Cost of living in Taichung
Taichung, a vibrant city in Taiwan, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Taichung, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $4.61 on average, with a range between $3.07 and $9.22.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $24.57, with prices ranging from $18.43 to $61.44.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.65, with a range between $4.61 and $5.38.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.23 to $4.61, imported beer $1.54 to $6.14, cappuccino $1.38 to $4.61, and Coke/Pepsi $0.77 to $1.54.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $2.46 and $5.47 per liter, averaging $3.67.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.08 and $4.91, with an average price of $1.75.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.47 to $4.42, averaging $3.03.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.72 to $6.14 per kg, while oranges range from $1.21 to $6.14 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.74 and $6.14 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.61 to $3.07 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.46 and $0.92, with a monthly pass priced between $18.43 and $43.01.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.92 and $1 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.46, with a cost of $0.77 to $2.09 per km and $9.22 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $245.75 to $491.49, averaging $363.63.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $184.31 to $460.78, averaging $270.88.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $767.96 to $1075.14, averaging $967.63.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $552.93 to $921.55, averaging $721.88.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3071.84 to $9215.51, averaging $5821.13.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1689.51 to $6143.68, averaging $3778.36.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $30.72 and $97.91, averaging $65.6.
- Internet - Internet services range from $12.29 to $24.54, with an average cost of $17.57.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Taiwan are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Taiwan, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Salaries And Financing
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"Key Takeaways"
Taichung offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, with low rental prices and inexpensive dining options.
Transportation is economical, with affordable public transport and gasoline prices.
Grocery prices are moderate, though some imported goods like cheese can be more expensive.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Taichung.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Taichung presents a cost-effective living environment, especially for those accustomed to higher living costs in Western countries.
With affordable housing, dining, and transportation, Taichung is an attractive option for expatriates and locals alike.
Potential residents should consider the balance of affordable living with the vibrant cultural and modern amenities the city offers.