Our ultimate guide helps you find your ideal apartment in Taipei in 2024!
Discover practical information on the top districts and neighborhoods and taiwan rental details with a click!
1. Rent Apartments In Taiwan
Finding a place to live in Taiwan can be challenging, especially if you don't speak the local language. Don't worry! This ultimate guide will help you learn about renting an apartment in Taiwan and make the process as simple and stress free as possible!
1-1. Types of apartments in Taiwan
There are several types of apartments in Taiwan, including:
- Studio apartments
- Apartments (no elevator) (i.e., older apartments)
- Apartments (with elevator)
- Luxury apartments
- Houses for rent
The type of apartment you choose depends on a few different factors, such as budget, desired features, and more. Let's review each of these in-depth to help you decide which one could be the best fit for your needs.
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Studios (Tao-Fang 套房)
Studio apartments are small, with just enough space for a bed, desk, kitchenette, and bathroom. They're popular among students and expats who don't want to live in dorms or share a bedroom with strangers.
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Apartments (no elevator) (Gong-Yu, 公寓）
Apartments without elevators are often older than standard apartments. Generally, you'll find that buildings shorter than six stories in Taiwan won't have an elevator, so it's worth keeping this in mind while conducting your search.
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Apartments (with elevator)
In Taiwan, the standard apartment is what most people live in, fully equipped with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Still, there are two types of standard apartments to be aware of (especially if having an elevator is important to you):
- Dian-Ti-Da-Lou (電梯大樓): Buildings with more than ten stories, which have elevators and usually have a building concierge
- Hua-Xia (華廈): Buildings with less than ten stories, which also have elevators but often do not have a building concierge.
Anything outside of these categories might belong to an older, elevator-less structure, so keep your eyes open!
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Luxury Apartments (Haozhai, 豪宅)
If you are looking for luxury apartments, Taiwan has plenty of them. These tend to be on the larger side and can be found in newly-built high-rise buildings throughout the country—some even have private parking lots and security guards. Residents also get access to exclusive amenities like swimming pools, gyms, saunas, and private rooftop gardens.
As a general rule, the most luxurious apartments are found in Taipei. This is because many of the country's wealthiest people live there and make investments in real estate. It's also where many international businesses have their headquarters, so it makes sense that luxury housing would be popular here.
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Independent houses
Taiwan also has stand-alone houses available to rent. These are the largest housing type and usually have 3-5 bedrooms and 3-4 bathrooms, as opposed to the one bedroom and one bathroom that you'll find in most apartment buildings. Expats with larger families and who enjoy having their own private swimming pool/garden prefer this type of housing as they will not be restricted to building regulations and will not need to share the space with other neighbors.
Tou-Tien-Cuo (透天厝) is the main type of independent house in Taiwan. They are 2-4 stories high, and these structures resemble “Townhouses” in the United States, meaning that the outer walls are shared with the neighboring homes. Some newly-built Tou-Tien-Cuos have modern amenities and a living space that starts on the first floor—which means you won’t have to live above a business.
1-2. Things you need to know before looking for an apartment
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In Taiwan, we measure an apartment using Ping（坪）.
The most common unit of measurement for apartment sizes in Taiwan is a ping (坪). It equals about 35 square feet (about 3.3 square meters). Most rental listings you see are the gross size (ping).
In Taiwan, the listed property size is the gross size, which includes not only the apartment itself but also the building’s common areas (any space outside the apartment itself). This includes the lobby, elevator space, rooftop, gym, swimming pool, and any other area that residents can use. Net size is everything inside the apartment (including balconies)—some properties may even include the parking space in their gross ping.
So next time you check out an apartment, make sure to ask what the net size is, as that will be the liveable interior space!
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In apartments without a concierge, residents must take out the trash to throw when the trash truck arrives.
Taipei and New Taipei City have municipal garbage trucks that make distinct Beethoven-like jingles as they cruise the streets at night. Recyclables, kitchen waste, and normal trash are collected separately in bags provided by local governments; you have to sort them before throwing them into special bins or trucks.
Elsewhere in Taiwan, residents usually wait outside for the garbage truck, which comes by five times a week. After placing their trash into city-approved garbage bags (which must be city-approved in Taipei and New Taipei City), they throw the waste into the truck themselves before it moves to the next residence.
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Utilities: natural gas and gas tanks
As the name suggests, natural gas is the main energy source for cooking and heating in Taiwan. There are two main sources:
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- Piped natural gas: Homes with piped natural gas have instant, convenient access to the energy source (as it’s already built into the structure), and often result in money savings over time.
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- Natural gas tanks: If your house is without piped natural gas, you will need to purchase and store individual tanks on your own. Unfortunately, this can get expensive and take up space, so finding a place with piped gas is always preferable.
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Utilities: independent and shared electricity meters
Regardless of which meter you have, electricity is charged by the kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is the standard unit of measure for electric energy worldwide. The cost per kWh varies from one region to another, so it’s important to check with your real estate agent about how much you can expect to pay before signing a lease.
As for usage, there are two ways that renters in Taiwan pay for this utility: independent and shared electricity meters. The latter tends to be the more expensive one, given that landlords usually charge 5 NT per KWT hour, since more than one resident's power usage is being tracked (the standard rate is around 2 NT per KWT hour).
As such, independent electricity meters are your best—and cheapest bet since you will be directly paying Taipower rather than your landlord. You can expect to receive a bill for this once every two months.
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No internal heating in Taiwanese apartments
Renters should also know that there is no internal heating in Taiwanese apartments, particularly in older apartments. This is because winter in Taiwan is typically very short, and it rarely ever drops below 9 degrees, so there's simply no need! During cold waves, most households will choose to use a portable heater. However, upscale apartments in Taiwan are usually equipped with air conditioners with both cooling and heating.
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Furnished apartment v.s. Unfurnished apartments
The apartments for rent in Taiwan mostly come in 2 types: furnished and unfurnished. Furnished apartments in Taiwan come with appliances and furniture, allowing you to move in immediately. Most studios and 1-2 bedroom apartments are come furnished.
Unfurnished means there are neither appliances nor furniture. Most commonly, larger 3-4 bedroom apartments or houses are unfurnished since they are more suitable for families, and many local/expat families will want to buy their own or bring their furniture from overseas.
There are also some in-betweens (i.e., partially furnished apartments), depending on what your landlord is willing to provide. So remember to ask your agent to see if negotiation is possible!
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Tax
Most of the listing rent excludes tax. Oftentimes, if your company is signing the lease for you, there will be a tax of 12.11% (10% withholding tax and 2.11% 2nd generation health insurance) on top of the base rent. However,If you are renting as an individual, there is usually no extra tax.
For example, if you rent as an individual, the rent will be $100,000. But if your company rents for you, the rent will be adjusted to $113,778 (inclusive of withholding tax and 2nd generation health insurance).
2. Rent Apartments In Taipei
2-1. Where are the best districts and neighborhoods in Taipei
Now that we have some basics out of the way, it's time to finally dive into the areas you might soon be calling home. Though there is a diverse range of unique communities in Taipei, we feel the following are worth highlighting due to their attractiveness for English-speaking foreigners and overall quality of life:
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Tianmu(天母）in Shilin District(士林區）
Tucked away in the city’s northern area, Tianmu is home to the largest number of expats and expat families in Taipei City and is also packed with International Schools: Taipei American School, Taipei European School, and Taipei Japanese School. Several embassies and representative offices are also headquartered in Tianmu, making it all the more welcoming to expats.
Those who love nature will feel particularly at home here, as the green Zhongshan Road and Zhongshan North Road boast the highest proportion of parks in Taipei City. The area even has Tianmu Sports Park and Tianmu Baseball Stadium, where residents can engage in friendly games or watch a local sports team compete.
There are also plenty of shopping opportunities at the Takashimaya, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, and SOGO shopping malls—most of which are more likely to have personnel who speak English. Furthermore, retailers here usually sell a higher number of imported goods compared to other areas in Taipei, such as the locally-famous Wendel’s German Bakery & Bistro. Aside from offering delicious coffee and pastries, this spot is a popular place to make new friends!
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Tianmu W. Rd. Shilin Dist., Taipei City Layout： 3 Bed 2 Bath Size：103.1 Ping (3668.63 sq.ft） MRT： Shipai (Veterans General Hospital) NT$ 135,000 / month |
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Sec. 6, Zhongshan N. Rd. Shilin Dist., Taipei City Layout： 4 Bed 4 Bath Size：115.41 Ping (4106.66 sq.ft） MRT： Zhishan NT$ 240,000 / month |
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Dexing E. Rd. Shilin Dist., Taipei City Layout： 3 Bed 3 Bath Size：110.32 Ping (3925.54 sq.ft） MRT： Zhishan NT$ 200,000 / month |
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Xinyi District(信義區）
This district is close to Taipei 101—Taiwan’s largest skyscraper—along with a number of other modern skyscrapers, giving it a youthful atmosphere. Additionally, Xinyi is home to Taipei City Hall.
Because of the number of high-rise buildings in the area, Xinyi is also known as “Taipei Manhattan” by locals. During the weekend, shoppers will flock to this commercial hub to enjoy its extensive shopping areas, department stores, and cinemas. So, if you love urban-inspired fashion, Xinyl District is a great choice!
For a respite from city life, locals can always visit Xiangshan Park, where they’ll find leafy hiking trails and scenic views from its lookout locations.
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Section 1, Keelung Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City Layout： 3 Bed 3 Bath Size：49.48 Ping (1,761 sq.ft） MRT： Taipei City Hall NT$ 115,000 / month |
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Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City Layout： 2 Bed 2 Bath Size：101.28 Ping (3603 sq.ft） MRT： Xiangshan NT$ 180,000 / month |
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Wuxing Street, Xinyi District, Taipei City Layout： 3 Bed 2 Bath Size：110.32 Ping (2054 sq.ft） MRT： Xiangshan NT$ 105,000 / month |
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Wuxing Street, Xinyi District, Taipei City Layout： 4 Bed 3 Bath Size：110.32 Ping (3228 sq.ft） MRT： Xiangshan NT$ 150,000 / month |
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Songyong Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City Layout： 3 Bed 4 Bath Size：139 Ping (4,946 sq.ft） MRT： Xiangshan NT$ 350,000 / month Click here to see more details
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Da’an District (大安區）
Recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere, there’s a lot of beauty to find in Da’an, from the Da’an Forest Park to its Jianguo Holiday Jade Market and Flower market. Families are also known to spend their weekends perusing the Zhongxiao Dunhua and Fuxing shopping areas here.
Foodies can easily spend hours browsing the numerous restaurants in Da’an, as well as its various trendy bars. In particular, locals and expats often head to one of the cafes, mango shaved ice, and restaurants on Yongkang Street to unwind during the weekend.
Da’an also hosts some historical landmarks that provide a glance at what life in Taipei was like centuries ago. Near the Gongguan metro station, you can find the Fanglan Mansion and Yifang Mansion, which were both built for the Chen family in the 1800s.
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Guting（古亭）/Shida（師大）/Gonguan（公館）
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Education is another major draw in these areas, as many foreigners study Mandarin at National Taiwan Normal University(師大, Shida). Other notable schools in the area include the National Taiwan University(台大, Taida) and the National Taiwan University of Technology.
Explorers shouldn’t miss out on visiting the Guting Riverside Park, which was built between Yongfu Bridge and Zhongzheng Bridge. The green area offers quite a few ways to enjoy the outdoors, including basketball courts, tennis courts, and a skating rink. Those with bikes can also join other residents cruising down its gorgeous trails, which are also well-lit for nighttime riding!
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Section 3, Xinyi Road, Daan District, Taipei City Layout： 3 Bed 3 Bath Size：102.3 Ping (3640 sq.ft） MRT： Da'an Forest Park NT$ 280,000 / month |
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Section 3, Civic Avenue, Daan District, Taipei City Layout： 3 Bed 3 Bath Size：97.31 Ping (3462 sq.ft） MRT： Zhongxiao Xinsheng (National Taipei University of Technology) NT$ 220,000 / month |
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Section 2, Fuxing South Road, Daan District, Taipei City Layout： 4 Bed 2 Bath Size：53.21 Ping (1893 sq.ft） MRT： Technology Building NT$ 150,000 / month |
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Section 1, Xinsheng South Road, Daan District, Taipei City Layout： 2 Bed 2 Bath Size：63.7 Ping (2266 sq.ft） MRT： Zhongxiao Xinsheng (National Taipei University of Technology) NT$ 125,000 / month Click here to see more details
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Dazhi （大直）in Zhongshan District（中山區）
The Zhongshan district is well known for the area Dazhi (大直）, which has been modernized with many residential high-end hotels, fancy shopping malls, and restaurants. Additionally, Taipei Songshan Airport is close to Dazhi, making it the top choice for entrepreneurs living in this neighborhood.
Transportation is another major draw in Zhongshan district, with four metro lines running across the district (the Taiwanese call this “MRT” in English). Also, there are many bus routes in which people can reach the primary spots in Taipei within 30 minutes.
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Lequn 2nd Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City Layout： 3 Bed 3 Bath Size：133.47 Ping (4748.15 sq.ft） MRT： Dazhi(Shih Chien University) NT$ 350,000 / month |
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Lequn 2nd Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City Layout： 3 Bed 3 Bath Size：79.21 Ping (2817.87 sq.ft） MRT： Dazhi(Shih Chien University) NT$ 150,000 / month |
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Lequn 2nd Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City Layout： 2 Bed 3 Bath Size：118.95 Ping (4231.96 sq.ft） MRT： Dazhi(Shih Chien University) NT$ 230,000 / month |
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Neihu District (內湖區）
Located just next to Dazhi, expats will quickly recognize the big-box stores that occupy this area, like Costco! You can also find the Tri-Service General Hospital here.
Locals and expats alike find it particularly convenient to live in Neihu, as it’s close to the “Neihu Science and Technology Park,” which is a hub for several large companies. And transportation is never an issue, as the expressway near Neihu features three junctions: "East Lake, Chenggong, and Diding". If you want to take the high-speed rail, you can reach Nangang High-speed Rail Station in just 10 minutes by car.
Though Neihu is home to quite a bit of infrastructure, it isn’t absent of natural beauty: the rivers and mountains in Bihu Park, Dahu Park, and Dagou River are always nearby!
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Xingyun Street, Neihu District, Taipei City Layout： 3 Bed 2 Bath Size：87.13 Ping (3099.62 sq.ft） MRT： Wende (Bihu Park) NT$ 85,000 / month |
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Section 4, Chenggong Road, Neihu District, Taipei City Layout： 3 Bed 2 Bath Size：72.19 Ping (2568.13 sq.ft） MRT： Neihu NT$ 150,000 / month |
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Lishan Street, Neihu District, Taipei City Layout： 4 Bed 2 Bath Size：88.6 Ping (3151.92 sq.ft） MRT： Wende (Bihu Park) NT$ 85,000 / month |
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Section 4, Chenggong Road, Neihu District, Taipei City Layout： 4 Bed 2 Bath Size：126.46 Ping (4498.77 sq.ft） MRT： Neihu NT$ 230,000 / month Click here to see more details
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Yangming Mountain（陽明山）
In the past two years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Taiwanese people shifted their living preferences to areas close to nature, which is why more people flocked to luxury mansions in Yangmingshan. Yangmingshan has gradually developed from a simple tourist spot to the first choice for wealthy people looking to buy houses.
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Section 2, Yangde Avenue, Shilin District, Taipei City Layout： 6 Bed 6 Bath Size：130.4 Ping (4638.94 sq.ft） MRT： Shilin NT$ 200,000 / month |
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Section 2, Zhiyu Road, Shilin District, Taipei City Layout： 4 Bed 3 Bath Size：50.15 Ping (1784.07 sq.ft） MRT： Zhishan NT$ 150,000 / month |
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Dongshan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City Layout： 5 Bed 6 Bath Size：132.53 Ping (4714.71 sq.ft） MRT： Zhishan NT$ 150,000 / month |
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Banqiao in New Taipei City (新北市板橋）
Transportation is the major draw in Banqiao District, New Taipei City, with the High-Speed Railway, Taiwan Railways, two Taipei metro lines, and the bus terminals located here. There are many shopping malls and restaurants near Banqiao Station, making Banqiao a top choice for people to live.
Overall, it's difficult to say which of these districts is the "best" for foreigners, as each of them is quite friendly to outsiders and offers unique attractions. It's worth looking into each to see what they have to offer and decide which one might fit your needs best.
2-2. How much does it cost to rent in Taipei (Updated 2024)
The cost of a Taiwan rental depends on a diverse range of factors, including the type of property you're looking for, the location, and size.
In general, here's the price range you can expect to pay in Taipei for an apartment in the following areas:
Rental Prices (Updated 2024) (Local apartment - Luxury apartment)
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- 1 bedroom: NT$20,000 ~ NT$50,000
- 2 bedrooms: NT$40,000 ~ NT$80,000
- 3 bedrooms: NT$50,000 ~ NT$150,000
- 4bedrooms: NT$70,000 ~ NT$300,000
- Standalone: NT$150,000 ~ NT$350,000
There is a LARGE price difference due to the fluctuations between a standard and luxury apartment and the level of interior renvoations and furnishings. Some standard apartments come with stairs and no concierge, and garbage is dropped off by the resident to garbage trucks. However, for luxury apartments, they will likely have a 24-hour concierge and has in-building garbage collection and high-end finishings.
2-3. How to find apartments for rent in Taipei (Updated 2024)
Landing an apartment in Taipei can be a challenge, but there are several ways to find one that suits your needs. Here are some methods commonly used:
- Search rental websites for available apartments in the area you want to live in: This can be done through websites such as Airbnb, and Craigslist, Spacoius which have a number of independent listings to browse through. If your browser is capable of translating the pages to English, you can also use Mandarin websites like 591 and Housefun.
- Look through different social media platforms: Places like Facebook have many groups dedicated to housing rentals—even some dedicated solely for foreigners.
As always, make sure you're keeping yourself safe when browsing these listings and reaching out to potential landlords. Ask for references, personal information and a quick phone call before making a commitment.
3. Apartment Rental Agencies
If you'd rather have expert advice and guidance when trying to find apartments, foreigners in Taiwan can also consider seeking assistance with a professional apartment rental agency.
At UR HOUSE, our English-speaking agents are prepared to help you find your ideal apartment in the most efficient way possible through our unparalleled service quality. From assessing your needs to creating a personalized property list to negotiating the terms to helping you understand what to expect come move-in day, we're ready to be by your side from day one.
So, if you're ready to find your dream apartment in Taiwan, contact our team today!
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