Kaohsiung
Taipei

Kaohsiung vs Taipei — Cost of Living Comparison

Kaohsiung
Taiwan
VS
Taipei
Taiwan
Estimated average living costs are ~36% lower in Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung

$1,650

avg. monthly cost

Population

2,770,000

Safety

82/100

Quality

72/100

Cost
45
Safety
82
Life
72

Taipei

$2,250

avg. monthly cost

Population

2,646,000

Safety

84/100

Quality

75/100

Cost
55
Safety
84
Life
75

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~36% lower in Kaohsiung

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Kaohsiung

$1,650

estimated per month

Taipei

$2,250

estimated per month

Difference

+36.4%

Monthly savings

$600

Yearly savings

$7,200

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$102,273

+$27,273/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemKaohsiungTaipeiDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$450.00$780.00
+73.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$280.00$480.00
+71.4%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,000.00$1,750.00
+75.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$600.00$1,000.00
+66.7%
ItemKaohsiungTaipeiDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$3.50$4.00
+14.3%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$22.00$28.00
+27.3%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.80$5.00
+4.2%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$2.60$2.80
+7.7%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.80$2.00
+11.1%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.20$2.50
+13.6%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.50$2.80
+12.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.80$6.50
+12.1%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.00$4.50
+12.5%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.80$2.00
+11.1%
ItemKaohsiungTaipeiDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$35.00$40.00
+14.3%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.70$0.80
+14.3%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$2.20$2.30
+4.5%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.70$0.75
+7.1%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.00$1.00
0.0%
ItemKaohsiungTaipeiDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$75.00$85.00
+13.3%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$16.00$18.00
+12.5%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$20.00$22.00
+10.0%
ItemKaohsiungTaipeiDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$10.00$12.00
+20.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$22.00$25.00
+13.6%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$7.00$8.00
+14.3%
ItemKaohsiungTaipeiDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$35.00$40.00
+14.3%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$7.50$8.50
+13.3%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$3.40$3.80
+11.8%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$3.00$3.50
+16.7%
ItemKaohsiungTaipeiDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$50.00$55.00
+10.0%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$26.00$30.00
+15.4%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$75.00$80.00
+6.7%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Kaohsiung vs Taipei

Is Kaohsiung or Taipei more expensive?
Taipei is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 55 compared with 45 for Kaohsiung.
How much cheaper is Kaohsiung than Taipei?
Living in Kaohsiung is around 18% cheaper than Taipei, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Kaohsiung and Taipei?
Kaohsiung scores 45 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Taipei scores 55 — where New York City equals 100.