Cost Comparison 2025

BerlinvsTaipei

Germany
Taiwan

Overall

💰

-7.1%

Berlin is 7.1%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-27.3%

Housing is 27.3% lower

Dining

🍽️

-15.4%

Restaurants 15.4% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+15.4%

Food shopping 15.4% more

Comparing the cost of living between Berlin, Germany and Taipei, Taiwan reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Berlin is more affordable than Taipei by approximately 7.1%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Berlin are higher than in Taipei by 38%. A one-bedroom apartment in Berlin's city center costs around €1,400, while the same in Taipei is approximately NT$25,000.

Dining out in Berlin is notably more expensive compared to Taipei. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €12 in Berlin versus NT$120 in Taipei.

Public transportation in Berlin is more affordable, with monthly passes at €91 compared to NT$1,280 in Taipei.

Purchasing power in Berlin is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Taipei.

Grocery shopping in Berlin is more affordable by approximately 13%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Berlin can expect to spend approximately €592 per month (excluding rent), while in Taipei, the same lifestyle would cost around NT$9,880. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €2,073 monthly in Berlin versus NT$34,580 in Taipei. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Berlin, Germany
Taipei, Taiwan

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,400
NT$25,000
1BR Outside Center
€1,000
NT$15,000
3BR City Center
€2,800
NT$50,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€12
NT$120
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€60
NT$800
Cappuccino
€4
NT$120
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€4
NT$80

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
NT$95
Bread (500g)
€2
NT$50
Eggs (12)
€3
NT$80
Cheese (1kg)
€12
NT$600

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€3
NT$25
Monthly Pass
€91
NT$1,280
Taxi Start
€5
NT$85
Gasoline (1L)
€2
NT$32

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€250
NT$2,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
€35
NT$900
Mobile Minute
€0
NT$5

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Taipei to Berlin, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Berlin to Taipei requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Berlin

Cost of Living Index70
Rent Index55
Purchasing Power Index95

Taipei

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index70

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Berlin more expensive than Taipei?

No, Berlin is approximately 7.1% cheaper than Taipei. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Berlin compared to Taipei?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 93% of your Taipei salary when living in Berlin. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Taipei, you'd need about $46,667 in Berlin for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Berlin and Taipei?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 38%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Berlin offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Berlin provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Berlin if you prioritize earning potential, or Taipei for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Berlin vs Taipei?

In Berlin, a single person needs approximately €1,592 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €4,073. In Taipei, these figures are NT$24,880 for singles and NT$64,580 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Berlin and Taipei in 2025 shows moderate differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Taipei to maintain your lifestyle from Berlin

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers