Cost of Living in Miaoli - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $888 monthly including rent, or $692 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,619 with rent, or $1,218 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,351 including rent, or $1,744 for daily expenses alone.

Miaoli sits 17–34% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 12% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.29 NT$106
$2.63 NT$85.1
$8.22 NT$266
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$24.96 NT$808
$16.64 NT$539
$66.6 NT$2,155
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.98 NT$161
$4.32 NT$140
$6.65 NT$215
Cappuccino
$2.79 NT$90.3
$1.81 NT$58.7
$5.62 NT$182
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.17 NT$37.78
$0.87 NT$28.17
$1.56 NT$50.4
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.75 NT$24.18
$0.71 NT$22.84
$1.06 NT$34.26
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.64 NT$53.1
$1.34 NT$43.48
$3.35 NT$108
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.59 NT$83.9
$1.55 NT$50.2
$5.88 NT$190
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.93 NT$95.0
$2.80 NT$90.6
$3.29 NT$107
White Bread (500g)
$1.39 NT$45.00
$0.67 NT$21.70
$4.18 NT$135
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.40 NT$77.8
$1.16 NT$37.64
$4.63 NT$150
Eggs
$2.21 NT$71.4
$1.61 NT$52.0
$4.01 NT$130
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.19 NT$297
$6.94 NT$225
$13.69 NT$443
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.07 NT$261
$4.80 NT$155
$10.85 NT$351
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$20.70 NT$670
$7.84 NT$254
$34.12 NT$1,104
Apples (1kg)
$3.29 NT$106
$1.20 NT$38.86
$4.92 NT$159
Banana (1kg)
$1.04 NT$33.61
$0.87 NT$28.01
$3.81 NT$123
Oranges (1kg)
$2.72 NT$88.0
$0.52 NT$16.75
$4.54 NT$147
Tomato (1kg)
$3.00 NT$97.2
$1.72 NT$55.5
$4.30 NT$139
Potato (1kg)
$2.34 NT$75.8
$1.01 NT$32.62
$4.85 NT$157
Onion (1kg)
$1.90 NT$61.6
$0.87 NT$28.17
$3.47 NT$112
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.97 NT$96.2
$1.91 NT$61.7
$4.03 NT$130
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.91 NT$29.56
$0.63 NT$20.26
$1.32 NT$42.85
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.62 NT$214
$4.18 NT$135
$6.97 NT$225
Wine (Bottle)
$11.02 NT$357
$9.44 NT$306
$31.49 NT$1,019
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.75 NT$56.7
$1.16 NT$37.45
$2.30 NT$74.6
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.34 NT$75.9
$1.64 NT$53.2
$2.97 NT$96.0
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.87 NT$28.26
$0.63 NT$20.28
$1.05 NT$33.91
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$38.24 NT$1,238
$24.11 NT$780
$41.23 NT$1,334
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.10 NT$100
$2.75 NT$89.1
$4.13 NT$134
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.79 NT$25.56
$0.79 NT$25.56
$0.95 NT$30.61
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$8.02 NT$260
$6.02 NT$195
$10.03 NT$325
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.06 NT$34.19
$1.04 NT$33.53
$1.12 NT$36.16
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$36.9K NT$1.2M
$32.4K NT$1.1M
$41.4K NT$1.3M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.8K NT$868.0K
$24.1K NT$779.0K
$32.7K NT$1.1M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$64.7 NT$2,095
$50.3 NT$1,629
$222 NT$7,177
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$28.54 NT$924
$16.67 NT$539
$39.97 NT$1,294
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$19.44 NT$629
$11.28 NT$365
$26.67 NT$863
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.32 NT$1,208
$27.14 NT$879
$43.69 NT$1,414
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$15.02 NT$486
$6.72 NT$217
$15.02 NT$486
Cinema Ticket
$10.27 NT$333
$8.56 NT$277
$17.11 NT$554
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$584 NT$18.9K
$515 NT$16.7K
$687 NT$22.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$30.1K NT$974.5K
$10.0K NT$324.8K
$50.2K NT$1.6M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$31.87 NT$1,032
$13.39 NT$434
$134 NT$4,346
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$24.09 NT$780
$13.76 NT$445
$34.42 NT$1,114
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$66.7 NT$2,159
$66.7 NT$2,158
$83.4 NT$2,699
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$101 NT$3,257
$101 NT$3,257
$101 NT$3,257
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$335 NT$10.9K
$268 NT$8,681
$402 NT$13.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$173 NT$5,587
$173 NT$5,587
$173 NT$5,587
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,021 NT$33.1K
$767 NT$24.8K
$1,334 NT$43.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$740 NT$23.9K
$414 NT$13.4K
$966 NT$31.3K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,442 NT$79.0K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
2
1.5
3

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

Last update: July 13, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $335 for a central one-bedroom, or $173 outside the center. At 14% of the average salary ($2,442), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,442, while typical expenses reach $888. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $309 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $25.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $38.24 per month – roughly in line with the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Milk is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia

Average monthly net salary is higher than 92% of cities in Asia

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 90% of cities in Asia

Miaoli Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

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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 Miaoli - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Miaoli compare in affordability to Taiwan’s bigger cities for travelers and expats?
For many, Miaoli offers a calmer pace with solid value. If you’re chasing a balance between scenery and practicality, you’ll find options for budget accommodation, affordable markets, and inexpensive meals. The Cost of Living in Miaoli, Taiwan tends to feel approachable for short stays or long-term living, especially outside peak tourist seasons. Public transport connects towns well, and many neighborhoods provide essential services within a short walk. For digital nomads, look for local co-working spaces or cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi. Tip: Test multiple neighborhoods on a 1–2 week stay to map out value without commitments.
What does daily life look like in Miaoli for housing, food, transport, and errands?
Daily life centers on simple, tasty choices and easy mobility. Housing options span modest apartments to shared setups, often with rents that fit a conservative budget in mind; shop at night markets and local eateries for affordable bites. Transport runs on a reliable network of trains and buses, with bike-friendly streets in many areas. For errands, you’ll find essential services clustered around town centers. Co-working or cafe work is common in larger towns, offering Wi‑Fi and a social pulse without the rush of bigger cities. Miaoli, Taiwan living cost appears balanced for most daily needs. Tip: Build a weekly route to minimize backtracking and save time.
How can you optimize quality of life in Miaoli, including budgeting, seasons, and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life comes from smart budgeting and neighborhood choice. Favor areas near transit hubs or markets to cut transport time and dining costs. Embrace off-peak travel for better rates on activities and housing. Seasonal events, temple fairs, and outdoor trails add free or low-cost ways to explore. Create a simple budgeting framework: housing, food, and utilities, then set flexible allowances for entertainment. Compare neighborhoods by walkability, noise levels, and access to green spaces. Tip: Visit multiple districts during the same day to feel fit and timing before choosing a base.
Is Miaoli affordable on an average income?
Everyday life in Miaoli is moderately priced at about $888 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
Is housing affordable on a local salary in Miaoli?
About 14% of the average paycheck in Miaoli goes to rent, which is fairly typical worldwide. It's not dirt cheap, but most residents manage housing costs alongside everyday expenses without major sacrifices.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Miaoli?
Earning $1,331 monthly in Miaoli means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the rental price range for apartments in Miaoli?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Miaoli range from $173 to $335, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
Is public transport affordable in Miaoli?
A monthly transit pass in Miaoli runs about $38.24, 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 Miaoli?
At about $309 monthly, food costs in Miaoli 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 Miaoli?
Living on $2,000 in Miaoli means careful planning, since monthly costs average $888. 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 Miaoli attractive for retirement?
Retirement in Miaoli is comfortable for most – total costs run about $888 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 Miaoli?
Monthly expenses in Miaoli run around $888, so putting money aside takes more than $1,331 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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