Why Digital Nomads Choose Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung ranks #52 out of 366 cities in our global digital nomad index, scoring 71/100 overall. It's a strong contender for remote workers who value quality infrastructure and personal safety.
Cost of Living in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is a mid-range destination for digital nomads. A comfortable monthly budget including city centre rent, mid-range dining, and public transport comes to approximately $1,637 — that's 39% above the global average of $1,180.
Rent is the biggest expense: a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1,146/month, while moving outside the centre drops that to $709. Eating out is on the expensive side — a cheap meal costs $14 and a cappuccino runs $4. Budget-conscious nomads who cook at home and live outside the centre can manage on as little as $1,621/month.
See the full cost breakdown for Kaohsiung →
Internet and Connectivity
Average internet speed in Kaohsiung is 93 Mbps download and 28 Mbps upload, which is excellent. Reliability scores 7.4/10. This is more than sufficient for video calls, screen sharing, and uploading large files.
The city has 51 coworking spaces with average speeds of 75 Mbps — roughly matching residential connections. Day passes start at $17 and monthly memberships average $194.
Full internet and WiFi guide for Kaohsiung →
Safety and Healthcare
Kaohsiung scores 87/100 for safety (Excellent), which is above the global average. Most digital nomads and solo travellers report feeling safe walking around during the day and at night in central areas.
Healthcare quality scores 82/100. Excellent hospitals and private clinics are accessible, with many offering English-speaking staff and modern equipment. Air quality scores 54/100 and walkability 73/100.
Full safety and health guide for Kaohsiung →
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Kaohsiung has a subtropical, with warm winters and hot summers. Temperatures range from 15-35°C depending on season. Winters are mild and comfortable for working, while summers can be hot. Spring and autumn offer the best balance of pleasant weather and reasonable prices.
Visa Information for Taiwan
Taiwan offers the Employment Gold Card for remote workers. It allows stays of 1-3 years, costs NT$3,700 ($115), and requires a minimum income of NT$160,000/month ($5,000) salary history in qualifying field. Tax note: First 3 years: income up to NT$3M exempt from tax on foreign-sourced income
Full Taiwan digital nomad visa guide →
How Kaohsiung Compares
Compared to the global average, Kaohsiung is 39% more expensive, has faster internet (93 vs 67 Mbps average), and is safer (87 vs 67 average).
Looking for something cheaper? Consider <a href="/cities/dhaka/">Dhaka</a> ($415/mo), <a href="/cities/port-vila/">Port Vila</a> ($421/mo), <a href="/cities/hanoi/">Hanoi</a> ($442/mo).
Need faster internet? Check out <a href="/cities/rotterdam/">Rotterdam</a> (249 Mbps), <a href="/cities/sapporo/">Sapporo</a> (248 Mbps), <a href="/cities/busan/">Busan</a> (240 Mbps).