Taipei, Taiwan
The capital and largest city of Taiwan, a vibrant metropolis known for its night markets, technology industry, and Taipei 101.
Overview
Taipei is a city in Taipei with a population of 2,646,000. The capital and largest city of Taiwan, a vibrant metropolis known for its night markets, technology industry, and Taipei 101. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above 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
Above Average vs Taiwan Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Taipei vs Taiwan Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 5.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: NT$ 900,000
- Unemployment: 3.6%
- Population: 2,646,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 160/year
- Summer High: 95°F
- Winter Low: 57°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a
Housing
- Median Home: NT$25,000,000
- 1BR Rent: NT$18000/mo
Cost of Living
Taipei's cost of living index is 120 (Taiwan average = 100).
| Category | Taipei | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
| Housing | 140 | 100 | +40.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | NT$25,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | NT$18000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | NT$22,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | NT$16,666 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Taipei:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | NT$800 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | NT$20 | 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$1720 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Taipei scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Taipei has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 77°F | 57°F | 2.5" |
| April | 80°F | 72°F | 2.8" |
| July | 95°F | 70°F | 1.5" |
| October | 75°F | 75°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Taipei 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 3.6%.
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 Taipei 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 Taipei, Taiwan?
The cost of living index in Taipei is 120, which is Higher the Taiwan national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Taipei?
The median home price in Taipei is NT$25,000,000. The housing index is 140.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Taipei is approximately NT$18000/mo.
Does Taipei, Taipei have income tax?
Taipei is in Taipei, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Taipei?
Taipei enjoys approximately 160 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 95°F, while winter lows can drop to around 57°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.