Taiwan🇹🇼
At a Glance
How Taiwan compares across key indices
Cost of Living
49 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
83/100
Healthcare
87/100
Quality of Life
160/200
Climate
84/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Taiwan
Cost of Living
49
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
13
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
65
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
27
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Taichung
Cheapest$1,136/mo
Kaohsiung
$1,147/mo
New Taipei City
$1,527/mo
Taipei
$1,591/mo
Safety & Crime
Low RiskHow safe residents feel in Taiwan — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
83/100
Crime Index
17/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
44/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
8 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 656 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Taiwan
Taiwan has 4 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $1,136 in Taichung to $1,591 in Taipei. Taipei leads on safety, scoring 83/100. Taipei ranks highest for quality of life at 153/200.
Taichung
$1,136/mo
Taipei
83/100
Taipei
153/200
Taipei
87/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taichung | $1,136 | — | — | — | 85 |
| Kaohsiung | $1,147 | — | — | — | — |
| New Taipei City | $1,527 | — | — | — | — |
| Taipei | $1,591 | 83/100 | 153/200 | 87/100 | 49 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Taiwan
Healthcare Index
87/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 371 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
ModerateAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Taiwan
Pollution Index
64/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 360 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Taiwan
Average One-Way Commute
32minutes
Average
Traffic Index
119
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
131
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
3.5kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 173 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Taiwan, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Taiwan?
Taiwan has a cost of living index of 49 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,136 in Taichung and reach $1,591 in Taipei.
What is the cheapest city in Taiwan for expats?
Taichung is the most affordable city in Taiwan with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $1,136 for a single person including rent. Kaohsiung is the next most affordable at $1,147/mo.
Is Taiwan safe for expats?
Taiwan has a safety index of 83/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Taipei scores highest on safety at 83/100.
What is the best city in Taiwan for expats and digital nomads?
Taipei ranks highest for quality of life in Taiwan, scoring 153/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $1,591/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Taichung offers the lowest monthly costs at $1,136/mo.
How good is healthcare in Taiwan?
Taiwan scores 87/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it excellent by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Taiwan cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Taiwan's cost of living is roughly 51% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 87% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Taiwan
Plan Your Move
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Salary Calculator
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Compare Countries
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Set Up International Banking
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Get Connected
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Book Your First Accommodation
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Find Flights
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