Photo: Moran Tsai · CC0
Cost of Living in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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 245 sunny days a year.
How Kaohsiung Ranks Among 340 Cities
Of the 340 cities Voyica tracks, Kaohsiung ranks in the top 7% for safety, but sits in the bottom 15% for air quality. It is cheaper than 70% of them.
| Metric | Kaohsiung | World rank | Rank in Asia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $1,056 | #101 of 340 | #43 of 65 |
| Safety | 85/100 | #22 of 340 | #7 of 65 |
| Healthcare | 88/100 | #60 of 340 | #1 of 65 |
| Internet speed | 260 Mbps | #85 of 340 | #8 of 65 |
| Walkability | 62/100 | #135 of 340 | #17 of 65 |
| Public transit | 72/100 | #53 of 340 | #17 of 65 |
| Food scene | 88/100 | #40 of 340 | #19 of 65 |
| Air quality | 65/100 | #290 of 340 | #40 of 65 |
Rank 1 = most affordable, safest, and so on. Computed across every city in Voyica's dataset (June 2026 snapshot); ties share a rank.
Cheaper Alternatives to Kaohsiung
Cities with a similar mix of safety, food, culture, walkability and climate that cost at least 15% less per month than Kaohsiung.
- Penang, Malaysia — $790/mo, 25% cheaper, safety 82/100
- Hoi An, Vietnam — $671/mo, 36% cheaper, safety 78/100
- Dalat, Vietnam — $520/mo, 51% cheaper, safety 78/100
- Langkawi, Malaysia — $740/mo, 30% cheaper, safety 85/100
Everyday Prices in Kaohsiung, Compared
| Item | Kaohsiung | Against other cities |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent, city centre | $443/mo | Cheaper than 85% |
| 1BR rent, outside centre | $319/mo | Cheaper than 81% |
| Home internet | $24/mo | Cheaper than 75% |
| Transit pass | $13/mo | Cheaper than 89% |
| Gym membership | $37/mo | Cheaper than 71% |
| Cheap restaurant meal | $3.80 | Cheaper than 88% |
| Cappuccino | $3.39 | Pricier than 56% |
| Local beer at a bar | $1.59 | Cheaper than 90% |
Compared with every other city in Voyica's price data that reports the same item.
Lifestyle & Quality of Life in Kaohsiung
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 excluding rent.
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 245 mostly sunny days a year and at least 1 mm of rain on about 83 days.
Kaohsiung in our travel guides
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