Introduction
As a digital nomad, one of the key considerations when choosing a location to work from is the cost of living. Hsinchu City, Taiwan is a lesser-known destination for digital nomads. If you’re looking to live in an area that is a little bit off the beaten path, consider Hsinchu City as a potential home base as the living costs will be more affordable.
In this blog post, we will break down the cost of living in Hsinchu City, Taiwan for digital nomads.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Hsinchu City largely depends on the location and type of accommodation. For a one-bedroom suite in the city center, expect to pay between NT$10,000 to NT$15,000 (approximately $340 to $510 USD) per month. Outside the city center, prices drop to NT$6,000 to NT$10,000 (approximately $200 to $340 USD) per month. Many digital nomads choose to live in shared accommodation, which can cost between NT$3,500 to NT$6,000 (approximately $120 to $200 USD) per month, depending on the location and the number of roommates.
Transportation
Hsinchu City has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses and a city bike share. Taiwan boasts a very efficient and convenient intercity bus and train system. A single bus fare costs NT$15 (approximately $0.50 USD), while a single bike share session starts at NT$10 and goes up from there for every 30 minute increment the bike is being used (approximately $0.30 USD), depending on the distance traveled. Many digital nomads also choose to rent scooters, which can be rented for approximately NT$3,000 to NT$5,000 (approximately $100 to $170 USD) per month.
Quick tip: If you get an EasyCard, you can top up the card with cash and use it for all public transportation and even buy food from convenience stores.
Food and Drink
Taiwan is renowned for its street food and night markets, which offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable cuisine. A typical meal at a local restaurant can cost between NT$100 to NT$200 (approximately $3.40 to $6.80 USD), while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can cost upwards of NT$500 (approximately $17 USD). Grocery shopping is also affordable, with basic items such as rice and vegetables costing between NT$20 to NT$40 (approximately $0.70 to $1.40 USD) per kilogram.
Communication and Utilities
The cost of communication and utilities in Hsinchu City is relatively low. Internet services cost approximately NT$700 to NT$1,000 (approximately $24 to $34 USD) per month, while a prepaid mobile plan with unlimited data and calling can be purchased for as little as NT$500 (approximately $17 USD) per month. Utility bills, including electricity, water, and gas, cost approximately NT$1,500 to NT$2,000 (approximately $50 to $68 USD) per month.
Recreation and Entertainment
Hsinchu City offers a range of recreational and entertainment options, including museums, parks, and cinemas. Admission to museums and parks is typically affordable, with prices ranging from NT$50 to NT$200 (approximately $1.70 to $6.80 USD) per person. Cinema tickets cost between NT$200 to NT$350 (approximately $6.80 to $12 USD) per person, depending on the cinema and the time of day.
Hsinchu City has a lot of great bars you can go to if you’re looking to have a drink or two. Most are cash only, while some do take credit card. If you would rather have coffee or tea in the wee hours of the night, there’s a nighttime coffee shop that you can try called ThereCafe, which also has two cats that might visit you. I also frequent this cafe during the day to get work done.
Overall, the cost of living in Hsinchu City, Taiwan for digital nomads is relatively affordable, with accommodation, transportation, food and drink, communication and utilities, and recreation and entertainment all within reasonable budgets. With its vibrant culture, modern infrastructure, and affordable cost of living, it’s no wonder that Hsinchu City is a popular destination for digital nomads.
Hsinchu City is a 30 minute High Speed Rail ride away from Taipei, the metropolis in Taiwan. (You’ll need to take a local train that takes you to the High Speed Rail station, but it’s all fairly seamless as the trains, metros, HSR, and bus systems are all connected in Taiwan.)