Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Cost of Living in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Quick answer: As of 2026, living in Kaohsiung costs approximately $1,056 per month for one person, with city-centre one-bedroom rent averaging $443. Actual costs vary with lifestyle, neighborhood, and exchange rates.

Kaohsiung is a city in Taiwan, where a single person can expect to spend about $1,056 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $443 per month, or $319 outside the centre. Internet is fast at around 260 Mbps median download speed, and Taiwan offers a digital nomad visa. On safety, Kaohsiung scores 85/100 — very safe for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 92°F and winter highs around 75°F, with roughly 300 sunny days a year.

Digital nomad visaLGBTQ+ friendlyFamily friendlySafe tap water
Monthly Cost$1,056≈ $35/day
1BR Rent (Centre)$443
Internet260 Mbps
Safety85/100
Avg Temp84°F

Kaohsiung Cost of Living Breakdown

🍽️ Dining

Inexpensive Restaurant$3.80
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 People)$31.71
McDonald's Combo Meal$5.07
Cappuccino$3.39
Domestic Beer (Restaurant)$1.59
Bottled Water (Restaurant)$0.70

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1 Liter)$3.39
Bread (1 lb Loaf)$1.87
Eggs (12)$2.85
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)$3.65
Apples (1 lb)$3.42
Bananas (1 lb)$1.31
Tomatoes (1 lb)$1.62
Potatoes (1 lb)$1.40
Water (1.5L Bottle)$1.01

🚌 Transportation

Monthly Transit Pass$12.65
Taxi Start$2.69
Taxi (1 Mile)$1.15
Gasoline (1 Liter)$0.97
VW Golf (New)$33,861.76

⚡ Utilities & Tech

Mobile Phone Plan$17.95
Broadband Internet$23.78

🎬 Lifestyle

Gym Membership (Monthly)$36.73
Cinema Ticket$9.51
Preschool (Monthly)$443.88
Intl. Primary School (Annual)$11,487.79

👔 Clothing

Nike Running Shoes$87.72

🏠 Housing

Rent 1BR (City Centre)$442.69
Rent 1BR (Outside Centre)$319.04
Rent 3BR (City Centre)$975.75
Rent 3BR (Outside Centre)$692.09
Buy Price/sqft (Centre)$448.29
Buy Price/sqft (Outside)$308.63

📊 Summary

Avg Monthly Net Salary$1,407.16
Mortgage Interest Rate2.44%
Family of 4 (Monthly, excl. rent)$2,746.70
Single Person (Monthly, excl. rent)$737.10

Cost data sourced from Numbeo.

Lifestyle & Quality of Life in Kaohsiung

Internet260 Mbps
Safety85/100
Healthcare88/100
Public Transit72/100
Walkability62/100
Nightlife58/100
Food Scene88/100
Fine Dining0/100
Coffee Culture45/100
Air Quality65/100
Green Spaces62/100
Culture72/100
Beaches42/100
Hiking55/100
Surfing20/100
Coworking Spaces32
US Visa-Free90 days

Kaohsiung FAQ

How much does it cost to live in Kaohsiung?

A single person should budget around $1,056 per month in Kaohsiung, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs. A family of four typically needs about $2,747 per month.

How much is rent in Kaohsiung?

A one-bedroom apartment in central Kaohsiung averages $443 per month, dropping to about $319 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $976.

Is Kaohsiung safe?

Kaohsiung scores 85/100 on safety, which is very safe. Tourist safety is rated 88/100.

How fast is the internet in Kaohsiung?

Median download speeds in Kaohsiung are around 260 Mbps — fast for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 32 coworking spaces in the city.

Does Taiwan offer a digital nomad visa?

Yes — Taiwan offers a digital nomad visa. US passport holders can typically stay 90 days visa-free before applying.

What is the weather like in Kaohsiung?

Kaohsiung sees summer highs around 92°F and winter highs near 75°F, with about 300 sunny days and 90 rainy days per year.

Visa Requirements for Taiwan

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