Cost of Living in Keelung - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,272 monthly including rent, or $669 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,083 with rent, or $1,146 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,893 including rent, or $1,623 for daily expenses alone.

Keelung sits 0–5% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 22% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.96 NT$156
$3.31 NT$104
$8.27 NT$260
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$30.19 NT$950
$19.79 NT$623
$67.1 NT$2,111
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.56 NT$175
$5.21 NT$164
$6.25 NT$197
Cappuccino
$2.99 NT$94.3
$1.53 NT$48.08
$5.10 NT$161
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.12 NT$35.18
$0.84 NT$26.46
$2.58 NT$81.3
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.85 NT$26.72
$0.70 NT$22.16
$1.23 NT$38.78
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.19 NT$69.0
$1.33 NT$41.81
$4.37 NT$137
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.86 NT$89.9
$1.68 NT$52.7
$5.37 NT$169
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$3.45 NT$108
$2.75 NT$86.7
$5.16 NT$163
White Bread (500g)
$1.48 NT$46.46
$1.16 NT$36.38
$3.29 NT$104
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.20 NT$37.84
$1.20 NT$37.84
$3.48 NT$110
Eggs
$2.42 NT$76.2
$1.62 NT$50.9
$6.05 NT$191
Local Cheese (1kg)
$31.12 NT$979
$8.41 NT$265
$67.3 NT$2,118
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.00 NT$189
$4.00 NT$126
$10.01 NT$315
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$16.00 NT$504
$7.54 NT$237
$30.88 NT$972
Apples (1kg)
$4.72 NT$149
$1.94 NT$61.0
$6.91 NT$218
Banana (1kg)
$1.80 NT$56.8
$1.38 NT$43.37
$4.54 NT$143
Oranges (1kg)
$2.21 NT$69.5
$1.31 NT$41.29
$6.69 NT$210
Tomato (1kg)
$3.07 NT$96.5
$1.08 NT$33.87
$6.88 NT$217
Potato (1kg)
$1.35 NT$42.38
$0.83 NT$26.20
$3.48 NT$110
Onion (1kg)
$1.91 NT$60.1
$0.59 NT$18.46
$3.37 NT$106
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.29 NT$72.1
$0.67 NT$21.04
$3.33 NT$105
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.25 NT$39.47
$0.57 NT$18.03
$2.10 NT$66.2
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$4.01 NT$126
$3.67 NT$116
$4.18 NT$131
Wine (Bottle)
$9.70 NT$305
$9.70 NT$305
$19.39 NT$611
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.21 NT$38.08
$1.21 NT$38.08
$2.46 NT$77.5
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.55 NT$80.2
$1.36 NT$42.85
$3.99 NT$125
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.49 NT$15.40
$0.49 NT$15.40
$0.98 NT$30.79
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$67.1 NT$2,113
$40.27 NT$1,268
$94.0 NT$2,958
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.91 NT$91.5
$2.91 NT$91.5
$5.13 NT$161
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.18 NT$37.13
$0.74 NT$23.32
$2.02 NT$63.5
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.15 NT$319
$10.15 NT$319
$10.15 NT$319
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.05 NT$32.90
$1.04 NT$32.58
$1.72 NT$54.0
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.2K NT$1.0M
$28.2K NT$888.9K
$39.9K NT$1.3M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.1K NT$820.6K
$24.5K NT$772.3K
$27.3K NT$858.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$43.91 NT$1,382
$43.91 NT$1,382
$169 NT$5,316
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$24.18 NT$761
$10.01 NT$315
$39.98 NT$1,258
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$11.88 NT$374
$11.88 NT$374
$33.95 NT$1,069
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$36.59 NT$1,152
$36.59 NT$1,152
$36.59 NT$1,152
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$34.23 NT$1,077
$6.85 NT$216
$34.23 NT$1,077
Cinema Ticket
$8.30 NT$261
$8.30 NT$261
$11.63 NT$366
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$358 NT$11.3K
$270 NT$8,484
$505 NT$15.9K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$20.8K NT$653.5K
$10.2K NT$320.1K
$33.9K NT$1.1M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$85.7 NT$2,698
$41.16 NT$1,296
$137 NT$4,319
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$34.71 NT$1,093
$20.52 NT$646
$51.0 NT$1,604
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$50.2 NT$1,581
$50.2 NT$1,581
$117 NT$3,688
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$33.65 NT$1,059
$33.65 NT$1,059
$168 NT$5,295
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$602 NT$18.9K
$284 NT$8,942
$618 NT$19.5K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$511 NT$16.1K
$205 NT$6,438
$511 NT$16.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,099 NT$34.6K
$766 NT$24.1K
$1,332 NT$41.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,033 NT$32.5K
$413 NT$13.0K
$1,033 NT$32.5K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,381 NT$106.4K
$2,002 NT$63.0K
$4,760 NT$149.8K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,334 NT$73.5K
$1,817 NT$57.2K
$2,851 NT$89.7K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,440 NT$76.8K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
2.18
2
2.6

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $602 for a central one-bedroom, or $511 outside the center. At 25% of the average salary ($2,440), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,440, while typical expenses reach $1,272. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $356 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $30.00 for two – broadly in line with the Asian average.

Public transport is priced at around $67.1 per month – above the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Keelung has the 8th most expensive milk in Asia

Public transport monthly pass is more expensive than 97% of cities in Asia

Average monthly net salary is higher than 91% of cities in Asia

Keelung 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 Keelung - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keelung a good value overall for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare with larger nearby cities?
Keelung offers a balanced mix of affordability and access. You’ll typically find more affordable housing than in Taipei proper, especially in quieter districts a short ride from the harbor. Local markets and casual eateries keep food costs reasonable if you shop where locals do, and daily expenses tend to be predictable with reliable public transport options. The city has pockets of calm residential life with easy access to the coast and quick day trips to nearby sights. Cost of Living in Keelung gives you a sense of value for a coastal Taiwanese base. Tip: Prioritize neighborhoods with easy transit and nearby markets to keep life simple.
What does daily life look like in Keelung for housing search, food options, transport, and work or errands?
Daily life in Keelung blends coastal calm with easy access to bigger city amenities. For housing, many find value in older mid-rise buildings in central neighborhoods or quieter lanes a short ride from the harbor. Start your search by scanning local rental listings and walking the streets to spot opportunities that listings miss. Food options range from fresh seafood stalls to casual eateries that stay affordable with local ingredients. Transit is straightforward – reliable buses and a rail link to Taipei make weekend trips simple. For work, consider shared desks at nearby coworking hubs or libraries for a quiet work day; errands are convenient with a dense local market scene. Keelung living cost tends to be moderate, especially if you balance price with neighborhood choice. Tip: Scout at different times of day to compare noise, crowds, and vibe.
What quality of life considerations, budgeting frameworks, and seasonal patterns should you know when choosing a neighborhood in Keelung?
Quality of life in Keelung hinges on a balance between maritime charm, easy commutes, and neighborhood character. To budget effectively, group expenses into housing, food, transport, and leisure, then adjust by how close you want to live to the coast or markets. Save strategies include cooking at home with fresh market ingredients, choosing longer-term rentals over short stays, and using public transit instead of rideshares. Seasonal changes shape daily life – sea breezes cool summers and winds can influence clothing and activities, while markets intensify during festival periods. For neighborhood fit, sample several areas near the harbor, hillside lanes, and transit hubs to feel different vibes before committing. Tip: map your week around markets, seafood spots, and quiet mornings by the water.
Is Keelung affordable on an average income?
Everyday life in Keelung is moderately priced at about $1,272 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
Is rent in Keelung too high relative to local incomes?
With 25% of the average paycheck going to rent, Keelung is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
How does the average salary in Keelung compare to the cost of living?
At $2,440 take-home, most residents in Keelung can cover the $1,272 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,908 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Keelung per month?
Where you live in Keelung makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $602; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $511. Overall, the market runs from $511 to $602 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Keelung?
A monthly transit pass in Keelung runs about $67.1, 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 Keelung?
At about $356 monthly, food costs in Keelung 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 Keelung?
Living on $2,000 in Keelung means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,272. 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 makes Keelung attractive for retirement?
Retirement in Keelung is comfortable for most – total costs run about $1,272 monthly. Healthcare, daily amenities, and social infrastructure are all in place, and most retirees find it a practical, enjoyable place to settle.
How much can you save per month in Keelung?
Monthly expenses in Keelung run around $1,272, so putting money aside takes more than $1,908 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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