For one person, living costs in Kaohsiung are estimated at $1,131 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $24 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Kaohsiung actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $1,131 monthly including rent, or $744 excluding housing.
$1,131 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,838 with rent, or $1,261 without housing.
$1,838 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,544 including rent, or $1,778 for daily expenses alone.
$2,544 /mo
📊
Kaohsiung sits 10–16% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are slightly above average (7%) – still relatively affordable for the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.6KNT$1.1M
$33.6KNT$1.1M
$34.6KNT$1.1M
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$23.6KNT$765.3K
$23.0KNT$745.6K
$23.6KNT$765.3K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$85.5NT$2,773
$50.7NT$1,644
$108NT$3,494
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.29NT$561
$12.55NT$407
$28.53NT$925
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$26.39NT$856
$19.01NT$617
$31.69NT$1,028
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$40.61NT$1,317
$26.90NT$872
$50.6NT$1,642
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$10.33NT$335
$3.10NT$101
$12.40NT$402
Cinema Ticket
$11.13NT$361
$8.26NT$268
$12.71NT$412
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$473NT$15.3K
$254NT$8,241
$635NT$20.6K
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$14.1KNT$456.9K
$6,264NT$203.1K
$25.1KNT$812.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$92.9NT$3,013
$56.7NT$1,839
$138NT$4,486
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$31.16NT$1,011
$21.78NT$706
$62.3NT$2,021
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$88.0NT$2,855
$79.6NT$2,580
$95.5NT$3,096
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$102NT$3,310
$93.9NT$3,046
$157NT$5,076
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$437NT$14.2K
$248NT$8,046
$775NT$25.1K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$301NT$9,746
$188NT$6,084
$625NT$20.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,005NT$32.6K
$776NT$25.2K
$1,087NT$35.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$681NT$22.1K
$620NT$20.1K
$930NT$30.1K
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$4,523NT$146.7K
$4,028NT$130.6K
$5,365NT$174.0K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$3,193NT$103.5K
$2,851NT$92.5K
$4,435NT$143.8K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$1,471NT$47.7K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
2.56
2
3
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 12, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Kaohsiung$1,131
Kaohsiung$2,544
🛒Groceries & Markets
$363 32.1%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$301 26.6%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$141 12.5%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$129 11.4%
🍽Eating Out
$112 9.9%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$63 5.6%
🚌Getting Around
$22 1.9%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$841 33%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$681 26.8%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$314 12.4%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$146 5.8%
🍽Eating Out
$381 15%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$136 5.4%
🚌Getting Around
$45 1.8%
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $437 for a central one-bedroom, or $301 outside the center. At 30% of the average salary ($1,471), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $1,471, while typical expenses reach $1,131. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $1,696.
🛒Expect to spend about $363 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $31.00 for two – broadly in line with the Asian average.
🚌Public transport is priced at around $12.65 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33.00).
Cost Highlights
⭐Milk is more expensive than 99% of cities in Asia
⭐White bread is more expensive than 92% of cities in Asia
⭐Rice is more expensive than 90% of cities in Asia
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
Majority of the population identifies as non-religious or secular
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 $1,131 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 $1,131 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 $1,471 take-home, most residents in Kaohsiung can cover the $1,131 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,696 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 $437; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $301. Overall, the market runs from $301 to $437 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Kaohsiung?
A monthly transit pass in Kaohsiung runs about $12.65, 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 $363 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 $1,131. 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 $1,131 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 $1,131, so putting money aside takes more than $1,696 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.