Cost of Living in Taiwan 2024: Living Expenses for Indians

Nestled in the heart of East Asia, Taiwan is a vibrant island country known for its stunning viewpoints, technology, and affordable cost of living for Indians. 

Taiwan survey reveals that in 2023, over 1,00,000 international students chose Taiwan for their studies, drawn from its reputable universities and diverse cultural experiences. 

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With that said, the average cost of living in Taiwan is INR 30k (NT$11K) per month. This cost includes essential expenses on food, transportation, and entertainment.

The rich culture, modern insight, and affordable cost of living in Taiwan await you! Get to know your side of the budget story in this comprehensive guide. Discover how you can make the most of your student life in Taiwan, balancing your budget while mesmerising everything this incredible island has to offer.

Key highlights

Taiwan is one of the most inexpensive countries students can dream of! From getting the best universities to the average cost of living in Taiwan,  everything is summed up below. 

Why Choose Taiwan?

Taiwan brings a quality education that is globally recognised. The 2023 survey results revealed that nearly 45% of international students were primarily drawn to Taiwan by its friendly and welcoming culture.

Besides the affordable cost of living in Taiwan, here are other compelling reasons why this island country should be your top choice for higher education.

• Prestigious Academic Excellence: Taiwan’s universities are consistently ranked among the top in Asia, offering a wide range of programmes taught in English. With over 160 higher education institutions, Taiwan caters to a variety of academic interests and disciplines. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, National Taiwan University is ranked 68th globally.
• Vibrant Student Life: Taiwan’s campuses are known for their vibrant student life! For example, National Taiwan University holds the annual NTU International Cultural Festival, where students from various countries showcase their traditions, cuisine, and performances. This active student life helps you feel at home and build lasting friendships.
• Safe Environment for International Students: Taiwan is known for its safety and accessibility. It ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. According to the Global Peace Index 2023, Taiwan is ranked 34th out of 163 countries. Nothing is more superior than your safety!
• Employment Opportunities Post-graduation: Taiwan universities provide numerous internship and job opportunities post-graduation. In 2023, the average monthly salary for graduates was approximately INR 1.2L (NT$50K). Top companies include Acer, HTC, and Asus.

Cost Of Living In Taiwan For Indian Students

Taiwan is rapidly scoring as a preferred destination for Indian students like you! 

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, Taipei, Taiwan, was ranked among the top 30 most cost-effective countries for international students. 

Taiwan’s living cost per month is approximately INR 30K (NT$11K, excluding rent). The country provides a budget-friendly environment without compromising on the quality of education. 

What’s super catchy for you? You can enjoy a meal at a local night market for as low as INR150 (NT$60).

Want to explore the specific breakdown of the cost of living in Taiwan. Read on for key details.

• Transportation Cost in Taiwan

Did you know that the National Taiwan University (NTU) provides free shuttle services around campus and nearby areas? It might save you a lot of money! 

Compared to other major cities like Tokyo and Seoul, Taipei’s public transport system ranks highly in terms of affordability and user satisfaction. In 2023, Taipei was ranked eighth out of 19 cities with the best public transport systems globally, with a 92% satisfaction rate among locals.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the transportation costs for you in Taipei, Taiwan.

• Grocery Cost in Taiwan

A unique aspect of grocery shopping in Taiwan is the prevalence of night markets! Here, you can purchase fresh produce and snacks at significantly lower rates compared to typical retail stores. 

The Taipei City Government recently reported that students in Taiwan spend an average of INR 7K (NT$3K) per month on groceries. This affordability is complemented by the high quality and variety of food available, from local delicacies to international products.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the prices for common grocery items in Taipei, Taiwan.

• Restaurant Costs in Taiwan

The country is famous for its street food, which is delicious and affordable. In fact, GPS City named Taiwan the “food capital of Asia” in a 2023 survey, highlighting its rich culinary heritage and affordable dining options​.

Delicious meals like noodles, tofu, and bubble tea can be enjoyed for as low as INR 150 (NT$60). 

Are you still looking for more affordable meal options that will keep your living expenses in Taiwan to a minimum while you’re studying? Taiwan’s “bento box” culture is the answer to your prayers! It originates from Japanese influence, where you can get a complete meal in a convenient, portable package for around INR 240 (NT$100).

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how much you will be spending on food in Taiwan.

Additional tip: Universities also have affordable cafeterias where you can enjoy nutritious meals at subsidised prices. Some institutions, like National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), offer meal coupons as part of their student support programme. Check them out for sure to keep your cost of living in Taiwan under control.

Here is a table listing some of the top affordable restaurants in Taipei, where you can enjoy meals within the mentioned price range.

• Utility Costs in Taiwan

You are not going to be burdened with heavy utility costs! How? Taiwan has a prevalence of smart metres and energy-efficient appliances, which help in managing consumption and reducing costs.

On top of that, the TaiwanICDF (International Cooperation and Development Fund) scholarship programme provides comprehensive support, including coverage for dormitory fees where utilities are included​. 

That means international students living in on-campus housing do not need to worry about additional utility bills.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the typical living expenses in Taiwan that go towards the monthly utility bill.

• Housing Costs in Taiwan

In Taiwan, the cost of renting an apartment varies significantly depending on its location. In major cities like Taipei, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages around INR 52K(NT$21K). A similar property will cost you around INR 30K (NT$12K) per month outside the city centre.

Additionally, the Taiwan government has introduced housing subsidies specifically for international students! These subsidies help reduce the financial burden by covering part of the rent, especially in high-demand areas like Taipei. You can’t resist this offer!

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the cost of renting an apartment and the price per square metre to buy. 

Also read Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students 2024

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Top Universities In Taiwan For Indian Students

Taiwan has several universities ranked among the top 100 in Asia, according to the QS global ranking 2025. These universities are renowned for their academic excellence, innovative programmes, and international collaborations, making them attractive destinations for students worldwide.

For instance, National Taiwan University (NTU) consistently ranks within the top 20 in Asia, highlighting the country’s commitment to higher education. This focus has attracted a growing number of international students like you, with over 1,00,000 enrolling in Taiwanese universities in the past year. 

Here’s an overview of the best universities in Taiwan.

1. National Taiwan University (NTU)

NTU hosts over 32,000 students, with around 5,000 international students from more than 100 countries, reflecting its global appeal and commitment to diversity.

The university offers over 300 courses taught in English, catering to international students who may need to improve in Mandarin. Isn’t it great!

Explore the university courses and their affordable tuition fees that can make the cost of living in Taiwan manageable.

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2. National Cheng Kung University (NCKU)

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) is a university in Tainan, Taiwan, renowned for its engineering and technology programmes. 

According to a recent survey, over 90% of NCKU graduates secure employment within six months of graduation, highlighting the university’s role in fostering career readiness and success.

Find out about the many courses and their affordable tuition fees that make the cost of living in Taiwan manageable.

3. National Tsing Hua University (NTHU)

NTHU has partnerships with over 200 universities globally, facilitating extensive student exchange programmes and collaborative research projects.

NTHU offers the NTHU International Student Scholarship, which provides full tuition waivers and a monthly stipend. In 2023, approximately 800 international students received these scholarships.

Find out about the many courses and their affordable tuition fees that make the cost of living in Taiwan manageable for Indian students.

4. National Chiao Tung University (NCTU)

The university is located in Hsinchu, Taiwan’s Silicon Valley. NCTU benefits from its proximity to numerous high-tech companies, which facilitate internships and job placements.

According to recent data from Globed, over 88% of NCTU graduates find employment within six months of graduation, with many securing positions at leading firms such as TSMC, UMC, and Acer.

Have a look at the many courses and their affordable tuition fees that make the cost of living in Taiwan manageable.

5. National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST)

NTUST is ranked among the top 100 in Asia according to the Focus Taiwan 2024.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support, covering tuition fees and providing a monthly stipend of INR 30K (NT$12K).

Here’s a snapshot of many courses and their affordable tuition fees that make the cost of living in Taiwan manageable for Indian students.

Scholarships to Cover the Cost of Living in Taiwan

In 2023, over 3,000 international students benefited from various scholarship programmes, receiving comprehensive support that includes housing, insurance, and even travel allowances.

Though the cost of living in Taiwan is relatively low, these scholarships ensure that you can focus on your studies even more without a care in the world. 

By securing these scholarships, you can save up to 70% of your total educational expenses, making Taiwan a highly economical choice for pursuing higher education.

Here are detailed scholarships and their benefits that reduce your cost of living in Taiwan.

Things To Know as an Indian Student in Taiwan

Taiwan isn’t just a fantastic place to learn; it’s also incredibly affordable and student-friendly. But that’s not all. Taiwan’s healthcare system is top-notch, with the National Health Insurance (NHI) covering 99% of residents. 

That means you’ll get comprehensive medical care without breaking the bank. Plus, the vibrant job market here lets you work part-time. You can seriously earn between INR 300-1,000 (NT$120-400) per hour. This will not only help you cover your living expenses in Taiwan but will also offer valuable work experience. 

Find the job roles and average hourly salary that will help manage your living expenses in Taiwan.

Also read NSTC International Internship Pilot Program: Eligibility, Benefits, How to Apply.

Here are the health benefits that further lower your living expenses in Taiwan.

How Much Will You Spend as an International Student Visiting Local Attractions in Taiwan?

Taiwan is rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, offering numerous attractions that you must explore while studying in this island country. 

From bustling cities to serene natural landscapes, there is something for everyone.

You can travel to the below-mentioned places without causing any major deflections to your monthly cost of living in Taiwan.

Cost of Living in Taiwan vs Other Countries

Deciding where to study abroad involves many considerations, and the cost of living is one of the most significant factors. 

Taiwan stands out as one of the most affordable options for international students. According to recent data, the average monthly living expenses in Taiwan are around INR 30K (NT$12K), which is considerably lower than in Japan, the USA, and the UK.

Here’s a comparison of the cost of living in Taiwan vs Japan, the USA and the UK.

Conclusion

Taiwan is a fantastic destination for you if you are seeking a blend of high-quality education, affordability, and vibrant cultural experiences. The cost of living in Taiwan is around INR 30K (NT$12K).

Additionally, part-time job opportunities could pay you around INR 300-INR 1,000 (NT$120-NT$400) per hour. Working part-time will help you manage your finances better. 

Taiwan’s top universities, such as NTU, NCKU, NTHU, NCTU, and NTUST, offer world-class education and substantial scholarships, further enhancing its appeal.

In essence, Taiwan offers a compelling combination of excellent healthcare, abundant job opportunities, and high-quality education. These facilities make Taiwan an attractive destination for students like you worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions