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Tainan, Taiwan
Capital City

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,400
Retiree Score
100.0
Safety Index
82.5
Healthcare
247 facilities

With a population of 1,854,682, Tainan may seem like an alluring destination, but the reality is far more complex. While the city boasts a rich cultural heritage and picturesque temples, navigating the bureaucratic landscape can be a persistent headache. The subtropical climate brings hot, humid summers that test the limits of even the most seasoned expats. And with the city's history of political unrest, personal safety is an ever-present concern. Tainan is best suited for those drawn to its deep roots and willing to weather the occasional storm.

Can I afford Tainan?

$

Tainan

You could save

1,600/mo

Savings Rate53%

Monthly Costs

Rent $600
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$800

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
53/100
Retiree Score
(i)
100/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
48/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
83
Safety
247
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) $104
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $89
Mobile Plan (mo) $17
Gym (mo) *$38
Cinema Ticket $10

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $600
1BR Outside (mo) *$336
3BR Center (mo) $1,100
3BR Outside (mo) *$771

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Anping, East District, West Central District
Best For
foodies, slow travelers

Expat Life Notes

The cultural capital of Taiwan, Tainan offers a traditional, slow-paced lifestyle famous for its street food.

Pros

  • ✓ Peerless food scene
  • ✓ Extremely safe and hospitable
  • ✓ High quality of life for low cost

Cons

  • ✗ Limited English compared to Taipei
  • ✗ Very hot and humid summers
  • ✗ Fewer international job opportunities

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
14°C°C - 32°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1713 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jan, Feb, Dec

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Tainan

Click any question to expand the answer.

Tainan has a population of approximately 1,854,682 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,500 per month in Tainan, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $600/month.

The nearest airport to Tainan is TNN, approximately 5km away.

Tainan is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 82.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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