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Kaohsiung, Taiwan

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,330
Retiree Score
100.0
Safety Index
85.1
Healthcare
106 facilities

Forget the glossy tourism brochures - with a population of 2.72 million, Kaohsiung is Taiwan's third-largest and busiest city, a major industrial and shipping hub with a GDP of around $45 billion. The climate is tropical, with temperatures ranging from a sweltering 30°C in summer to a mild 25°C in winter, though the area is prone to typhoons. And while the city has transformed itself from an industrial sprawl into a modern, cultured metropolis, bureaucracy remains a persistent headache. Yet Kaohsiung's status as a strategic port and economic powerhouse makes it an attractive option for those seeking career opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, or international trade.

Can I afford Kaohsiung?

$

Kaohsiung

You could save

1,670/mo

Savings Rate56%

Monthly Costs

Rent $550
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$780

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
56/100
Retiree Score
(i)
100/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
85
Safety
106
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $3
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $3
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$4
Meal (Mid-range) $87
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $79
Mobile Plan (mo) $19
Gym (mo) *$36
Cinema Ticket $10

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $550
1BR Outside (mo) *$336
3BR Center (mo) $1,000
3BR Outside (mo) *$771

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Zuoying, Gushan
Best For
retirees, teachers

Expat Life Notes

Taiwan's southern port city offers a more relaxed pace and lower costs than Taipei, with excellent infrastructure.

Pros

  • ✓ Beautiful harbor area
  • ✓ Lower cost of living
  • ✓ Great winter weather

Cons

  • ✗ Hot and humid summers
  • ✗ Industrial pollution
  • ✗ English proficiency lower than Taipei

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
15°C°C - 32°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1672 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Kaohsiung

Click any question to expand the answer.

Kaohsiung has a population of approximately 2,721,500 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,375 per month in Kaohsiung, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $550/month.

The nearest airport to Kaohsiung is KHH, approximately 7km away.

Kaohsiung is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 85.1. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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