Zhongli City (Jhongli), Taiwan

Zhongli City sits in northern Taiwan at an elevation of 130 m above sea level, wrapped in a subtropical climate that keeps the calendar green and humid through most of the year. The city holds a population of 439 thousand and runs on Asia/Taipei time, with average internet speeds around 85 Mbps. Expats tend to settle in two areas: the Sogo Area, which puts shopping, dining, and transit within easy walking distance, and Qingpu, a newer district favored for its quieter streets and larger apartments. Both neighborhoods give residents a practical base for daily life while keeping the rest of northern Taiwan within reach.

Rent shapes the budget here more than almost anything else. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center runs $502/mo, while the same unit outside the center drops to $213/mo. Three-bedroom places follow a similar split: $1,099/mo in the center and $785/mo outside it. Beyond rent, a single adult can expect monthly costs of $850/mo, and a family of four faces $2,600/mo. Utilities add $102/mo, internet $23/mo, and a mobile phone plan $19/mo. Everyday spending stays modest, with an inexpensive restaurant meal at $5 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two at $28, and a cappuccino at $3. A gym membership costs $31/mo. Against those figures, the average monthly net salary is $2,427/mo, and the cost of living index sits at 60/100 against New York City. Budget-conscious singles can build a life on roughly $494/mo including rent, a mid-range tier runs about $663/mo, and a comfortable tier reaches $1,024/mo.

Safety is one of Zhongli's strongest selling points. The safety index reads 80/100, while the crime index is just 18/100, a combination that lets residents walk home late without much worry. Healthcare quality is rated Good, giving expats access to dependable care without the anxiety that often accompanies a move abroad. Air quality sits at 68 on the index, a middling figure that reflects the city's urban and industrial surroundings. The overall expat score of 77/100 captures how these pieces fit together for newcomers.

For longer stays, the Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa (Gold Card) requires a minimum monthly income of $4,977/mo, a threshold well above the local average net salary. The nearest airport is TPE, 18 km away, which keeps international connections quick and simple. English proficiency is Limited, so a little Mandarin goes a long way, though the medium-sized expat community offers a soft landing. The city scores 77/100 for FIRE, 67/100 for retirees, and 72/100 for digital nomads, making it a fit for remote workers chasing low rent, for budget-minded savers, and for anyone who values a calm, affordable base over big-city intensity.