Cost of Living in Hua-lien - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,067 monthly including rent, or $708 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,822 with rent, or $1,219 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,578 including rent, or $1,730 for daily expenses alone.

Hua-lien sits 12–22% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are close to average – just 2% lower.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.12 NT$131
$3.17 NT$101
$6.34 NT$201
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$27.83 NT$883
$18.56 NT$589
$46.39 NT$1,472
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.21 NT$133
$3.74 NT$119
$5.76 NT$183
Cappuccino
$2.74 NT$87.1
$1.61 NT$51.2
$4.84 NT$154
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.82 NT$26.15
$0.76 NT$24.02
$1.21 NT$38.31
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.52 NT$16.36
$0.45 NT$14.24
$0.75 NT$23.93
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.28 NT$40.47
$1.17 NT$37.26
$2.87 NT$90.9
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.76 NT$55.8
$1.18 NT$37.39
$3.19 NT$101
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.82 NT$89.4
$2.62 NT$83.2
$7.78 NT$247
White Bread (500g)
$1.71 NT$54.3
$0.95 NT$30.04
$2.53 NT$80.2
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.53 NT$144
$2.50 NT$79.3
$6.26 NT$199
Eggs
$1.97 NT$62.5
$1.93 NT$61.2
$3.87 NT$123
Local Cheese (1kg)
$19.03 NT$604
$9.39 NT$298
$31.30 NT$993
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.16 NT$196
$4.35 NT$138
$10.87 NT$345
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$25.32 NT$803
$15.51 NT$492
$37.21 NT$1,181
Apples (1kg)
$2.65 NT$84.2
$1.56 NT$49.50
$3.75 NT$119
Banana (1kg)
$2.56 NT$81.1
$1.91 NT$60.7
$3.52 NT$112
Oranges (1kg)
$3.38 NT$107
$2.57 NT$81.7
$4.18 NT$133
Tomato (1kg)
$3.16 NT$100
$3.10 NT$98.4
$7.12 NT$226
Potato (1kg)
$2.41 NT$76.5
$1.60 NT$50.9
$3.21 NT$102
Onion (1kg)
$2.41 NT$76.5
$1.60 NT$50.9
$3.21 NT$102
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.08 NT$65.9
$1.28 NT$40.52
$3.98 NT$126
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.95 NT$30.20
$0.95 NT$30.20
$1.59 NT$50.5
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.83 NT$121
$3.67 NT$116
$4.59 NT$145
Wine (Bottle)
$12.32 NT$391
$4.63 NT$147
$13.90 NT$441
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.92 NT$60.8
$1.24 NT$39.29
$2.47 NT$78.3
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.39 NT$75.7
$0.99 NT$31.43
$3.17 NT$101
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.66 NT$20.96
$0.60 NT$18.97
$1.15 NT$36.61
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$35.66 NT$1,131
$28.68 NT$910
$37.21 NT$1,180
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.21 NT$102
$3.21 NT$102
$4.17 NT$132
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.32 NT$10.20
$0.32 NT$10.20
$0.32 NT$10.20
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.34 NT$328
$10.34 NT$328
$10.34 NT$328
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.88 NT$28.03
$0.87 NT$27.72
$1.04 NT$32.95
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.1K NT$1.1M
$33.1K NT$1.1M
$34.1K NT$1.1M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.6K NT$843.2K
$22.9K NT$725.9K
$29.0K NT$918.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$101 NT$3,188
$61.7 NT$1,958
$185 NT$5,875
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$19.42 NT$616
$15.77 NT$500
$22.07 NT$700
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$12.51 NT$397
$12.51 NT$397
$25.01 NT$794
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.12 NT$1,178
$27.92 NT$886
$49.46 NT$1,569
Cinema Ticket
$10.15 NT$322
$7.93 NT$252
$12.06 NT$383
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$763 NT$24.2K
$445 NT$14.1K
$1,049 NT$33.3K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$16.4K NT$521.7K
$7,342 NT$232.9K
$23.7K NT$752.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$57.9 NT$1,837
$38.08 NT$1,208
$143 NT$4,530
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$35.49 NT$1,126
$15.57 NT$494
$78.0 NT$2,474
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$79.3 NT$2,517
$50.8 NT$1,611
$127 NT$4,027
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$108 NT$3,416
$70.2 NT$2,227
$160 NT$5,060
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$394 NT$12.5K
$248 NT$7,878
$497 NT$15.8K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$249 NT$7,884
$186 NT$5,913
$388 NT$12.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$957 NT$30.4K
$777 NT$24.7K
$1,148 NT$36.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$737 NT$23.4K
$634 NT$20.1K
$888 NT$28.2K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$7,381 NT$234.2K
$3,999 NT$126.9K
$10.3K NT$327.2K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$4,947 NT$156.9K
$2,960 NT$93.9K
$6,932 NT$219.9K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,874 NT$91.2K
-
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: September 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $394 for a central one-bedroom, or $249 outside the center. At 14% of the average salary ($2,874), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,874, while typical expenses reach $1,067. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $364 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $28.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

Public transport is priced at around $35.66 per month – roughly in line with the Asian average of $34.00.

Cost Highlights

Milk is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia

Rice is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia

Average monthly net salary is higher than 94% of cities in Asia

Hua-lien Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

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Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Hua-lien - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Hua-lien compare on cost of living for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find it a good value?
Across housing, groceries, and services, Hua-lien offers a slower pace and access to coast and mountains. You will notice that basic groceries and local meals are relatively affordable, while rentals in prime coastal districts or near the station can be pricier. Cost of Living in Hua-lien reflects a balance between city conveniences and smaller-town prices, making it attractive for short stays and longer residencies if you value nature, slower rhythms, and easy weekend trips. Seasonal dynamics can nudge demand, but options remain flexible with longer leases and shared housing. Tip: Build a week-by-week budget that separates fixed costs from flexible leisure.
What should you know about daily life in Hua-lien: housing search, food options, transport, and coworking spaces?
In daily life, you will navigate a mix of markets, cafes, and quick-service spots that suit different budgets. Housing search often yields walkable options near Dongdamen or the train station, ranging from shared apartments to compact studios. Food options span seafood-focused bowls, night markets, and affordable local eateries with seasonal specialties. Transport leans on buses, rental scooters, and some rail links to larger cities; walking and cycling cover many neighborhoods. For errands, plan slower rhythms in the afternoons. Hua-lien living cost stays practical if you blend regular groceries with occasional takeaway and leverage longer leases to reduce monthly rent. Tip: Test a couple of nearby districts for a few weeks to gauge convenience and noise before committing.
What budgeting framework and neighborhood picks help optimize quality of life in Hua-lien, considering seasons and lifestyle?
Frame your budget around fixed costs like rent and utilities, then set aside a flexible fund for food, transport, and activities. In Hua-lien, choosing a neighborhood should match your lifestyle: the coast for morning walks, the station hub for easy travel, or quieter inland pockets for longer work sessions and lower noise. Plan for seasonality – summer heat and occasional rain can affect outdoor plans, while spring and autumn invite longer explorations. Practical savings come from longer leases, cooking at home, and using public transport or bicycles. Tip: Test a couple of nearby districts for a few weeks to gauge noise, convenience, and Wi-Fi reliability before committing.
Is Hua-lien expensive to live in?
Everyday life in Hua-lien is moderately priced at about $1,067 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Hua-lien?
With 14% of the average paycheck going to rent, Hua-lien is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
Can you save money on an average salary in Hua-lien?
At $2,874 take-home, most residents in Hua-lien can cover the $1,067 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,601 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What are typical rents in Hua-lien?
Where you live in Hua-lien makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $394; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $249. Overall, the market runs from $249 to $394 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Hua-lien?
A regular gym membership in Hua-lien costs around $37.12 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
What is a typical grocery budget in Hua-lien?
Expect to spend around $364 per month on groceries in Hua-lien. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Hua-lien?
Living on $1,000 in Hua-lien means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,067. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Can you retire comfortably in Hua-lien?
Retirement in Hua-lien is comfortable for most – total costs run about $1,067 monthly. Healthcare, daily amenities, and social infrastructure are all in place, and most retirees find it a practical, enjoyable place to settle.
Can you save money living in Hua-lien?
Monthly expenses in Hua-lien run around $1,067, so putting money aside takes more than $1,601 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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