What is the cost of living in Kaohsiung?

The cost of living in Kaohsiung is 70.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 29.3). Groceries are 36.5% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 71.6% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately TWD 12,973 per month. Local purchasing power index is 96.2 (NYC = 100).

How much tax do you pay in Taiwan?

In Taiwan, a gross salary of TWD 1,806,377 per year results in approximately TWD 137,186 per month take-home pay after income tax and social contributions (effective rate: 8.9%). Use our Taiwan tax calculator for a personalised breakdown.

🇹🇼 Taiwan · #384 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Kaohsiung?

Q: Should I move to Kaohsiung?

Kaohsiung, Taiwan has a cost of living 70.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 29.3). It is ranked #384 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is strong (index: 96.2 vs NYC = 100). Workers in Taiwan earning TWD 1,806,377 gross take home approximately TWD 137,186/month after tax. Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

70.7% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-70.7%

vs NYC

TWD 12,973

1-BR, city centre

TWD 137,186

Net take-home

Strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Kaohsiung?

Example: TWD 1,806,377 gross/year in Taiwan → TWD 137,186/month net after tax (8.9% effective rate). Full Taiwan tax breakdown →

Cost breakdown: Kaohsiung

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

29.3 Mid-priced

Rent

10.8 Very affordable

Groceries

63.5 Moderate

Restaurants

28.4 Very affordable

Purchasing Power

96.2 Strong

Rent in Kaohsiung

1-BR, city centre TWD 12,973/mo

1-BR, outside centre TWD 8,941/mo

3-BR, city centre TWD 31,259/mo

3-BR, outside centre TWD 21,610/mo

Save by going outside centre 31% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Taiwan take-home pay

TWD 1,806,377 → TWD 137,186/Net take-home (8.9% effective rate, single filer)

Full Taiwan tax calculator →

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇹🇼 Taichung

Taiwan

CoL index 30.7

Compare Taichung vs Kaohsiung →

🇹🇼 New Taipei City

Taiwan

CoL index 30.9

Compare New Taipei City vs Kaohsiung →

🇹🇼 Taipei

Taiwan

CoL index 34.6

Compare Taipei vs Kaohsiung →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Kaohsiung after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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