#4 Cost of living

This post is pretty plain and simple. Living in Taiwan is cheap! I mean it’s not Vietnam cheap, but compared to America it’s very cheap. The difference between a place like Vietnam and Taiwan is the standard and quality of life here is much, much higher. Nearly anything you can do or buy in America can be bought or done in Taiwan, and usually for a cheaper price. When I can afford basically anything I want and still be able to save, life is good.

The luxuries in Taiwan are typically the same price someone in America would pay.(Or maybe just a little less) So if you are coming to Taiwan to find super cheap electronics or cars, you will be disappointed. The real saving happens on every day things. For example:

-I spend about $3 on gas every week. Sure, I’m driving a scooter instead of a car but in my opinion scooting is more fun.

-My rent and utilities combined are less than $200 a month.

-Food. You can eat a delicious meal that will fill you up for $1-4. No, it’s not what you’re thinking. “Well I can eat McDonalds for that price.” The food is legit good, homemade food. Cheap food is also incredibly convenient to get. Actually eating out is cheaper than cooking for your self. Perfect for me.

-Medical bills. 20 minutes with a doctor, 2 hours on an IV, 1 month of 4 different types of medicine cost me $12. Getting your teeth cleaned cost $1.60. Getting an eye exam, frames and lenses is about $17. Seriously, when going to the doctor doesn’t cost an arm and a leg people are more likely to go and prevent future illness. What an idea (cough America cough)

-Anything from the night market is dirt cheap, but the quality isn’t always awesome.

-Buying a house in Taiwan costs around $24,000usd

Altogether I would say that I can live well on $600usd a month. (everything included) That’s pretty awesome!

A couple days ago a friend asked me how I was feeling about leaving Taiwan and this is how I replied. It’s most similar to the feeling when you realize you need to put your dog to sleep. You try to enjoy your last few days with it, but everything you do makes you sadder. It is an understatement when I say I am going to miss this place.