City Guide 2026
Taiwan
Living in Kaohsiung
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,170
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
79.4/100
Low crime
Avg Temperature
25°C
77°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
300 Mbps
Fast
Cost of Living in Kaohsiung
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $525 | $341 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,250 | $813 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$325/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Kaohsiung
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
19°
Feb
20.3°
Mar
22.6°
Apr
25°
May
27.2°
Jun
28.5°
Jul
29.4°
Aug
29°
Sep
28.1°
Oct
26.2°
Nov
23.4°
Dec
20.3°
Air Quality (AQI)
78
Poor
Avg Rain Days/mo
8
days per month
Beach Distance
0 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
5 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Kaohsiung
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
300 Mbps
Cultural Score
65/100
Nightlife
50/100
Outdoor Activities
48/100
English Proficiency
80/100
Expat Community
medium
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Visa & Immigration in Taiwan
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 90 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | N/A | Not available | — |
| Investment Visa | N/A | Not available | — |
Residency Pathway
5 years of continuous residence (living in Taiwan for at least 183 days per year).
Tax Overview in Taiwan
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 20% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 0% (exempt) |
| Dividend Tax | 20% |
| Interest Income | 20% |
| Wealth Tax | 10.00% above $13 |
| Crypto Gains | 20% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Kaohsiung?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Kaohsiung costs approximately $1,170-1,872/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $525/month.
Is Kaohsiung safe for expats?
Kaohsiung has a safety index of 79.4/100 (higher is safer). Kaohsiung is considered very safe with low crime rates. Most expats report feeling comfortable walking around at night. Healthcare quality is rated 95/100.
What is the weather like in Kaohsiung?
Kaohsiung has an average annual temperature of 25°C (77°F). The warmest months reach 29.4°C and the coolest drop to 19°C. Air quality is moderate with an average AQI of 78.
What is the internet speed in Kaohsiung?
Average internet speed in Kaohsiung is 300 Mbps, which is excellent for remote work and video calls. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Taiwan?
Taiwan uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 20% (long-term) and dividends at 20%. There is a wealth tax of 10.00% on assets above $13. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a visa to live in Kaohsiung long-term?
Taiwan does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 90 days. The typical residency pathway is: 5 years of continuous residence (living in Taiwan for at least 183 days per year)..
Is Kaohsiung good for digital nomads?
Kaohsiung has fast internet at 300 Mbps, a medium expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 80/100. The cost of living index is 29/100 (NYC = 100), making it very affordable for remote workers.
Compare Kaohsiung with other cities
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