Cost of Living: Taiwan vs Germany

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

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Taiwan is 40.9% cheaper than Germany. The biggest difference is in Household Utilities, where costs are 76.3% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Germany, you would spend about $59 in Taiwan for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Household Utilities 76.3%

Taiwan is 76.3% cheaper

Other Expenses 58.1%

Taiwan is 58.1% cheaper

Restaurants 46.7%

Taiwan is 46.7% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 40.9%

Taiwan is 40.9% cheaper than Germany

Most Expensive Categories

  • Property Prices +45.3%
  • Childcare +4.8%

Is Taiwan cheaper than Germany?

Yes, Taiwan is cheaper than Germany

Overall, living costs in Taiwan are 40.9% lower than in Germany.

Where Taiwan is cheaper:

  • Household Utilities 76.3% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 58.1% cheaper
  • Restaurants 46.7% cheaper

Where Taiwan is more expensive:

  • Property Prices 45.3% more expensive
  • Childcare 4.8% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

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

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Taiwan: 521.15 $ Germany: 1,014.84 $
48.6% cheaper in Taiwan

Monthly public transport pass

Taiwan: 40.06 $ Germany: 62.61 $
36.0% cheaper in Taiwan

1 liter of milk

Taiwan: 3.21 $ Germany: 1.26 $
154.8% more expensive in Taiwan

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Taiwan is indeed cheaper than Germany. You would save approximately 40.9% on living expenses by choosing Taiwan over Germany. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

40.9%

Taiwan is 40.9% cheaper than Germany

Restaurants

46.7%

Taiwan is 46.7% cheaper than Germany in this category

Markets

23.3%

Taiwan is 23.3% cheaper than Germany in this category

Other Expenses

58.1%

Taiwan is 58.1% cheaper than Germany in this category

Transportation

6.8%

Taiwan is 6.8% cheaper than Germany in this category

Household Utilities

76.3%

Taiwan is 76.3% cheaper than Germany in this category

Mobile and Internet

38.9%

Taiwan is 38.9% cheaper than Germany in this category

Sports And Leisure

21.1%

Taiwan is 21.1% cheaper than Germany in this category

Childcare

4.8%

Taiwan is 4.8% more expensive than Germany in this category

Clothing And Shoes

17.0%

Taiwan is 17.0% cheaper than Germany in this category

Rent Per Month

40.3%

Taiwan is 40.3% cheaper than Germany in this category

Property Prices

45.3%

Taiwan is 45.3% more expensive than Germany in this category

Salaries And Financing

45.9%

Taiwan is 45.9% cheaper than Germany in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Taiwan Germany 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 $ 73.99 $ 54.9%
Taiwan is 54.9% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 5.38 $ 11.38 $ 52.7%
Taiwan is 52.7% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.09 $ 3.99 $ 22.6%
Taiwan is 22.6% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.05 $ 3.28 $ 68.0%
Taiwan is 68.0% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.71 $ 2.95 $ 75.9%
Taiwan is 75.9% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.26 $ 1.07 $ 17.8%
Taiwan is 17.8% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 1.37 $ 5.69 $ 75.9%
Taiwan is 75.9% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 7.80 $ 1.74 $ 348.3%
Taiwan is 348.3% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 10.28 $ 9.11 $ 12.8%
Taiwan is 12.8% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.15 $ 1.98 $ 41.9%
Taiwan is 41.9% cheaper
Milk (1L) 3.21 $ 1.26 $ 154.8%
Taiwan is 154.8% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.96 $ 2.19 $ 10.5%
Taiwan is 10.5% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 3.18 $ 3.33 $ 4.5%
Taiwan is 4.5% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.89 $ 3.79 $ 23.7%
Taiwan is 23.7% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 17.17 $ 14.58 $ 17.8%
Taiwan is 17.8% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 8.95 $ 13.95 $ 35.8%
Taiwan is 35.8% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 7.90 $ 19.57 $ 59.6%
Taiwan is 59.6% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 4.78 $ 3.16 $ 51.3%
Taiwan is 51.3% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.54 $ 1.81 $ 40.3%
Taiwan is 40.3% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 2.77 $ 2.25 $ 23.1%
Taiwan is 23.1% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.57 $ 4.77 $ 25.2%
Taiwan is 25.2% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 2.76 $ 1.56 $ 76.9%
Taiwan is 76.9% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.25 $ 1.59 $ 41.5%
Taiwan is 41.5% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 2.12 $ 1.86 $ 14.0%
Taiwan is 14.0% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 40.06 $ 62.61 $ 36.0%
Taiwan is 36.0% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 4.01 $ 9.56 $ 58.1%
Taiwan is 58.1% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.83 $ 3.64 $ 77.2%
Taiwan is 77.2% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 2.92 $ 5.58 $ 47.7%
Taiwan is 47.7% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.83 $ 2.85 $ 70.9%
Taiwan is 70.9% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 10.02 $ 37.56 $ 73.3%
Taiwan is 73.3% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.03 $ 1.97 $ 47.7%
Taiwan is 47.7% cheaper
New Economy Car 36,725.80 $ 30,939.70 $ 18.7%
Taiwan is 18.7% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 26,417.53 $ 36,770.68 $ 28.2%
Taiwan is 28.2% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 81.82 $ 344.76 $ 76.3%
Taiwan is 76.3% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 24.00 $ 27.11 $ 11.5%
Taiwan is 11.5% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 23.62 $ 50.88 $ 53.6%
Taiwan is 53.6% cheaper
Gym Membership 39.39 $ 39.89 $ 1.3%
Taiwan is 1.3% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 11.41 $ 24.36 $ 53.2%
Taiwan is 53.2% cheaper
Movie Ticket 10.68 $ 13.66 $ 21.8%
Taiwan is 21.8% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 559.80 $ 465.43 $ 20.3%
Taiwan is 20.3% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 15,306.70 $ 14,669.30 $ 4.3%
Taiwan is 4.3% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 66.18 $ 91.97 $ 28.0%
Taiwan is 28.0% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 33.04 $ 43.30 $ 23.7%
Taiwan is 23.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 89.56 $ 100.63 $ 11.0%
Taiwan is 11.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 115.60 $ 130.63 $ 11.5%
Taiwan is 11.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 521.15 $ 1,014.84 $ 48.6%
Taiwan is 48.6% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 364.14 $ 764.76 $ 52.4%
Taiwan is 52.4% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,260.66 $ 1,887.97 $ 33.2%
Taiwan is 33.2% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 894.36 $ 1,429.32 $ 37.4%
Taiwan is 37.4% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 9,875.04 $ 6,242.76 $ 58.2%
Taiwan is 58.2% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 6,289.99 $ 4,879.58 $ 28.9%
Taiwan is 28.9% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 1,770.90 $ 3,276.32 $ 45.9%
Taiwan is 45.9% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 2.14 3.98 46.2%
Taiwan is 46.2% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Germany. 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 Germany 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 Germany

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.

Germany

  • 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 Germany

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