $
Potato (1 lb)	2.37 $
Onion (1 lb)	2.17 $
Lettuce (1 head)	1.79 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	1.09 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	12.53 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	1.54 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	2.34 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	3.76 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.78 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	40.1 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	2.66 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	0.78 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	7.05 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	0.95 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	31328.81 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	23814.37 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	71.32 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.16 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	24.21 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	36.29 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	11.47 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	9.4 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	500.27 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	11805.09 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	71.23 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	31.21 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	78.97 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	110.5 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	440.58 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	303.74 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	1014.03 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	706.55 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	6599.08 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	4187.13 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	1395.38 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	1.75 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 3.76 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 28.2 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 2.93 USD, a loaf of bread 1.85 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.67 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.78 USD and a monthly pass around 40.1 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 71.32 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 36.29 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 11.47 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 500.27 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 11805.09 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 71.23 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 78.97 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 440.58 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 303.74 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 6599.08 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 4187.13 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 1395.38 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 1.75% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Taiwan

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Taiwan is generally safe to travel to, but it's not without its dangers. The only concern is a petty crime on the streets, but if you apply the basic precaution measures, your trip should go smoothly.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Though public transport is mostly safe and reliable, it is filled with pickpockets and petty thieves. Always negotiate everything in advance and never pay upfront. Transportation stations are also risky, as they are known to attract criminals. Bear in mind that Taiwan is filled with unlicensed taxi vehicles that don't use meters and might try to rip you off.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a heightened risk of pickpockets in Taiwan since it has around 10 million visitors a year. Don‘t leave anything valuable in your back pockets and be especially vigilant in crowded places.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

As for natural disasters, Taiwan has a high risk of earthquakes. There are also risks of typhoons, especially between July to November and tourists are recommended to refrain from visiting the mountains during these periods.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Taiwan, on the whole, is extremely safe. Crime against foreigners is rare, and violent crime, and incidents such as mugging and rape, against foreigners are extremely rare.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Even though in Taiwan's recent history there haven't been any terrorist attacks, one can never be too cautious, and things such as terrorist attacks can never be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

The most common scams are connected with the ATMs. There is the popular scam of someone calling you, impersonating a bank employee or a hotel staff and asking you to confirm your credit card information. There is also the risk of ATM fraud so try and use the machines that are inside.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Taiwan is safe for solo women travelers. Just use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid wearing purses and do not walk alone or ride in taxis at night.

Cost of Living in Taiwan

Taiwan

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing