How Much Does It Cost to Live In Taichung?
For long term stay in Taiwan, you should look for a city which will give you all the pleasures you expect from it, and at the same time do not take too much off your budget.
Taichung is definitely a place where you will have a high monthly salary, as well as lower costs of living than in Taipei, while the conditions would be more or less equal.
Taichung is developed and more expensive place to live than some other places in Asia, so many foreigners find that they are able to save a lot more than in their home countries.
Taiwan : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
If you like eating out, make sure that you do not visit international restaurants, as imported food and meals are expensive, unlike the local dishes which are found very cheap.
A decent meal for two in an inexpensive restaurant might cost you $7.
MARKETS
Purchasing food here should be done wisely as supermarkets sell both local and imported produce and the prices highly differ.
At the market, you can find local products at much better prices.
As the city becomes more international, the prices of food grow, making it the greatest expense.
TRANSPORTATION
Due to the high population density here, buses must run regularly just about everywhere and using the public transport system is the wisest decision when it comes to commuting.
The price of gasoline is not high, but the crowded streets make traveling difficult and hectic.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Just as rent prices vary considerably depending on the size of apartment, the utilities costs would also be dependable on that, as well as on number of people living in.
In general, it can be said that services are not expensive and paying less than $100 per month for all of them, including the Internet is affordable.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Taichung is exciting, interesting, and affordable when it comes to entertainment and people here spend pretty much money on various leisure activities, approximately 6% of the monthly income.
Cinema tickets are not pricey, as well as fitness clubs, while tennis court rent is a bit higher.
CLOTHING & SHOES
It is unusual that the prices of designer clothes are so high in Taichung, as this is a city where low cost apparel can be found.
People who like to wear expensive and quality branded clothes can find it in many of the stores around the city.
RENT PER MONTH
Taichung is generally considered a better place to live than other major cities in Taiwan as the rent prices are more affordable and in line with the monthly wages.
The lower are the rent in the suburbs, but you will have to pay for commuting which turns out almost the same.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Taichung
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $3.25 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.62 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.64 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $2.79 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.62 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.84 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.49 |
| Monthly Pass | $29.21 |
| Gasoline | $0.91 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $53.90 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.18 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $27.04 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $42.20 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $16.23 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $8.11 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $71.07 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $25.96 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $74.65 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $349.66 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $243.44 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $804.96 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Taichung?
The city’s economy is highly developed, and the salaries are also high which is good due to the expensive food and transportation costs.
It is not unusual in Taiwan that the rent is not the major monthly expense, as the prices are not high as in some European or American countries.
Citizens of Taichung spend the most of money in markets, on rent and commuting, while the least important things are clothing, sport and utilities.
Average Costs Breakdown
Taichung: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
The minimum salary in Taichung is approximately $655, which is lower than in Taipei.
The prices of rents as well as other daily expenses are lower, so you would be able to put aside some of money if you spend wisely.
The difference between the minimum and the average salary is high, and this should be taken into consideration when negotiating your monthly salary with your employer.
Mortgage interest rates are low here, around 1.8%.
Cost of Living by City in Taichung
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Kaohsiung | 56.44 |
| Taipei | 65.75 |
