Taiwan is a diverse destination famed for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Taiwan?
You should plan to spend around $123 (NT$3,974) per day on your vacation in Taiwan. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $28 (NT$893) on meals
- $11 (NT$363) on local transportation
- $141 (NT$4,556) on hotels
A one week trip to Taiwan for two people costs, on average, $1,725 (NT$55,636). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$863
NT$27,818
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,725
NT$55,636
-
One Month
Per person
$3,697
NT$119,220
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,725
NT$55,636
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,450
NT$111,272
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,393
NT$238,440
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Taiwan cost?
A one week trip to Taiwan usually costs around $863 (NT$27,818) for one person and $1,725 (NT$55,636) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Taiwan on average costs around $1,725 (NT$55,636) for one person and $3,450 (NT$111,272) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Taiwan will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Taiwan on average costs around $3,697 (NT$119,220) for one person and $7,393 (NT$238,440) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Taiwan expensive to visit?
Taiwan is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Asia, Taiwan is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Bhutan or South Korea.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Taiwan has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. For those on a budget, hostels in Taipei, Hualien, and Kao-hsiung are available, but there are also luxury hotels for affluent visitors, and plenty of mid-range hotels for families and couples.
If you're worried about costs in Taiwan, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $45 (NT$1,457) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $124 (NT$3,974) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $365 (NT$11,691) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Taiwan.
For more details, see Is Taiwan Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Taiwan?
The average Taiwan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Taiwan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Taiwan cost?
Taiwan on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$25
(NT$811)
|
$71
(NT$2,278)
|
$219
(NT$7,054)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4.16
(NT$134)
|
$11
(NT$363)
|
$33
(NT$1,057)
|
|
Food 2
|
$11
(NT$342)
|
$28
(NT$893)
|
$75
(NT$2,419)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6.60
(NT$213)
|
$17
(NT$539)
|
$42
(NT$1,359)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
(NT$112-337)
|
$8-25
(NT$271-814)
|
$19-57
(NT$610-1,829)
|
National Concert Hall, Taipei, Taiwan
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Taiwan for around $45 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, Taiwan has an abundance of hostels, particularly in Taipei, Hualien, and Kao-hsiung.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $124 per person, per day.
In Taiwan, you'll find plenty of hotels and vacation rentals to suit your needs. If you're traveling with a partner, friends, or your kids, then hotel costs will be divided, making it easier on your budget. Family-friendly destinations like Taitung City, Hengchun Township, and Ji'an Township offer hotels and restaurants with options tailored for kids. Some good places to stay are Summer Moonlight Vacation House in Taitung City or The Light in Hengchun Township. For more family- and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our hotel guide for Taiwan here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $365. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like Tainan City and Taipei. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as Around Taiwan - offered by MyTaiwanTour.
Accommodation Budget in Taiwan
The range of hotel prices in Taiwan can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Taiwan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $141 (NT$4,556). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $71 (NT$2,278) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Taiwan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Taiwan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $11 (NT$363) per person, per day, on local transportation in Taiwan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Taiwan is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$11
NT$363
Typical prices for transit in Taiwan are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Taiwan. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
-
Easycard
NT$300
-
Easycard
NT$65
Food Budget in Taiwan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Taiwan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Taiwan is $28 (NT$893) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$28
NT$893
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Taiwan is around $28 (NT$893) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $75. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Taiwan are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $14
- Dinner: $10 to $22
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Taiwanese cuisine comes mostly from mainland Chinese cuisine and you can generally even find regional specialties from the mainland all over Taiwan. It is possible to find Szechuan, Hunan, Beifang and Cantonese food throughout. Seafood is a staple in Taiwan, and many dishes also include eggs. Fruits are common and delicious, as the climate allows a diversity of options to grow.
Beef Noodles: This Tawainese staple is a noodle soup that is made with pieces of very tender stewed beef. It is also flavored with a few pickles.
Oyster Omelet: This dish is made from eggs, oysters, and the leaves of a local chrysanthemum. It's flavored with a sweet red sauce on top.
Taiwan Sausage: Taiwan sausage is most often made from pork and is similar to the Cantonese laap cheong, although not as sweet. While laap cheong is usually eaten with rice, this version is almost always eaten on its own with garlic.
If you're on a trip with children, keep an eye out for restaurants that have a childrens' menu. This can be a great money saver since those dishes are usually priced lower. Some restaurants may not include kids' options on their menus, so it's best to ask the waiter beforehand.
Most hotels include breakfast in their rates, though some add it as an additional cost. The price and quality can differ widely depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you determine if the hotel buffet is worth it or if a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or café is more suitable.
Take a water bottle with you rather than buying drinks everywhere you go. It's also great for the planet.
If you're planning to join a tour, check in advance about which meals are included. You may have to cover some food expenses on your own, which can stretch your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Taiwan. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Historic Taipei Dadaocheng Cooking Class and Market Adventure for $95 details
- Xiao long bao, Pork thick soup, Bubble milk tea. (Taiwan Cooking Class)-B for $65 details
- Turnip cake, Pork thick soup, Tofu pudding. Taiwan Traditional Light Meals Experience-C (Taipei Cooking Class) for $65 details
- WoknRoll Taipei Walking and Historical Food Tour for $85 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Taiwan, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
-
Louisa coffee
NT$95
-
Lunch
NT$150
-
Lunch
NT$115
-
Dinner
NT$200
-
Lunch
NT$60
-
Lunch
NT$95
-
EasyCard
NT$1,000
-
Lunch at The Can
NT$220
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Taiwan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Taiwan typically cost an average of $17 (NT$539) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
NT$539
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Taiwan. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Taiwan TST : Private Tour Taipei, Yangmingshan, Beitou, Tamsui for $193 details
- Sweets to Streets: 6Hr Taipei Adventure with Pineapple Cake DIY for $184 details
- Taipei Memory - 2 Days Tour for $200 details
- 2-Hour Private Dadaocheng Walking Tour for $35 details
Nightlife Budget in Taiwan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $17 (NT$543) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Taiwan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
NT$543
While partying at night is exciting, cutting down on alcohol can really reduce your travel expenses.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Taiwan. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Private Tour to Yilan Kavalan Whisky Distillery for $130 details
- Taipei Nightlife: Taipei Pub Crawls (2 Different Routes) for $28 details
- Taipei Nightlife: Taipei Pub Crawls (2 Different Routes) for $30 details
- Yilan Day Tour from Taipei: Visit Kavalan Whisky Distillery for $120 details
Traveling in Taiwan
The Syuentzang Temple, Hualien, Taiwan
Taiwan is officially governed by the Republic of China and is located off the coast of southeastern mainland China. The island has a population of over 23 million and it is one of the most densely populated places in the world.
There are many different scenic areas in Taiwan. Taipei is the entertainment center and has a lot of energy and vibrant events. Despite being so densely populated, Taiwan also has plenty of natural beauty such as impressive mountains and beautiful forests.
The population of Taiwan is 98% Han Chinese, with the remaining 2% being from the original indigenous tribes. 84% of the population is considered Taiwanese local residents whose ancestors migrated during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. 14% are mainlanders whose families fled to Taiwan after the PRC's establishment in 1949.
Taiwan has a marine tropical climate, which means that summers are hot and humid and winters are cool. Summer runs from June to September and winter is from November thru February. Northern Taiwan has the coldest temperatures and is prone to rain year around. Southern Taiwan is drier during the winter months. Typhoons may hit the island during the fall or winter months.
Taiwan has a chain of mountains running through the central island from north to south. Most of the population lives on the west coast which is much flatter and at a reduced risk for typhoons, which predominantly hit the east coast.
At A Glance
- In general, Taiwan uses the Minguo calendar which counts the years since the establishment of the Republic of China in 1911. To determine the current year in AD simply add 1911. For example, 2015 is 104 in Minguo. Months and days are kept according to the standard Gregorian calendar, although the lunar calendar is used to determine most holidays.
- Several languages are spoken in Taiwan including Taiwanese, Mandarin, Hakka and several other Asian languages. There are also several aboriginal Austronesian languages spoken. In the North most people speak Mandarin as this is where you will find the highest concentration of "mainlanders". Taiwanese is also spoken there. In the south Taiwanese is more common.
- The Taiwanese currency, the New Taiwan dollar, can be exchanged both on the island and off of it. There are no restrictions. You will generally get the best rate if you wait to exchange your money after you arrive. Most banks will exchange money and there is a 24 hour currency exchange window at the airport.
- As is true throughout most of Asia, night markets are a popular activity in Taiwan. Night markets offer visits plenty of entertainment, shopping and food. Most are open air markets that are packed full of vendors selling anything and everything. Larger cities usually have a night market daily, but smaller cities may only have them once a week.
- There are any number of interesting souvenirs in Taiwan, but some of the most popular things to buy include Jade, electronics such as computers, tea, and lingzhi. Lingzhi is a Chinese herb that has many supposed health benefits without many side effects. It tends to be expensive as it has gained a reputation throughout East Asia. If you decide to buy Jade it is important to make sure what you are buying is real. Do some research before you spend a significant amount of money on anything.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in China?
Traveling alone to Beijing or Hong Kong or want to party in Shanghai?
Top Tourist Attractions
The Taroko Gorge: This beautiful gorge is located on Taiwan's east coast near Hualien. It is a dramatic 19 kilometer long canyon that is well worth the trip. It is surrounded by Taroko Gorge National Park which was first designated a national park in 1986.
National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: This memorial is a symbol of both the Republic of China and Taipei. The courtyard hosts many national celebrations as well as protests. There is a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek and a museum that focuses on his life.
Taipei 101: This skyscraper, officially known as Taipei International Financial Center, is 101 stories and 508 meters high. It's located in the Zinyi District of Taipei and is the second highest skyscraper in the world. It also has the world's second fastest elevators and is worth a trip for the views alone.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.