The Cost Of Living

One of the first things you notice when you go shopping in Taiwan is just how cheap a lot of things are. It's great!! After we got paid for the first time, Mel and I each had a $1000NT shopping spree. Maybe that sounds like a lot, but it's only $30CAN, and we each came home with a big bag full of new clothes. You can still spend a lot of money if you want to, but overall the cost of living here is very low compared to what we are used to in Canada. I notice this especially with restaurant prices- most people I know here never cook at home because it's just so cheap to eat out all the time. If you're thinking about spending some time in Taiwan, I hope this list helps you plan your budget (all prices roughly converted to Canadian Dollars).

A liter of gas= 75 cents CAD

A ride on the bus= 50 cents

A ride on the subway= 30 cents (short distance)-$1.30(the longest possible trip)

Taxi fare starts at= $2.30 and you'll probably pay $3.00 for a 10 minute journey


A Big Mac combo at McDonalds= $3.25

A tall latte at Starbucks= $4.00 (that shiz is overpriced wherever you go)

A bowl of noodles or a soup from a local vendor= $1.00


A can of Coke= 60 cents

A bag of Lays= 60 cents

A chocolate bar= 30 cents

A 355ml can of Taiwan Beer= 90 cents


An issue of "Sexy Nuts" magazine= $5.50

12 cubes (no rolls here) of toilet paper= $2.50

A new t-shirt= $3-$30 depending on the brand

A new pair of Converse shoes= $40


A Hello Ketty nighty= $3.00

High speed internet/monthly= $20

Cable TV/monthly= $15

A new CD= $15

A movie ticket= $7.50

Popcorn and pop combo at the theater= $1.75

Admission to the zoo or a museum= 30-60 cents

Transaction fee for using another banks' ATM= 15 cents


New Domo slippers= priceless