The cost of living in Taiwan varies greatly depending on the city and even the specific area within that city. I previously lived in Kaohsiung and have recently transferred to Hsinchu. This post shares the realistic comparison of my actual monthly living expenses in both places.
These figures are based on my personal lifestyle, and your expenses may differ.
📍 Cost of Living in Kaohsiung
| Category | Monthly Cost (NTD) |
|---|---|
| Rent | ~8,000 |
| Food | ~5,000–7,000 |
| Transportation (T-Pass) | 399 (Unlimited) |
| Utilities | ~350–1,500 |
| Other Expenses | ~10,000 (depends on lifestyle) |
- Kaohsiung is one of the more affordable cities in Taiwan.
- If you are looking for a place with convenient transpo and not as busy as Taipei, this place is for you.
- The 399 NTD T-Pass allows unlimited MRT, bus, ferry, and local transport.
- Night markets and local eateries help keep food costs low.
📍 Cost of Living in Hsinchu County (current)
| Category | Monthly Cost (NTD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (incl. water & electricity) | 8,600 |
| Food & Other Expenses | ~10,000 |
| Transportation (T-Pass) | 288 (Unlimited) |
Food breakdown: Food alone costs around 5,000–6,000 NTD per month.
The cost of living in Hsinchu heavily depends on location. Living near Hsinchu Science Park usually means higher rent due to strong demand from tech workers.
- County areas are generally more affordable.
- Science Park housing is more expensive and competitive.
- Expenses can vary greatly between residents.
📊 Kaohsiung vs. Hsinchu Comparison
| Category | Kaohsiung | Hsinchu |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | ~8,000 | 8,600 (incl. utilities) |
| Food | 5,000–7,000 | 5,000–6,000 |
| Transport Pass | 399 | 288 |
| Utilities | Separate | Included (I'm just lucky to have one) |
🔗 Public Foreign English Teacher Salary Reference (Official)
For updated public school teacher salary scales, visit:
https://tfetp.k12ea.gov.tw/en/tfetp/web/document_and_forms
Taiwan offers a manageable cost of living, but your city, neighborhood, and lifestyle choices greatly affect your expenses. Proper planning makes saving much easier.
🏙️ Lifestyle Factors That Affect Your Monthly Expenses
Beyond basic rent, food, and transportation, your actual cost of living in Taiwan will be strongly influenced by your daily habits and lifestyle choices. Two people earning the same salary can end up with very different savings depending on how they manage their expenses.
For example, eating out frequently at cafés, Western restaurants, or ordering food delivery can easily double your monthly food budget. While Taiwan offers many affordable local meals, imported food and foreign brands tend to be significantly more expensive.
Entertainment and social activities also play a role. Weekend trips, shopping, movies, and frequent café visits may seem inexpensive individually, but they add up over time. Being mindful of these small but regular expenses can make a big difference in your monthly budget.
Another factor to consider is seasonal spending. Electricity bills usually increase during summer months due to air-conditioning use, especially in cities like Hsinchu where humidity can be high. Planning ahead for these seasonal changes helps avoid unexpected expenses.
Lastly, your choice of location within a city matters just as much as the city itself. Living farther from major business hubs—such as the Hsinchu Science Park—can significantly lower rent while still offering convenient access through public transportation.
- Affordable living in Taiwan is possible with conscious spending.
- Small daily choices have a long-term financial impact.
- Location and lifestyle matter more than salary alone.
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