Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Asia · Tropical
Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second-largest city, is a hidden gem for digital nomads. With its tropical climate, fast internet, and affordable cost of living, Kaohsiung provides an ideal environment for remote workers to thrive. The city's relaxed lifestyle, rich culture, and scenic landscapes make it an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between work and leisure.
At a Glance — Kaohsiung
City Personality
Kaohsiung is a relaxed and affordable tropical city with a rich cultural heritage.
Best For
- digital nomads
- remote workers
- those seeking a relaxed lifestyle
Less Suitable For
- those seeking a fast-paced city life
- high-end shopping and dining
Internet Speed in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung offers fast and reliable internet, with mobile download speeds of up to 156.7 Mbps and fixed download speeds of up to 262.1 Mbps. The city's internet infrastructure comfortably supports video conferencing, cloud development, and transferring large files, making it suitable for most remote professions.
Fixed Broadband
Fiber, cable, or DSL in your apartment
Mobile Data
4G/5G cellular network
Remote Work Readiness
Cost of Living in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung has a relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities in Taiwan. The monthly budget for a single person is around $576, excluding rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $384.5 per month. Everyday items like meals, transportation, and utilities are also affordable.
Cost Comparison: Cities in Taiwan
Visa Options for Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Taiwan offers a Digital Nomad Visa, making it easy to stay long-term.
Taiwan offers a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to stay in the country for up to 2 years. The visa requires an income of at least $40,000 per year for those over 30 and $20,000 per year for those between 20 and 29.
- eVisa
See what visa you need for Kaohsiung based on your passport
Is Kaohsiung Safe?
Kaohsiung is considered an extremely safe city, with a low crime rate and a high safety index of 79.37. Remote workers can feel comfortable walking alone, even at night, and petty crime is relatively rare.
What Residents Worry About
Crime Severity
Kaohsiung Climate & Weather
Kaohsiung has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best months to visit are from October to April, with comfortable temperatures and low rainfall. The city's climate is suitable for outdoor activities and cultural events.
Kaohsiung has a Tropical climate.Warm all year with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Average Daily Temperature
Daylight Hours
Real Estate Market in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung offers relatively affordable housing options, with a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around $384.5 per month. The city's property market is suitable for renters, with a price-to-income ratio of 12.92.
Overview
Buy vs Rent
Rental Yields & Returns
Apartment Prices
City Centre
Outside Centre
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Buying property requires 12.9 years of salary — renting is more practical for nomads.
- Mortgage costs take up 82.6% of income — renting offers more flexibility.
- Loan affordability is low — plan for upfront cash payments if considering property.
Healthcare Quality in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung has an excellent healthcare system, with a high healthcare index of 89.48. Remote workers can access high-quality medical care, with skilled staff and modern equipment.
Quality Scores
Satisfaction Scores
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Kaohsiung has strong healthcare infrastructure — digital nomads can expect reliable medical support for routine needs.
Traffic & Commute in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung experiences moderate traffic congestion, with a traffic index of 114.79. Remote workers can expect a commute time of around 28.2 minutes, with various transportation options available, including motorcycles, buses, and taxis.
Overview
Traffic Indexes
Commute Mode Split
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Traffic congestion is significant — consider accommodation close to co-working spaces or use public transit.
- Traffic inefficiency is high — avoid rush hour travel and plan routes with real-time navigation.
Pollution & Environment in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung experiences poor air quality, with an air quality index of 18.92. Remote workers may want to take precautions, such as wearing masks, when outdoors. The city's pollution index is 79.93, indicating a need for improvement.
Overview
Pollution Levels — Lower is better
Quality Metrics — Higher is better
Livability
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Consider an air purifier for your apartment, especially during high-pollution months.
- Stick to bottled or filtered water — tap water quality is a concern.
- Look for accommodation on quiet streets or higher floors to escape noise and light pollution.
- Avoid swimming in local rivers or lakes — water pollution levels are elevated.
- Some areas may be less tidy — research neighborhoods before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kaohsiung
- Is Kaohsiung a suitable city for digital nomads?
- Yes, Kaohsiung offers a unique blend of fast internet, affordable living, and a relaxed lifestyle, making it an attractive destination for remote workers.
- What is the cost of living in Kaohsiung?
- The monthly budget for a single person is around $576, excluding rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $384.5 per month.
- Is Kaohsiung a safe city?
- Yes, Kaohsiung is considered an extremely safe city, with a low crime rate and a high safety index of 79.37.
- What is the climate like in Kaohsiung?
- Kaohsiung has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best months to visit are from October to April, with comfortable temperatures and low rainfall.
- Is Kaohsiung suitable for remote work?
- Yes, Kaohsiung's internet infrastructure comfortably supports video conferencing, cloud development, and transferring large files, making it suitable for most remote professions.
- What are the nearby destinations for exploration?
- Kaohsiung is close to other major cities in Taiwan, such as Taichung, New Taipei City, and Taipei.
- What are the visa options for digital nomads in Kaohsiung?
- Taiwan offers a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to stay in the country for up to 2 years. The visa requires an income of at least $40,000 per year for those over 30 and $20,000 per year for those between 20 and 29.
- How is the healthcare system in Kaohsiung?
- Kaohsiung has an excellent healthcare system, with a high healthcare index of 89.48. Remote workers can access high-quality medical care, with skilled staff and modern equipment.
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Kaohsiung's internet infrastructure is suitable for remote work, with fast and reliable speeds.
Kaohsiung's coworking ecosystem is still developing, but remote workers can find alternative workspaces.
Kaohsiung offers an affordable cost of living, making it suitable for digital nomads on a budget.
Kaohsiung offers a digital nomad visa option, making it easy for remote workers to stay in the country.
Kaohsiung is a safe and secure city, suitable for remote workers.
Kaohsiung's tropical climate offers a unique experience for remote workers.
Kaohsiung offers affordable housing options, making it suitable for remote workers.
Kaohsiung's healthcare system is of high quality, suitable for remote workers.
Kaohsiung's electricity infrastructure is reliable, but more data is needed.
Kaohsiung's traffic congestion is moderate, with various transportation options available.
Kaohsiung's air quality is a concern, with poor air quality and high pollution index.
Kaohsiung is strategically located near other major cities in Taiwan.