Cost Comparison 2025

TaipeivsDoha

Taiwan
Qatar

Overall

💰

0.0%

Taipei is 0.0%same cost

Rent

🏠

+37.5%

Housing is 37.5% higher

Dining

🍽️

+18.2%

Restaurants 18.2% pricier

Groceries

🛒

-20.0%

Food shopping 20.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Taipei, Taiwan and Doha, Qatar reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Taipei is similarly priced than Doha. 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 Taipei are lower than in Doha by 27%. A one-bedroom apartment in Taipei's city center costs around NT$25,000, while the same in Doha is approximately QAR 7,000.

Dining out in Taipei offers significant savings compared to Doha. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NT$120 in Taipei versus QAR 35 in Doha.

Public transportation in Taipei is more expensive, with monthly passes at NT$1,280 compared to QAR 200 in Doha.

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

Grocery shopping in Taipei is more expensive by approximately 25%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Taipei can expect to spend approximately NT$9,880 per month (excluding rent), while in Doha, the same lifestyle would cost around QAR 1,876. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NT$34,580 monthly in Taipei versus QAR 6,566 in Doha. 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
Taipei, Taiwan
Doha, Qatar

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NT$25,000
QAR 7,000
1BR Outside Center
NT$15,000
QAR 4,500
3BR City Center
NT$50,000
QAR 14,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NT$120
QAR 35
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NT$800
QAR 200
Cappuccino
NT$120
QAR 20
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NT$80
QAR 50

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NT$95
QAR 6
Bread (500g)
NT$50
QAR 4
Eggs (12)
NT$80
QAR 10
Cheese (1kg)
NT$600
QAR 40

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NT$25
QAR 8
Monthly Pass
NT$1,280
QAR 200
Taxi Start
NT$85
QAR 10
Gasoline (1L)
NT$32
QAR 2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NT$2,500
QAR 300
Internet (60 Mbps)
NT$900
QAR 350
Mobile Minute
NT$5
QAR 1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Doha to Taipei, 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 Taipei to Doha 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

Taipei

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index70

Doha

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index55
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taipei more expensive than Doha?

The cost of living in Taipei and Doha is relatively similar, with only minor differences in specific categories. Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle choices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 100% of your Doha salary when living in Taipei. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Doha, you'd need about $50,000 in Taipei for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Taipei and Doha?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 27%, 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?

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

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

In Taipei, a single person needs approximately NT$24,880 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about NT$64,580. In Doha, these figures are QAR 6,376 for singles and QAR 15,566 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Taipei and Doha 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 Doha to maintain your lifestyle from Taipei

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers