Cost Comparison 2025

TaipeivsHanoi

Taiwan
Vietnam

Overall

💰

-35.4%

Taipei is 35.4%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-45.0%

Housing is 45.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-36.4%

Restaurants 36.4% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-40.0%

Food shopping 40.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Taipei, Taiwan and Hanoi, Vietnam reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Taipei is more affordable than Hanoi by approximately 35.4%. 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 higher than in Hanoi by 82%. A one-bedroom apartment in Taipei's city center costs around NT$25,000, while the same in Hanoi is approximately ₫12,000,000.

Dining out in Taipei is notably more expensive compared to Hanoi. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NT$120 in Taipei versus ₫50,000 in Hanoi.

Public transportation in Taipei is more affordable, with monthly passes at NT$1,280 compared to ₫200,000 in Hanoi.

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

Grocery shopping in Taipei is more expensive by approximately 67%. 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 Hanoi, the same lifestyle would cost around ₫4,820,000. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NT$34,580 monthly in Taipei versus ₫16,870,000 in Hanoi. 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
Hanoi, Vietnam

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NT$25,000
₫12,000,000
1BR Outside Center
NT$15,000
₫7,000,000
3BR City Center
NT$50,000
₫25,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NT$120
₫50,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NT$800
₫400,000
Cappuccino
NT$120
₫50,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NT$80
₫25,000

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NT$95
₫35,000
Bread (500g)
NT$50
₫20,000
Eggs (12)
NT$80
₫35,000
Cheese (1kg)
NT$600
₫350,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NT$25
₫8,000
Monthly Pass
NT$1,280
₫200,000
Taxi Start
NT$85
₫15,000
Gasoline (1L)
NT$32
₫24,000

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NT$2,500
₫2,000,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
NT$900
₫200,000
Mobile Minute
NT$5
₫2,000

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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

Hanoi

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index22
Purchasing Power Index28

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taipei more expensive than Hanoi?

No, Taipei is approximately 35.4% cheaper than Hanoi. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 74% of your Hanoi salary when living in Taipei. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Hanoi, you'd need about $36,932 in Taipei for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Taipei and Hanoi?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 82%, 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?

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

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

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 Hanoi, these figures are ₫11,820,000 for singles and ₫31,870,000 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Taipei and Hanoi in 2025 shows significant 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 Hanoi to maintain your lifestyle from Taipei

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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