Cost of Living in Miaoli - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $899 monthly including rent, or $657 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,651 with rent, or $1,060 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,404 including rent, or $1,463 for daily expenses alone.

Miaoli sits 15–33% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 14% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.49 NT$110
$2.79 NT$87.7
$8.71 NT$274
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$25.88 NT$815
$17.25 NT$543
$69.0 NT$2,173
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.03 NT$158
$4.37 NT$138
$6.72 NT$211
Cappuccino
$2.84 NT$89.3
$1.84 NT$58.1
$5.71 NT$180
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.11 NT$34.88
$0.83 NT$26.01
$1.48 NT$46.51
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.69 NT$21.86
$0.66 NT$20.64
$0.98 NT$30.96
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.71 NT$53.7
$1.40 NT$44.02
$3.49 NT$110
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.59 NT$81.4
$1.55 NT$48.74
$5.87 NT$185
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$3.10 NT$97.5
$2.95 NT$92.9
$3.48 NT$109
White Bread (500g)
$1.45 NT$45.58
$0.70 NT$21.98
$4.35 NT$137
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.52 NT$79.4
$1.22 NT$38.42
$4.86 NT$153
Eggs
$2.29 NT$71.9
$1.66 NT$52.4
$4.15 NT$131
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.25 NT$291
$6.98 NT$220
$13.78 NT$434
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.14 NT$256
$4.84 NT$152
$10.94 NT$344
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$20.58 NT$648
$7.80 NT$245
$33.93 NT$1,068
Apples (1kg)
$3.33 NT$105
$1.22 NT$38.27
$4.99 NT$157
Banana (1kg)
$1.04 NT$32.67
$0.86 NT$27.23
$3.81 NT$120
Oranges (1kg)
$2.71 NT$85.2
$0.52 NT$16.22
$4.52 NT$142
Tomato (1kg)
$3.05 NT$95.9
$1.74 NT$54.8
$4.37 NT$137
Potato (1kg)
$2.39 NT$75.4
$1.03 NT$32.43
$4.96 NT$156
Onion (1kg)
$1.90 NT$59.7
$0.87 NT$27.30
$3.46 NT$109
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.87 NT$90.4
$1.84 NT$58.0
$3.89 NT$122
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.93 NT$29.16
$0.64 NT$19.99
$1.34 NT$42.27
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.46 NT$203
$4.08 NT$129
$6.80 NT$214
Wine (Bottle)
$11.19 NT$352
$9.58 NT$302
$31.96 NT$1,006
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.85 NT$58.3
$1.22 NT$38.54
$2.44 NT$76.8
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.37 NT$74.5
$1.66 NT$52.2
$2.99 NT$94.3
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.87 NT$27.54
$0.63 NT$19.76
$1.05 NT$33.05
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$39.63 NT$1,247
$24.99 NT$787
$42.73 NT$1,345
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.00 NT$94.3
$2.66 NT$83.8
$4.00 NT$126
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.73 NT$22.84
$0.73 NT$22.84
$0.87 NT$27.35
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$8.25 NT$260
$6.19 NT$195
$10.32 NT$325
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.07 NT$33.64
$1.05 NT$32.99
$1.13 NT$35.58
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$36.6K NT$1.2M
$32.2K NT$1.0M
$41.0K NT$1.3M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.2K NT$823.6K
$23.5K NT$739.1K
$31.9K NT$1.0M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$64.4 NT$2,027
$50.1 NT$1,576
$221 NT$6,944
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$28.45 NT$895
$16.61 NT$523
$39.84 NT$1,254
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$18.94 NT$596
$10.99 NT$346
$25.97 NT$818
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$36.89 NT$1,161
$26.83 NT$845
$43.19 NT$1,360
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$15.01 NT$473
$6.72 NT$211
$15.01 NT$473
Cinema Ticket
$10.21 NT$321
$8.50 NT$268
$17.00 NT$535
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$566 NT$17.8K
$500 NT$15.7K
$666 NT$21.0K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$30.4K NT$958.1K
$10.1K NT$319.4K
$50.7K NT$1.6M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$31.72 NT$999
$13.33 NT$420
$134 NT$4,207
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$23.77 NT$748
$13.58 NT$427
$33.96 NT$1,069
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$68.8 NT$2,166
$68.8 NT$2,165
$86.0 NT$2,708
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$103 NT$3,233
$103 NT$3,233
$103 NT$3,233
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$345 NT$10.9K
$276 NT$8,698
$415 NT$13.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$168 NT$5,279
$168 NT$5,279
$168 NT$5,279
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,039 NT$32.7K
$780 NT$24.6K
$1,357 NT$42.7K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$730 NT$23.0K
$409 NT$12.9K
$954 NT$30.0K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,471 NT$77.8K
-
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: June 2, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $345 for a central one-bedroom, or $168 outside the center. At 14% of the average salary ($2,471), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,471, while typical expenses reach $899. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $314 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $26.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $39.63 per month – roughly in line with the Asian average of $31.00.

Cost Highlights

Milk is more expensive than 99% of cities in Asia

Average monthly net salary is higher than 91% 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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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 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 $899 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 Miaoli too high relative to local incomes?
With 14% of the average paycheck going to rent, Miaoli is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Miaoli?
Earning $1,349 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 $168 to $345, 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 $39.63, 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 $314 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 $899. 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 $899 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 $899, so putting money aside takes more than $1,349 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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