Taipei is not the cheapest city in Asia, but with amazing food and the world's best healthcare system, the cost of living in Taiwan's capital is worth it. If you're thinking of moving to Taiwan, here are the details on the average cost of living in Taipei, including expat budgeting tips, so you can know what to expect
I remember Taipei well. A wonderful city with great night markets. We had great mango smoothies at the night markets and I even tried a bitter cucumber smoothie, which was not something I ever want to drink again.
We ate at small mom and pop restaurants and, yes, the prices are super cheap and the food is simple and tasty. But forget about English in this small kitchens - they only speak Chinese or Taiwanese. Once in a while we had some other guests try their English on us.
Delicious food and fantastic healthcare... Two amazing things about Taipei.
Hi Marco - thanks for your super informative article.
I’m hoping to secure a job at one of the international schools in Shilin next year (TAS or TES). I’m curious where you would recommend living if I was working at one of these schools? Shilin and Tianmu seem so much more expensive and have few 1 bedroom options. But I also don’t want to commute more than say 20-30 minutes each day. I would also prefer to use the MRT as I would definitely die on a scooter 😂.
Thanks !
- J
Hi Julia,
Like most cities, the popular neighborhoods tend to get pricy. Also, as you have probably found, the size of the flats in Taipei is smaller than in most Western countries. There are two ways to consider cutting down your rent costs though
- Check with your school. Many times they already have places they recommend that fit their teacher budgets. Some schools even have contracted rates with specific places for an even better deal.
- Consider co-living. Especially if you are new in a city, living with another teacher is a great way to save money and jump start your social circle
Good luck on your job hunt.
Cheers,
Marco