For one person, living costs in Miaoli are estimated at $778 a month, including rent and utilities – 33% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about a third of the total.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Miaoli actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $778 monthly including rent, or $552 excluding housing.
$778 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,084 with rent, or $937 without housing.
$1,084 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,390 including rent, or $1,321 for daily expenses alone.
$1,390 /mo
📊
Miaoli sits 42–51% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 27% below average – relatively affordable for the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.8KNT$1.1M
$33.8KNT$1.1M
$33.8KNT$1.1M
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.0KNT$778.4K
$23.3KNT$756.1K
$25.4KNT$823.0K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$68.1NT$2,208
$46.35NT$1,503
$204NT$6,625
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$17.87NT$580
$15.54NT$504
$18.65NT$605
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$22.40NT$726
$17.57NT$570
$25.37NT$823
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Cinema Ticket
$10.78NT$350
$10.78NT$350
$10.78NT$350
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$520NT$16.9K
$468NT$15.2K
$625NT$20.3K
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$31.0KNT$1.0M
$16.0KNT$517.4K
$46.0KNT$1.5M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$12.39NT$402
$12.39NT$402
$124NT$4,028
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$24.37NT$790
$12.44NT$403
$38.88NT$1,261
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$61.8NT$2,004
$61.8NT$2,004
$86.6NT$2,807
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$97.2NT$3,152
$94.1NT$3,050
$100NT$3,254
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$223NT$7,234
$191NT$6,200
$255NT$8,267
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$158NT$5,109
$158NT$5,109
$158NT$5,109
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$2,429NT$78.8K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
2.38
2.13
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.
Miaoli$778
Miaoli$1,390
🛒Groceries & Markets
$311 40%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$158 20.3%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$108 13.9%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$88 11.3%
🍽Eating Out
$85 10.9%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$22 * 2.8%
🚌Getting Around
$6.8 * 0.9%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
🛒Groceries & Markets
$731 52.6%
🏠Accommodation & Living
- * 0%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$126 9.1%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$196 14.1%
🍽Eating Out
$280 20.2%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$43 * 3.1%
🚌Getting Around
$14 * 1%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $223 for a central one-bedroom, or $158 outside the center. At 9% of the average salary ($2,429), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $2,429, while typical expenses reach $778. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.
🛒Expect to spend about $311 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $23.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Milk is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia
⭐Average monthly net salary is higher than 91% 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 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 a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
Your money goes further in Miaoli than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $778 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
Is housing affordable on a local salary in Miaoli?
About 9% 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 $1,167 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 $158 to $223, 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.
What is a typical monthly food budget in Miaoli?
Miaoli is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $311, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Miaoli?
Groceries in Miaoli cost around $311 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Miaoli?
$1,200 stretches far in Miaoli – all-in monthly costs average only $778. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What makes Miaoli attractive for retirement?
Retirement in Miaoli is comfortable for most – total costs run about $778 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 $778, so putting money aside takes more than $1,167 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.