Cost of Living: Taiwan vs France

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Taiwan and France.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Taiwan is 32.5% cheaper than France. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 70.6% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in France, you would spend about $68 in Taiwan for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 70.6%

Taiwan is 70.6% cheaper

Household Utilities 61.2%

Taiwan is 61.2% cheaper

Restaurants 44.5%

Taiwan is 44.5% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 32.5%

Taiwan is 32.5% cheaper than France

Most Expensive Categories

  • Property Prices +48.2%
  • Childcare +28.0%

Is Taiwan cheaper than France?

Yes, Taiwan is cheaper than France

Overall, living costs in Taiwan are 32.5% lower than in France.

Where Taiwan is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 70.6% cheaper
  • Household Utilities 61.2% cheaper
  • Restaurants 44.5% cheaper

Where Taiwan is more expensive:

  • Property Prices 48.2% more expensive
  • Childcare 28.0% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Taiwan: 5.01 $ France: 17.07 $
70.7% cheaper in Taiwan

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Taiwan: 521.15 $ France: 875.36 $
40.5% cheaper in Taiwan

Monthly public transport pass

Taiwan: 40.06 $ France: 70.58 $
43.2% cheaper in Taiwan

1 liter of milk

Taiwan: 3.21 $ France: 1.31 $
145.0% more expensive in Taiwan

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Taiwan is indeed cheaper than France. You would save approximately 32.5% on living expenses by choosing Taiwan over France. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

32.5%

Taiwan is 32.5% cheaper than France

Restaurants

44.5%

Taiwan is 44.5% cheaper than France in this category

Markets

31.4%

Taiwan is 31.4% cheaper than France in this category

Other Expenses

70.6%

Taiwan is 70.6% cheaper than France in this category

Transportation

13.6%

Taiwan is 13.6% cheaper than France in this category

Household Utilities

61.2%

Taiwan is 61.2% cheaper than France in this category

Mobile and Internet

20.4%

Taiwan is 20.4% cheaper than France in this category

Sports And Leisure

11.3%

Taiwan is 11.3% cheaper than France in this category

Childcare

28.0%

Taiwan is 28.0% more expensive than France in this category

Clothing And Shoes

21.7%

Taiwan is 21.7% cheaper than France in this category

Rent Per Month

32.3%

Taiwan is 32.3% cheaper than France in this category

Property Prices

48.2%

Taiwan is 48.2% more expensive than France in this category

Salaries And Financing

34.1%

Taiwan is 34.1% cheaper than France in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Taiwan France Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 5.01 $ 17.07 $ 70.7%
Taiwan is 70.7% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 33.39 $ 68.30 $ 51.1%
Taiwan is 51.1% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 5.38 $ 12.52 $ 57.0%
Taiwan is 57.0% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.09 $ 3.63 $ 14.9%
Taiwan is 14.9% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.05 $ 3.19 $ 67.1%
Taiwan is 67.1% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.71 $ 2.21 $ 67.9%
Taiwan is 67.9% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.26 $ 0.78 $ 61.5%
Taiwan is 61.5% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 1.37 $ ? N/A
Imported Beer (330ml) 7.80 $ 3.33 $ 134.2%
Taiwan is 134.2% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 10.28 $ 11.38 $ 9.7%
Taiwan is 9.7% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.15 $ ? N/A
Milk (1L) 3.21 $ 1.31 $ 145.0%
Taiwan is 145.0% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.96 $ 2.04 $ 3.9%
Taiwan is 3.9% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 3.18 $ 2.59 $ 22.8%
Taiwan is 22.8% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 2.89 $ 4.29 $ 32.6%
Taiwan is 32.6% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 17.17 $ 20.08 $ 14.5%
Taiwan is 14.5% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 8.95 $ 13.86 $ 35.4%
Taiwan is 35.4% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 7.90 $ 21.30 $ 62.9%
Taiwan is 62.9% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 4.78 $ 3.12 $ 53.2%
Taiwan is 53.2% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.54 $ 2.33 $ 9.0%
Taiwan is 9.0% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 2.77 $ 3.10 $ 10.6%
Taiwan is 10.6% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.57 $ 3.63 $ 1.7%
Taiwan is 1.7% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 2.76 $ 2.35 $ 17.4%
Taiwan is 17.4% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.25 $ 2.45 $ 8.2%
Taiwan is 8.2% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 2.12 $ 1.57 $ 35.0%
Taiwan is 35.0% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 40.06 $ 70.58 $ 43.2%
Taiwan is 43.2% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 4.01 $ 13.66 $ 70.6%
Taiwan is 70.6% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.83 $ 2.16 $ 61.6%
Taiwan is 61.6% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 2.92 $ 5.46 $ 46.5%
Taiwan is 46.5% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.83 $ 2.28 $ 63.6%
Taiwan is 63.6% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 10.02 $ 37.22 $ 73.1%
Taiwan is 73.1% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.03 $ 2.04 $ 49.5%
Taiwan is 49.5% cheaper
New Economy Car 36,725.80 $ 36,876.07 $ 0.4%
Taiwan is 0.4% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 26,417.53 $ 36,162.84 $ 26.9%
Taiwan is 26.9% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 81.82 $ 210.87 $ 61.2%
Taiwan is 61.2% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 24.00 $ 25.59 $ 6.2%
Taiwan is 6.2% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 23.62 $ 34.21 $ 31.0%
Taiwan is 31.0% cheaper
Gym Membership 39.39 $ 37.20 $ 5.9%
Taiwan is 5.9% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 11.41 $ 18.42 $ 38.1%
Taiwan is 38.1% cheaper
Movie Ticket 10.68 $ 13.66 $ 21.8%
Taiwan is 21.8% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 559.80 $ 800.37 $ 30.1%
Taiwan is 30.1% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 15,306.70 $ 11,595.44 $ 32.0%
Taiwan is 32.0% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 66.18 $ 102.59 $ 35.5%
Taiwan is 35.5% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 33.04 $ 43.82 $ 24.6%
Taiwan is 24.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 89.56 $ 104.20 $ 14.0%
Taiwan is 14.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 115.60 $ 138.28 $ 16.4%
Taiwan is 16.4% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 521.15 $ 875.36 $ 40.5%
Taiwan is 40.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 364.14 $ 692.40 $ 47.4%
Taiwan is 47.4% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,260.66 $ 1,634.03 $ 22.8%
Taiwan is 22.8% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 894.36 $ 1,289.02 $ 30.6%
Taiwan is 30.6% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 9,875.04 $ 6,484.72 $ 52.3%
Taiwan is 52.3% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 6,289.99 $ 4,425.62 $ 42.1%
Taiwan is 42.1% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 1,770.90 $ 2,687.45 $ 34.1%
Taiwan is 34.1% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 2.14 3.66 41.5%
Taiwan is 41.5% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to France. Enter your monthly expenses in Taiwan to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Taiwan and France goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Taiwan vs France

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Taiwan

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

France

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Taiwan Cost of living in France

Related comparisons