Skyline of Taipei
Cost of Living: 120 2,646,000

Taipei, Taiwan

The capital and largest city of Taiwan, a vibrant metropolis known for its night markets, technology industry, and Taipei 101.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 120

Above Average vs Taiwan Avg (100)

Housing Index 140

Above Average

Median Income NT$ 900,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.6%

Job market health

Taipei vs Taiwan Average

Cost of Living
Taipei: 120
Taiwan Avg: 100
Housing Index
Taipei: 140
Taiwan Avg: 100

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).

CategoryTaipeiNational AverageDifference
Overall120100+20.0%
Housing140100+40.0%

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

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceNT$25,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)NT$18000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)NT$22,500/mo
Price per Sq FtNT$16,666

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 Taipei:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityNT$800
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)NT$20Estimated 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$1720Monthly 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:

Cost of Living
120
Rent
NT$18000
Sunny Days
160
Tax
None
Unemployment
3.6%
Climate
95°F / 57°F
Safety
0.8 homicides/100k
Population
2,646,000
Internet Speed
250 Mbps

Climate

Taipei has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January77°F57°F2.5"
April80°F72°F2.8"
July95°F70°F1.5"
October75°F75°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7a

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Taipei 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 3.6%.

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

9
Universities
#688
Top University Rank
Top-Ranked University Taipei Medical University

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