Cost of Living in Kaohsiung - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,149 monthly including rent, or $842 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,925 with rent, or $1,351 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,701 including rent, or $1,861 for daily expenses alone.

Kaohsiung sits 4–14% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are slightly above average (10%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.03 NT$127
$2.68 NT$84.4
$6.71 NT$211
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$33.84 NT$1,065
$20.30 NT$639
$40.60 NT$1,278
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.54 NT$174
$5.19 NT$163
$6.23 NT$196
Cappuccino
$3.08 NT$96.8
$1.71 NT$53.8
$4.12 NT$130
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.02 NT$32.01
$0.86 NT$27.21
$1.38 NT$43.54
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.78 NT$24.41
$0.71 NT$22.43
$1.07 NT$33.64
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.72 NT$54.1
$1.21 NT$38.07
$2.75 NT$86.7
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.77 NT$87.2
$2.07 NT$65.3
$3.46 NT$109
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$3.62 NT$114
$2.79 NT$87.8
$5.58 NT$176
White Bread (500g)
$2.05 NT$64.5
$1.54 NT$48.32
$4.62 NT$145
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.76 NT$86.8
$1.74 NT$54.8
$3.49 NT$110
Eggs
$3.21 NT$101
$1.98 NT$62.4
$4.76 NT$150
Local Cheese (1kg)
$15.85 NT$499
$7.44 NT$234
$20.31 NT$639
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.05 NT$285
$6.62 NT$208
$14.88 NT$468
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$17.92 NT$564
$10.25 NT$323
$22.59 NT$711
Apples (1kg)
$6.00 NT$189
$1.66 NT$52.3
$10.00 NT$315
Banana (1kg)
$2.58 NT$81.2
$1.38 NT$43.47
$3.44 NT$108
Oranges (1kg)
$2.77 NT$87.1
$1.34 NT$42.29
$5.02 NT$158
Tomato (1kg)
$4.15 NT$131
$1.39 NT$43.63
$6.91 NT$218
Potato (1kg)
$2.99 NT$94.0
$1.70 NT$53.5
$5.11 NT$161
Onion (1kg)
$2.21 NT$69.7
$1.51 NT$47.41
$2.74 NT$86.2
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.94 NT$61.2
$1.32 NT$41.54
$3.47 NT$109
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.16 NT$36.44
$1.01 NT$31.77
$1.35 NT$42.35
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.34 NT$137
$4.00 NT$126
$6.67 NT$210
Wine (Bottle)
$15.85 NT$499
$6.34 NT$200
$25.37 NT$799
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.73 NT$54.5
$1.42 NT$44.59
$2.07 NT$65.1
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.54 NT$80.0
$2.05 NT$64.7
$2.74 NT$86.3
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.82 NT$25.70
$0.65 NT$20.56
$0.98 NT$30.85
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$26.88 NT$846
$13.42 NT$423
$33.65 NT$1,059
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.95 NT$93.0
$2.95 NT$93.0
$4.69 NT$148
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.73 NT$22.97
$0.59 NT$18.44
$0.73 NT$22.97
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.98 NT$188
$3.32 NT$105
$5.98 NT$188
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.04 NT$32.73
$1.01 NT$31.80
$1.07 NT$33.67
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.9K NT$1.1M
$33.2K NT$1.0M
$39.2K NT$1.2M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.1K NT$790.9K
$23.5K NT$738.2K
$27.0K NT$848.9K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$104 NT$3,265
$50.9 NT$1,603
$385 NT$12.1K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$25.58 NT$805
$13.67 NT$430
$41.07 NT$1,293
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$25.14 NT$791
$16.88 NT$531
$42.87 NT$1,350
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$38.16 NT$1,201
$28.26 NT$889
$42.81 NT$1,348
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.48 NT$361
$6.89 NT$217
$13.76 NT$433
Cinema Ticket
$10.07 NT$317
$8.72 NT$275
$13.42 NT$422
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$431 NT$13.6K
$273 NT$8,607
$628 NT$19.8K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$11.4K NT$358.3K
$5,122 NT$161.2K
$27.3K NT$859.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$94.9 NT$2,987
$50.2 NT$1,581
$134 NT$4,217
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$35.33 NT$1,112
$16.80 NT$529
$67.3 NT$2,119
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$91.4 NT$2,878
$86.3 NT$2,715
$104 NT$3,258
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$101 NT$3,170
$101 NT$3,170
$201 NT$6,341
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$432 NT$13.6K
$333 NT$10.5K
$732 NT$23.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$282 NT$8,866
$205 NT$6,465
$514 NT$16.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$940 NT$29.6K
$778 NT$24.5K
$1,353 NT$42.6K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$681 NT$21.4K
$501 NT$15.8K
$1,001 NT$31.5K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$4,727 NT$148.8K
$4,209 NT$132.5K
$5,606 NT$176.5K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,275 NT$103.1K
$2,925 NT$92.1K
$4,550 NT$143.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,509 NT$47.5K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
2.3
2
3

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

Last update: June 1, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $432 for a central one-bedroom, or $282 outside the center. At 29% of the average salary ($1,509), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $1,509, while typical expenses reach $1,149. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $1,724.

Expect to spend about $385 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $34.00 for two – broadly in line with the Asian average.

Public transport is priced at around $26.88 per month – roughly in line with the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Kaohsiung has the 6th most expensive milk in Asia

Eggs is more expensive than 94% of cities in Asia

Chicken fillets is more expensive than 93% of cities in Asia

Kaohsiung Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
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 Kaohsiung - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Kaohsiung compare in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Kaohsiung tends to offer solid value for daily life without the price shock of a top-tier Asian metropolis. You’ll find a range of housing options, from modest apartments to modern studios, with flexibility for longer stays. Dining at night markets and local eateries remains affordable, and transit – MRT, buses, and bikes – supports easy exploration. Seasonal heat can nudge cooling costs, but overall expenses stay balanced for longer visits or remote work setups. Cost of Living in Kaohsiung, Taiwan captures a city that supports travelers and expats alike. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to gauge neighborhoods before committing.
What does daily life look like in Kaohsiung for housing, food, transport, and errands?
Daily life in Kaohsiung centers on practical choices. For housing, look in central districts like Lingya or Sanmin for easy transit, or consider Zuoying for a calmer vibe; co-living and furnished options ease onboarding for longer stays. Food options abound – from night markets to casual eateries and groceries – keeping meals varied and affordable. Transit is reliable: city buses, efficient MRT, and bike-sharing help keep errands and commutes predictable. Kaohsiung living cost is shaped by your housing choice and how often you cook at home versus eat out. Tip: Use monthly transit passes and explore neighborhoods on foot to compare value.
What lifestyle and budgeting tips help maximize quality of life in Kaohsiung, including seasonality and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Kaohsiung rewards flexible budgeting and a rhythm that suits you. Favor neighborhoods with access to the coast, parks, and good public transit, then test a few cafe or coworking spots to find your pace. Build a simple budgeting framework: allocate housing, groceries, and transport first, then leave room for experiences like weekend markets or day trips. Seasonality – hot summers, mild winters, and typhoon risk – shapes errands and cooling strategies, so plan for shade and ventilation. Stay active by biking along the Love River or exploring waterfront districts; safety and healthcare are approachable in most central areas. Tip: block time for weekly neighborhood scouting to refine your fit.
Is the cost of living in Kaohsiung reasonable?
At around $1,149 monthly all-in, Kaohsiung offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
Is Kaohsiung affordable on an average income?
Everyday life in Kaohsiung is moderately priced at about $1,149 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
How does the average salary in Kaohsiung compare to the cost of living?
At $1,509 take-home, most residents in Kaohsiung can cover the $1,149 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,724 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Kaohsiung per month?
Where you live in Kaohsiung makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $432; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $282. Overall, the market runs from $282 to $432 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Kaohsiung?
A monthly transit pass in Kaohsiung runs about $26.88, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What should I budget for groceries in Kaohsiung?
At about $385 monthly, food costs in Kaohsiung sit in moderate territory. A mix of local markets and supermarkets covers most needs at fair prices, and most residents eat well without having to pinch pennies.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Kaohsiung?
Living on $2,000 in Kaohsiung means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,149. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What are the pros and cons of living in Kaohsiung?
Kaohsiung offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, low crime rates, wellness scene, and at around $1,149 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
How much can you save per month in Kaohsiung?
Monthly expenses in Kaohsiung run around $1,149, so putting money aside takes more than $1,724 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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