Retiring in Taiwan is generally considered safe, affordable, and high-quality, but it is not "easy" regarding visa processes, as there is no specific, straightforward retirement visa. It offers top-tier, affordable healthcare and low crime, making it attractive, yet expats must navigate Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) or Gold Card requirements.
Are you looking for a cheap foreign country to retire in? Look no further than Taiwan. Taiwan has been named as the number one best place for expats to live for multiple years. The local people are very friendly to foreigners in general, especially rich expats from western countries.
Most respondents said they would need an estimated NT$14.27 million to maintain a decent lifestyle after retirement, while 20 percent said they needed NT$25 million, the survey showed.
Getting a job besides teaching English can be difficult, especially if you don't speak Mandarin. Apartments in Taiwan are small, so storage can be an issue (for additional storage space, I recommend ). The country is one of the world's most crowded, and it can sometimes feel that way. Noise pollution is very real.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Taiwan?
The average monthly expenses for a family of four in Taiwan are around USD $3,025, excluding rent, while a single person's estimated monthly costs are approximately USD $826. Individuals typically earn about USD $1,774 per month after taxes in Taiwan.
Why Retired Life Feels Simpler in Taiwan (And Why That’s Amazing)
Is it worth it to live in Taiwan?
There's a reason expat life in Taiwan gets rave reviews, and not least because of the extraordinary high quality education and healthcare systems in place. Life in Taiwan is also super safe, with Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, ranked the 4th safest city in the world.
Below are several charts from the survey that illustrate Taiwan's readiness for retirement in the context of a super-aging society. Among respondents who have already retired, the average retirement age was 61. Those still in the workforce, however, said they hope to retire around age 65.
Yes, you can absolutely wear red in Taiwan; it's a very auspicious color symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and celebration, used extensively in festivals, weddings, and temples, though you should avoid writing someone's name in red ink as it's considered bad luck and a sign of death. Red clothing is common and welcomed, especially during festive times, and generally, you can wear whatever you like, with few restrictions.
Within Taiwan, there emerged a major political contention between eventual Chinese unification with a pan-Chinese identity contrasted with formal independence promoting a Taiwanese identity, though moderates supporting the status quo have gained broad appeal in the 21st century.
Taiwan loves foreigners — unless you are the “wrong” kind. That thought crossed my mind when I encountered weird behavior from a store clerk; my questions were ignored and their attitude was unwelcoming. Yet, the moment a white foreigner walked in, their attitude changed. They became cheerful, polite and eager to help.
Standard one-bedroom apartments in the city center cost NT$21,000 (US$700) per month. Taichung and Kaohsiung, both major cities, are cheaper. Similar places may cost NT$10,000 to NT$15,000 (US$320 to US$480) in Taichung and NT$8,000 to NT$12,000 (US$250 to US$285) in Kaohsiung.
What are the benefits of senior citizens in Taiwan?
Senior residents over 65 years of age can enjoy half-price bus rides, half-price subway fare, and discount admission tickets to educational and recreational facilities. In addition, senior residents over 65 years of age and household registered in Taipei over 1 year can enjoy 60 free bus rides per month.
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.
Toilet paper has short fibers and disintegrates easily, therefore it can be flushed down the toilet, as long as it is not done in large quantities deliberately. If the public toilet has the “Flush Toilet Paper Down the Toilet” sign, please do so as instructed.
The latest report on Taiwan's top ten causes of death reveals that cancer has remained the leading cause for 43 consecutive years. Among all cancers, lung cancer has ranked first for the 21st straight year, claiming 10,495 lives in 2024.
Chinese traditions of marriage remain strongest on Taiwan, where many ceremonies retain the old ways, even though the Western wedding steadily gains in popularity. Most young people are free to choose their mates, or at least to exercise power of veto. Couples no longer marry blindly, without even seeing each other.
The lower cost of living and high quality of life in Taiwan make it an attractive place for retirees. Be aware that Taiwan does not have a Social Security agreement with the United States. That means that you will have to meet minimum qualifications to receive any government retirement benefits.
