Taiwan, a dynamic island nation in East Asia, is known for its high standard of living, incredible street food, rich culture, and efficient public transportation system. For many expats, students, and even retirees, Taiwan is an appealing destination, not just for its vibrant way of life but also for its relatively affordable cost of living. But just how cheap is Taiwan to live in?
In this article, we’ll break down various aspects of daily life in Taiwan, from housing to food, transportation, healthcare, and more, and compare it with the cost of living in other countries to give you a comprehensive view of whether Taiwan is a cheap place to live.
1. Housing costs in Taiwan
Housing is often one of the biggest expenses for anyone living in a foreign country. In Taiwan, the cost of housing can vary widely depending on the location.
1.1. Taipei vs. other cities
Taipei, the capital and largest city of Taiwan, has the highest rental prices on the island. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center could cost between NT$15,000 and NT$30,000 (around USD $500 to $1,000) per month. In contrast, the suburbs of Taipei or cities like Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Tainan are considerably cheaper. In Kaohsiung, for instance, you can find a similar one-bedroom apartment for NT$7,000 to NT$15,000 (around USD $230 to $500), and even lower in some rural areas.
1.2. Shared housing and student accommodations
If you are on a tight budget, shared apartments or student dormitories are much cheaper options. Many students or young professionals in Taipei share apartments to reduce rent costs, which can bring monthly rent down to as low as NT$5,000 to NT$10,000 (USD $165 to $330) per person. University dormitories, especially outside Taipei, are also incredibly affordable, often costing under NT$10,000 (USD $330) per semester.
1.3. Utilities
Utilities in Taiwan are relatively inexpensive, but costs vary based on your usage. Monthly utilities (electricity, water, gas) can range from NT$1,500 to NT$3,000 (USD $50 to $100), depending on the season and your consumption habits. Air conditioning, in particular, can increase electricity costs during the hot summer months.
2. Food costs in Taiwan
One of the best things about living in Taiwan is the affordability and variety of food. Whether you prefer dining out or cooking at home, Taiwan offers affordable options for both.
2.1. Eating out
Taiwan is famous for its street food, and for good reason : it’s both delicious and budget-friendly. You can enjoy a meal from a night market stall for as little as NT$50 to NT$150 (USD $1.50 to $5). Popular dishes like beef noodle soup, dumplings, and rice bowls are inexpensive and filling. If you prefer dining at casual restaurants, expect to pay around NT$100 to NT$300 (USD $3 to $10) per meal.
2.2. Groceries
If you prefer to cook at home, grocery shopping is also affordable. Basic items such as rice, vegetables, and meat are reasonably priced. A weekly grocery bill for one person can range from NT$1,500 to NT$3,000 (USD $50 to $100), depending on your eating habits. Local markets and smaller grocery stores tend to be cheaper than large supermarkets, especially for fresh produce.
2.3. Western food
Imported goods, particularly Western brands, tend to be more expensive. Items like cheese, wine, and specialty snacks can cost significantly more than local alternatives. If you crave a taste of home frequently, your food budget might be higher.
3. Transportation costs in Taiwan
Transportation in Taiwan is efficient, well-organized, and affordable. Most cities have well-developed public transportation systems, making it easy and inexpensive to get around.
3.1. Public transportation
Taiwan’s public transportation system includes buses, trains, and MRT (metro) systems, particularly in Taipei and Kaohsiung. A single bus or MRT ride typically costs between NT$20 to NT$65 (USD $0.65 to $2), depending on the distance. Monthly public transportation passes are available, ranging from NT$1,280 to NT$2,000 (USD $40 to $65), which can further reduce your transportation costs.
3.2. Bicycles and scooters
In addition to public transit, many people in Taiwan use bicycles or scooters for getting around. Taiwan’s bike-sharing system, YouBike, offers rentals for as little as NT$10 (USD $0.30) per 30 minutes. Owning a scooter is also common and affordable, with used scooters available for around NT$10,000 to NT$30,000 (USD $330 to $1,000), and gasoline costs remaining low. Scooter maintenance and insurance are also inexpensive.
3.3. Taxis and ride-sharing
Taxis are widely available and relatively cheap compared to Western countries. The base fare for taxis in Taipei starts at around NT$70 (USD $2.30), with small increments for additional distance traveled. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available in major cities and are similarly priced.
4. Healthcare costs in Taiwan
Taiwan has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, providing affordable and high-quality medical care to its residents through the National Health Insurance (NHI) program.
4.1. National health insurance
Once enrolled in NHI, you’ll pay a monthly premium, which ranges from NT$800 to NT$1,500 (USD $25 to $50) depending on your employment status and income. This entitles you to heavily subsidized medical services, including doctor visits, dental care, and hospital stays. A visit to a general practitioner typically costs between NT$150 to NT$500 (USD $5 to $16) with NHI coverage.
4.2. Private healthcare
Taiwan’s private healthcare is also relatively affordable. For those who prefer private clinics or hospitals, costs are higher but still reasonable compared to Western standards. Many expats choose private health insurance for additional coverage, but even without it, out-of-pocket medical expenses are manageable.
5. Entertainment and leisure
Living in Taiwan doesn’t mean sacrificing entertainment. Whether you enjoy cultural activities, nightlife, or fitness, Taiwan offers plenty of affordable ways to have fun.
5.1. Outdoor activities
Taiwan’s stunning natural beauty provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, many of which are free or low-cost. Hiking, visiting hot springs, and exploring national parks are popular pastimes. Entrance to most parks and hiking trails is free or costs a nominal fee.
5.2. Cinema and nightlife
For moviegoers, a ticket to a local cinema costs between NT$200 to NT$400 (USD $6 to $13). If you enjoy going out, Taiwan has a thriving nightlife scene, with bars and clubs offering drinks for around NT$100 to NT$300 (USD $3 to $10).
5.3. Gym memberships
If fitness is important to you, gym memberships are reasonably priced. Expect to pay around NT$1,000 to NT$2,000 (USD $33 to $65) per month for a membership at a local gym. Many gyms offer discounts for longer-term contracts.
6. Comparing Taiwan’s cost of living with other countries
How does Taiwan compare to other popular expat destinations in terms of cost of living? Let’s take a look at how Taiwan stacks up against countries like Japan, South Korea, and Western countries.
6.1. Taiwan vs. Japan
While Japan is renowned for its high-tech cities and rich culture, it also comes with a higher cost of living, especially in places like Tokyo. Rent in Tokyo is almost double that of Taipei, with an average one-bedroom apartment costing around USD $1,500 or more in the city center. Food and utilities are also more expensive in Japan. While Taiwan offers a similar level of convenience and modernity, it is significantly cheaper in almost every category.
6.2. Taiwan vs. South Korea
South Korea, particularly Seoul, can be more expensive than Taiwan, especially when it comes to housing. While food and transportation in South Korea are on par with Taiwan, housing in Seoul tends to be pricier. A one-bedroom apartment in Seoul’s city center averages around USD $800 to $1,500, compared to Taipei’s $500 to $1,000. Healthcare in both countries is affordable, but Taiwan’s healthcare system is often regarded as more efficient and user-friendly.
6.3. Taiwan vs. Western countries (USA, UK, Australia)
Compared to Western countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, Taiwan is considerably cheaper. Rent in major cities in the U.S. (like New York or San Francisco) or the U.K. (like London) is several times higher than in Taiwan. For example, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central New York City can easily surpass USD $3,000, whereas Taipei’s high-end is closer to $1,000. Moreover, healthcare in Taiwan is much more affordable due to the NHI, with medical visits costing a fraction of what they would in Western countries.
Is Taiwan Cheap to Live In?
The answer depends largely on your lifestyle and location. While Taipei can be more expensive, Taiwan overall is quite affordable, especially compared to Western countries or other parts of Asia. With relatively low rent outside major cities, affordable healthcare, inexpensive public transportation, and the availability of cheap food, Taiwan offers a comfortable and affordable lifestyle.
Whether you’re a student, expat, digital nomad, or retiree, Taiwan provides a unique combination of modern convenience, cultural richness, and low cost of living, making it an ideal place for those seeking a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
If you want to compare the cost of living in Taiwan between the most popular cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, don't hesitate to check our calculator !
