Cost of Living in Taiwan: Rent, Housing & Income

Taiwan is an island of mountains in the west Pacific with dense cities along its western plain. Taipei and New Taipei hold the largest population and the highest rents, Taichung sits in the middle of the island, and Kaohsiung and Tainan anchor the south. The figures below are national averages converted from New Taiwan dollars, so exchange rate changes move them.

The data comes from Livingcost, which compiles crowd-sourced price reports. They are estimates that update continuously, and individual listings can vary a great deal.

Livingcost lists $616/mo for one person without rent and $1,027/mo with it. The average salary after tax is listed at $1,572/mo, which is well above the one bedroom rent in the tables below. That relationship is part of why Taiwan has a reputation for being easy to live in on a local wage.

A one bedroom apartment in a city centre is listed at $473/mo, and a cheaper one bedroom at $302/mo. A three bedroom in the centre is listed at $1,156/mo, against $808/mo for a cheaper one.

The distance between central and cheaper homes is meaningful, particularly for three bedrooms. Taipei's rents are higher than the national numbers, and the cheaper options often involve a commute from New Taipei or a smaller city. Studio units carved out of older buildings are common, and many are rented with furniture and air conditioning already in place.

Types of rentals

Whole apartments, studios and shared suites all appear in listings. Landlords commonly ask for a security deposit worth several months of rent, so confirm the amount and the terms for getting it back. Ask whether management fees, parking and internet are in the rent, because listings differ.

Finding a place

Rental listings appear on local property sites, in social media groups and through agents. An agent who works with foreign tenants can help. Read the contract in full or ask a trusted local to explain it.

Utilities for one person are listed at $54.20/mo, an internet plan at $23.10/mo, and a monthly local transport ticket at $32.60/mo.

Summers are hot and humid, so air conditioning is a major driver of the electricity bill, and some buildings charge for power at a higher rate than the utility. Taipei has a good metro and bus network, while outside the capital many people rely on scooters. The monthly ticket reflects public transit only.

A lunch menu is listed at $4.63 each, which makes everyday meals very inexpensive. A liter of milk is listed at $3.14 each, a surprisingly high line next to the lunch figure, and a dozen eggs are listed at $2.51 each. Night markets, breakfast shops and small restaurants are the heart of daily eating, while imported groceries and dairy cost more.

Convenience stores deserve a mention in any Taiwan budget. They sell hot meals, pay bills, accept parcels and stay open around the clock, so many residents lean on them for small errands. That reduces the need for a car or a big weekly shop, and it makes a compact apartment practical.

For a family of four, Livingcost lists $2,710/mo including rent and $2,001/mo excluding it. Notice that the gap between the two is not as wide as in many countries, which means rent is a more moderate share. Private schools, cram schools and childcare are not itemized, and they can be significant for families.

The lines above point to a country where daily life is inexpensive compared with the salaries it lists. Housing in Taipei is the main exception. If you choose Taichung, Tainan or Kaohsiung, you will often find larger homes for less, with a pace of life that some people prefer.

Language is part of the cost picture too. Many services run in Mandarin, and while larger cities have more English speakers, paperwork and utility accounts can be easier with a local helper. Some residents pay for translation or relocation help during the first month, which is a one time cost outside the averages.

Taiwan has typhoon season in summer and early autumn, and it is also a seismically active island. Newer buildings follow stricter safety codes than older ones. Ask a landlord about the age of the building and whether it has had inspections, and consider insurance for your belongings. These items are outside the monthly figures.

• Health insurance and private medical care
• Visa or residency fees
• Scooter purchase, license and insurance
• Flights and regional travel
• Taxes, which depend on your status

Visa, tax and health insurance rules depend on your nationality and situation. Check the official Taiwanese immigration website and ask a licensed advisor.