| Cost of Living | Taipei |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from NT$15,000 to NT$30,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from NT$25,000 to NT$50,000 per month. |
| Apartment Purchases | The average price per square meter for an apartment in the city center is around NT$100,000. The average price per square meter for an apartment outside the city center is around NT$50,000. |
| Transportation | A single ride on the Taipei Metro costs NT$30. A monthly pass costs NT$1,280. A single ride on the bus costs NT$15. A monthly pass costs NT$600. |
| Groceries | A loaf of bread costs around NT$50. A liter of milk costs around NT$50. A dozen eggs costs around NT$60. A kilogram of rice costs around NT$50. |
| Restaurants | A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around NT$150. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around NT$500. A meal for two at a high-end restaurant costs around NT$1,000. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities for an apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost around NT$2,000 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool tuition costs around NT$20,000 per month. Elementary school tuition costs around NT$30,000 per month. Middle school tuition costs around NT$40,000 per month. High school tuition costs around NT$50,000 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Taipei
“The cost of living in Taipei is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive, while rent and dining out can be more expensive. Overall, Taipei is a great place to live for those looking for a city with a low cost of living,” said one expat living in Taipei.
Can I live in Taipei on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Taipei for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Yonghe, Zhonghe, or Xinzhuang, as they tend to be more affordable than areas like Da’an, Xinyi, or Tianmu. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $400-$600 a month in these areas.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. The public transportation system in Taipei is excellent and affordable, so I suggest getting an EasyCard and using the MRT and buses as much as possible. If you need a scooter, consider buying a used one to save money.When it comes to food, eating out at local restaurants and night markets can be quite affordable, with meals costing around $3-$5. However, if you prefer Western food or dining at fancier restaurants, you’ll need to cut back on that, as it can be quite expensive. Cooking at home can also help you save money, but keep in mind that imported groceries can be pricey.For entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Taipei, like hiking, visiting parks, and attending local events. However, you might need to cut back on things like going to bars, clubs, or movie theaters, as these can be quite expensive.Lastly, you’ll need to be mindful of your utility bills, especially air conditioning during the hot summer months. Try to use fans and natural ventilation as much as possible to save on electricity costs.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Taipei is doable, but you’ll need to be budget-conscious and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, food, and entertainment,” commented an expat living in Taipei.
Can I live in Taipei on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Taipei for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some adjustments. First, you’ll want to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I’d recommend looking into areas like Yonghe, Zhonghe, or Xinzhuang, as they tend to have lower rent prices compared to more central or upscale neighborhoods like Xinyi or Da’an. You can find a decent apartment for around $500-$800 a month in these areas, depending on the size and amenities.When it comes to transportation, the MRT and buses are quite affordable and convenient, so you won’t need a car. A monthly MRT pass costs around $50, and you can get around the city easily. If you prefer to have your own transportation, you can consider getting a scooter, but keep in mind that parking and gas can add up.Eating out in Taipei can be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and night markets. You can easily find meals for under $5, and even cheaper if you’re willing to try street food. However, if you prefer Western-style restaurants or more upscale dining, the costs can add up quickly. To save money, I’d recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Taipei, such as hiking, visiting parks, and attending local festivals. However, if you’re into nightlife or enjoy going to bars and clubs, you’ll find that alcohol can be quite expensive, so you might need to cut back on that.In terms of utilities and other expenses, you can expect to pay around $100-$150 a month for electricity, water, and gas, depending on your usage. Internet and mobile phone plans are quite affordable, with unlimited data plans costing around $20-$30 a month.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Taipei is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can live comfortably and enjoy all that this amazing city has to offer,” said one expat living in Taipei.
Can I live in Taipei on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Taipei for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can still enjoy a good quality of life.First, let’s talk about housing. If you want to save money, I’d recommend looking for an apartment in more affordable neighborhoods like Zhonghe, Yonghe, or Xinzhuang. These areas are still well-connected to the city center by MRT, but the rent is significantly cheaper than in more upscale neighborhoods like Da’an, Xinyi, or Tianmu. For example, you can find a decent 2-bedroom apartment in Zhonghe for around $600-$800 per month, while the same apartment in Da’an could easily cost you over $1,500.When it comes to transportation, the MRT and buses are quite affordable, so you won’t have to spend too much on getting around the city. A monthly MRT pass costs around $50, and you can also use it on buses. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that parking and gas can be quite expensive in Taipei, so you might want to consider using public transportation instead.Eating out in Taipei can be very affordable if you stick to local restaurants and night markets. You can easily find delicious meals for under $5, and even if you occasionally splurge on more expensive Western or Japanese restaurants, you should still be able to stay within your budget. Groceries are also reasonably priced, especially if you shop at local markets instead of imported supermarkets.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Taipei. You can enjoy free or low-cost cultural events, visit beautiful parks and hiking trails, or join one of the many sports clubs and gyms in the city. Movie tickets and other entertainment expenses are also quite reasonable compared to Western countries.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxury items and services you’re used to, like having a large apartment with a garden or a private car. You might also need to adjust your expectations when it comes to the quality of certain products and services, as they might not be up to the same standards as in your home country. However, I believe that the overall quality of life in Taipei is still very good, and you can definitely make it work on a $5,000 monthly budget,” commented an expat living in Taipei.
