Cost Comparison 2025

TaipeivsMontreal

Taiwan
Canada

Overall

💰

0.0%

Taipei is 0.0%same cost

Rent

🏠

0.0%

Housing is 0.0% same

Dining

🍽️

+23.6%

Restaurants 23.6% pricier

Groceries

🛒

0.0%

Food shopping 0.0% same

Comparing the cost of living between Taipei, Taiwan and Montreal, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Taipei is similarly priced than Montreal. 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 similar than in Montreal. A one-bedroom apartment in Taipei's city center costs around NT$25,000, while the same in Montreal is approximately CA$1,500.

Dining out in Taipei offers significant savings compared to Montreal. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NT$120 in Taipei versus CA$18 in Montreal.

Public transportation in Taipei is more expensive, with monthly passes at NT$1,280 compared to CA$94 in Montreal.

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

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 Montreal, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$570. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NT$34,580 monthly in Taipei versus CA$1,994 in Montreal. 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
Montreal, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NT$25,000
CA$1,500
1BR Outside Center
NT$15,000
CA$1,100
3BR City Center
NT$50,000
CA$2,600

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NT$120
CA$18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NT$800
CA$80
Cappuccino
NT$120
CA$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NT$80
CA$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NT$95
CA$2
Bread (500g)
NT$50
CA$3
Eggs (12)
NT$80
CA$4
Cheese (1kg)
NT$600
CA$16

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NT$25
CA$4
Monthly Pass
NT$1,280
CA$94
Taxi Start
NT$85
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
NT$32
CA$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NT$2,500
CA$90
Internet (60 Mbps)
NT$900
CA$65
Mobile Minute
NT$5
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Montreal 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 Montreal 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

Montreal

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taipei more expensive than Montreal?

The cost of living in Taipei and Montreal 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 Montreal?

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

What are the biggest cost differences between Taipei and Montreal?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 19%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Montreal, these figures are CA$1,670 for singles and CA$3,894 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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