Tainan, Taiwan
Taiwan's oldest city and former capital, famous for its historic temples, forts, and traditional Taiwanese cuisine.
Overview
Tainan is a city in Tainan with a population of 1,874,000. Taiwan’s oldest city and former capital, famous for its historic temples, forts, and traditional Taiwanese cuisine. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Taiwan Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Tainan vs Taiwan Average
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).
| Category | Tainan | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 108 | 100 | +8.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | NT$12,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | NT$10000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | NT$12,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | NT$8,000 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Tainan:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | NT$800 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | NT$9 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | NT$300 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | NT$600 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | NT$1709 | Monthly 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:
Climate
Tainan has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 80°F | 60°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 75°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 78°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Tainan faces the following natural hazards:
Located in a highly active seismic zone with frequent major earthquakes.
Frequently affected by typhoons.
Mountainous terrain with typhoon-induced landslides.
Extreme summer heat.
Volcanic activity in northern Taiwan.
Coastal areas with tsunami 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
Academic Schedule
Winter break includes Lunar New Year holiday.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Tainan is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: National Statistics of Taiwan (2020)
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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.