Last update: Oct 2026 Taiwan 453.1K

Cost of Living in Hsinchu

For one person, living costs in Hsinchu are estimated at $1,154 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $26 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Hsinchu

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Hsinchu actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $1,154 per month with rent, or $794 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,154 /mo

A couple spends around $1,937 per month with rent, or $1,328 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,937 /mo

A family of three spends around $2,719 per month with rent, or $1,862 without housing.

$2,719 /mo

Overall, Hsinchu is 4–15% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are slightly above average (9%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.66 NT$119
$2.59 NT$84.0
$7.31 NT$237
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$28.02 NT$909
$18.68 NT$606
$46.69 NT$1,514
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.64 NT$151
$4.18 NT$135
$6.09 NT$198
Cappuccino
$2.95 NT$95.7
$1.87 NT$60.6
$4.67 NT$151
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.97 NT$31.52
$0.82 NT$26.43
$3.27 NT$106
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.66 NT$21.26
$0.45 NT$14.48
$1.49 NT$48.37
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.83 NT$59.2
$1.31 NT$42.51
$2.74 NT$88.8
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.26 NT$73.2
$2.15 NT$69.6
$3.11 NT$101
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.78 NT$90.1
$2.71 NT$87.8
$2.88 NT$93.5
White Bread (500g)
$1.65 NT$53.5
$0.91 NT$29.60
$2.43 NT$78.7
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.61 NT$150
$2.54 NT$82.4
$6.36 NT$206
Eggs
$2.75 NT$89.3
$1.87 NT$60.6
$3.74 NT$121
Local Cheese (1kg)
$36.03 NT$1,168
$23.50 NT$762
$48.55 NT$1,575
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.69 NT$217
$4.25 NT$138
$15.20 NT$493
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$21.15 NT$686
$11.62 NT$377
$38.17 NT$1,238
Apples (1kg)
$2.60 NT$84.2
$1.53 NT$49.69
$10.70 NT$347
Banana (1kg)
$2.57 NT$83.4
$1.29 NT$41.72
$3.87 NT$125
Oranges (1kg)
$3.32 NT$108
$1.89 NT$61.4
$7.89 NT$256
Tomato (1kg)
$3.00 NT$97.3
$2.94 NT$95.4
$12.23 NT$397
Potato (1kg)
$2.30 NT$74.4
$1.53 NT$49.73
$6.11 NT$198
Onion (1kg)
$2.29 NT$74.2
$1.53 NT$49.57
$5.48 NT$178
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.02 NT$65.4
$1.23 NT$39.86
$3.08 NT$99.8
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.36 NT$44.08
$1.24 NT$40.22
$1.56 NT$50.5
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.00 NT$130
$3.85 NT$125
$4.81 NT$156
Wine (Bottle)
$12.55 NT$407
$4.72 NT$153
$14.15 NT$459
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.93 NT$62.5
$1.24 NT$40.28
$2.48 NT$80.6
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.40 NT$77.8
$1.00 NT$32.46
$3.20 NT$104
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.61 NT$19.78
$0.46 NT$14.76
$1.21 NT$39.25
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$40.83 NT$1,324
$38.27 NT$1,241
$41.46 NT$1,344
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.09 NT$100
$3.09 NT$100
$4.01 NT$130
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.30 NT$9.63
$0.30 NT$9.63
$0.90 NT$29.20
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.04 NT$325
$10.04 NT$325
$10.04 NT$325
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.00 NT$32.34
$0.89 NT$28.82
$1.05 NT$33.94
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.8K NT$1.1M
$33.8K NT$1.1M
$34.8K NT$1.1M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.4K NT$857.3K
$22.8K NT$738.1K
$28.8K NT$933.9K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$103 NT$3,337
$63.2 NT$2,049
$190 NT$6,149
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$18.95 NT$614
$15.38 NT$499
$21.50 NT$697
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$20.99 NT$681
$15.36 NT$498
$27.63 NT$896
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$50.8 NT$1,649
$30.78 NT$998
$92.4 NT$2,998
Cinema Ticket
$10.21 NT$331
$7.98 NT$259
$12.11 NT$393
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$750 NT$24.3K
$437 NT$14.2K
$1,031 NT$33.4K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$16.4K NT$533.0K
$7,339 NT$238.0K
$23.7K NT$768.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$56.9 NT$1,846
$37.42 NT$1,213
$140 NT$4,551
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$35.65 NT$1,156
$15.64 NT$507
$78.4 NT$2,541
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$79.5 NT$2,579
$50.9 NT$1,650
$127 NT$4,125
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$106 NT$3,449
$63.0 NT$2,044
$189 NT$6,132
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$440 NT$14.3K
$296 NT$9,603
$569 NT$18.5K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$257 NT$8,335
$186 NT$6,045
$528 NT$17.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,141 NT$37.0K
$957 NT$31.0K
$1,594 NT$51.7K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$755 NT$24.5K
$716 NT$23.2K
$872 NT$28.3K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$8,071 NT$261.7K
$7,112 NT$230.6K
$10.8K NT$351.0K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$6,095 NT$197.6K
$4,750 NT$154.0K
$7,066 NT$229.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,506 NT$81.3K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
2.13
1.5
2.5

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 11, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Hsinchu $1,154
Groceries & Markets
$411
Accommodation & Living
$257
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$143
Clothing & Footwear
$125
Eating Out
$99
Sport & Entertainment
$71
Getting Around
$48

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $440, dropping to $257 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 18% of the average salary ($2,506) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $2,506 – comfortably above monthly costs of $1,154. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,731.

Groceries cost around $411 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $28.00 – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $40.83 – roughly in line with the Asian average of $33.00.

Cost Highlights

Milk is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia

Rice is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 93% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
11:44 11:44 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
453,120
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to TWD – New Taiwan Dollar Converter

New Taiwan Dollar exchange rates as of October 20, 2026: 1 USD = 32.43 TWD (100 TWD = 3.08 USD). 1 EUR = 36.46 TWD (100 TWD = 2.74 EUR).

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Hsinchu Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Hsinchu - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability of Hsinchu, Taiwan stack up for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Hsinchu offers a strong balance of quality and value for expats and nomads who want reliable infrastructure without the sticker shock of bigger metropolises. Expect diverse housing options – from compact apartments to larger flats in walkable neighborhoods – and a vibrant but affordable food scene, especially near markets and local eateries. Public transport and bike-friendly routes support economical commuting, while coworking spaces give flexible options for remote work. Cost of Living in Hsinchu, Taiwan serves as a practical budgeting reference you can adjust as you explore neighborhoods. Tip: Map a few core areas you like and compare living costs by month rather than by week.
What does daily life look like for someone focusing on housing search, food, transport, and errands in Hsinchu?
Hsinchu's daily rhythm blends tech-driven convenience with approachable prices. When searching for housing, compare options near major transit hubs, but also check quieter lanes for better value and more natural light. For meals, morning markets, casual eateries, and family-owned canteens offer variety without splurging; grocery runs let you cook at home and trim costs. Getting around is straightforward by bus or bike, and many neighborhoods are bike-friendly; for longer trips, the rail line is handy. Hsinchu, Taiwan living cost varies by neighborhood, so identify a few target zones before you visit. Tip: schedule a test week to map routines and expenses.
What factors affect your long-term lifestyle fit in Hsinchu, and how can you budget efficiently across seasons?
Quality of life in Hsinchu depends on your pace, neighborhood texture, and climate comfort. If you like a lively core, choose areas near universities and tech parks; for quieter days, look to riverside or older residential streets. Build a simple budgeting framework that separates fixed costs (rent, utilities) from flexible spending (eating out, co-working, errands). Humidity and air conditioning can shape energy use, so compare homes with insulation and vent options. Local markets, cafe culture, and seasonal produce influence your grocery budget and routine. Tip: keep a rolling one-month plan to track how changes in location or season affect your daily expenditures and time use.
What is the average cost of living in Hsinchu in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Hsinchu should plan on about $1,154 per month with rent, or $794 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
Is Hsinchu worth the cost of living?
Hsinchu is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,154. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Hsinchu?
You'll want at least $1,731 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Hsinchu. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much is rent in Hsinchu?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Hsinchu runs about $440 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $257. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Hsinchu?
Grocery spending in Hsinchu lands around $411 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much is public transport in Hsinchu?
Getting around Hsinchu by public transport costs about $40.83 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Hsinchu?
$1,000 is below the $1,154 average in Hsinchu, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Hsinchu a good place to live?
Quality of life in Hsinchu is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, low crime rates, wellness scene, and monthly costs hover around $1,154. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
How affordable is Hsinchu?
Hsinchu is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,154, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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