Relocation to Taipei: Housing, Moving & Living Guide for Expats

Published 1 month ago

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Hi, I’m Florian 👋 the founder of Taiwan Housing and someone who actually went through the whole relocation to Taipei process myself. If you’re planning to move to Taipei for work, study, or just a new adventure, this article is here to help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.

Taipei city skyline with Taipei 101 — Taipei is a modern, vibrant city surrounded by mountains and nature. © Photo by Thomas Tucker on Unsplash

Taipei is often the first choice for foreigners relocating to Taiwan, and for good reasons: great public transportation, international companies, excellent healthcare, and a very high quality of life. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials of relocating to Taipei, from planning your move to finding your first apartment.

Why relocate to Taipei?

When people think about relocation to Taipei, they usually think about jobs, but that’s only part of the story. Taipei consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in Asia for expats.

Efficient MRT and public transportation system
Safe neighborhoods and friendly locals
International schools, hospitals, and services
Amazing food scene, from night markets to fine dining

Daily life in Taipei street market — Daily life in Taipei is convenient, safe, and full of great food. © Photo by Max Oh on Unsplash

Planning your relocation to Taipei

Before moving, it’s important to understand visas, paperwork, and timelines. I’ve written a very detailed, step-by-step guide that covers the entire process:

👉 How to Move to Taiwan: Step-by-Step Guide

That guide applies to all of Taiwan, but if your destination is Taipei, you’ll want to plan housing and moving logistics early, especially if you’re relocating with furniture or pets.

Moving your belongings to Taipei

One of the most common questions I get is: “Should I bring my furniture, or buy everything in Taipei?” The answer depends on your situation, but having a reliable mover is essential.

We partner with a trusted moving company that has helped many expats relocate to Taipei:

👉 Steven the Mover – International & Local Moving in Taiwan

Professional moving company unloading boxes in Taipei — A professional mover can make your relocation to Taipei much smoother.

Finding an Apartment in Taipei

Housing is usually the biggest challenge during a Taipei relocation. Prices vary a lot depending on the district, building age, and proximity to an MRT station.

On Taiwan Housing, we focus on listings that are easier for foreigners: clear information, English-friendly agents, and transparent pricing.

👉 Browse Apartments for Rent in Taipei

Modern apartment interior in Taipei — From studios to family apartments, Taipei offers a wide range of housing options. © Photo by Joao Macedo on Unsplash

Tip from experience: if you’re new to Taipei, consider renting short-term first. It gives you time to explore neighborhoods like Da’an, Zhongshan, Xinyi, or Banqiao before committing to a long lease.

Life after relocation: settling into Taipei

Once you’ve completed your relocation to Taipei, things usually get easier fast. Banking, SIM cards, healthcare, and transportation are all very straightforward here.

Taipei is a city where many expats arrive “for one year” and end up staying much longer. Whether you’re here for work, love, or lifestyle, it’s a city that grows on you.

Final thoughts on relocating to Taipei

Relocating to a new country is a big step, but relocation to Taipei is one of the smoother transitions you can make in Asia. With good preparation, the right mover, and a reliable housing platform, your move can be far less stressful than you might expect.

If you ever feel lost during the process, that’s exactly why I built Taiwan Housing, to make relocation to Taipei (and Taiwan in general) clearer and more human.