Asia · moderate destination

Cost of living in Taiwan for expats

A realistic monthly budget for one person living comfortably in Taiwan — rent, food, transport, and everyday costs in Taipei.

Monthly budget

$1,400–2,200

One person, all-in, in Taipei

Rent (1-bed)

$800–1,450

1-bedroom city-centre apartment, per month

Budget tier

Moderate

~$1,500–2,800/mo

What to know

What makes Taiwan stand out, and what to watch for

Why expats choose Taiwan

Very safe, superb and cheap food, excellent national healthcare, and the Gold Card visa gives skilled remote workers an easy long-term route.

Watch out for

Central Da'an and Xinyi one-beds command a premium, and humid summers push electricity bills up when the AC runs constantly.

Costs vary a lot by city, neighbourhood, and lifestyle — these are directional monthly bands for the main expat city, current as of 2026. Treat them as a starting point, not a quote. Information only, not financial advice.

Compare

Cost of living elsewhere in Asia

All 18 in Asia →

Country	Monthly budget	Tier
Thailand	$1,100–1,700	Budget
Japan	$2,000–3,500	Premium
Vietnam	$900–1,500	Budget
Malaysia	$1,100–1,700	Budget
Indonesia	$1,300–2,200	Moderate
Philippines	$1,000–1,600	Budget

Taiwan, side by side

Thailand vs Taiwan Taiwan vs Japan

The rest of the move

Visa routes to Taiwan1 current route, each with its official source Healthcare in Taiwan for expatsUniversal public system — how a resident can use it and what private cover costs Your first 90 days in TaiwanRegistration, tax ID, bank account and license, in the order they unlock

Managing your money

Banking abroadUS banks often close accounts with a foreign address. Compare the ones that keep working.Sending money abroadGet your money to Taiwan without the markup banks hide in the exchange rate.Health cover abroadYour US health plan doesn't follow you overseas. Compare the plans that do.

Moving to Taiwan?

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Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.

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