Skyline of Tainan
Cost of Living: 100 1,874,000

Tainan, Taiwan

Taiwan's oldest city and former capital, famous for its historic temples, forts, and traditional Taiwanese cuisine.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs Taiwan Avg (100)

Housing Index 108

Above Average

Median Income NT$ 660,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.9%

Job market health

Tainan vs Taiwan Average

Cost of Living
Tainan: 100
Taiwan Avg: 100
Housing Index
Tainan: 108
Taiwan Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 5.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: NT$ 660,000
  • Unemployment: 3.9%
  • Population: 1,874,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 190/year
  • Summer High: 90°F
  • Winter Low: 60°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a

Housing

  • Median Home: NT$12,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: NT$10000/mo

Cost of Living

Tainan's cost of living index is 100 (Taiwan average = 100).

CategoryTainanNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing108100+8.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceNT$12,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)NT$10000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)NT$12,500/mo
Price per Sq FtNT$8,000

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

NT$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
NT$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Tainan:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityNT$800
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)NT$9Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterNT$300Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)NT$600Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesNT$1709Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Tainan scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
100
Rent
NT$10000
Sunny Days
190
Tax
None
Unemployment
3.9%
Climate
90°F / 60°F
Safety
0.8 homicides/100k
Population
1,874,000
Internet Speed
250 Mbps

Climate

Tainan has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January80°F60°F2.5"
April75°F75°F2.8"
July90°F65°F1.5"
October70°F78°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7a

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Tainan faces the following natural hazards:

Earthquake Extreme Risk

Located in a highly active seismic zone with frequent major earthquakes.

Typhoon Extreme Risk

Frequently affected by typhoons.

Landslide High Risk

Mountainous terrain with typhoon-induced landslides.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Volcano Moderate Risk

Volcanic activity in northern Taiwan.

Tsunami Moderate Risk

Coastal areas with tsunami risk.

Flood Moderate Risk

Typhoon-induced flooding.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 5%
  • Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Academic Year August to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Aug-Jan), Spring (Feb-Jun)
Summer Break July to August (7 weeks)
Winter Break January/February (3 weeks, Lunar New Year)
Spring Break April (1 week)

Winter break includes Lunar New Year holiday.

Universities & Higher Education

2
Universities
#1423
Top University Rank
Top-Ranked University National

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Tainan, Taiwan?

The cost of living index in Tainan is 100, which is Lower the Taiwan national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Tainan?

The median home price in Tainan is NT$12,000,000. The housing index is 108.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Tainan is approximately NT$10000/mo.

Does Tainan, Tainan have income tax?

Tainan is in Tainan, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Tainan?

Tainan enjoys approximately 190 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 60°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.