Taiwan's Most Livable City Isn't Taipei or Kaohsiung! Expats Highly Recommend 1 County for Its Great Amenities and Affordable Cost of Living: Once You Live There, You Never Want to Leave

Many people work hard to buy homes, and the choice of residence significantly affects quality of life. A netizen recently posted on Dcard, suggesting that a truly livable city isn't necessarily the most bustling one, but rather a place where you'd enjoy walking home after work. The post asked others which city they'd most like to move to, sparking widespread discussion. Taichung received the most recommendations, with users praising its pleasant climate, convenient transportation, and high quality of life.

The poster compared Taiwan's cities to students. Taipei, they said, is like the top student who excels in everything—offering endless opportunities for education, jobs, and social connections. Taichung, on the other hand, is the MVP in weather—less crowded than Taipei, yet not too rural. With growing numbers of restaurants, night markets, shopping malls, and parks, it has attracted a wave of new residents in recent years, though traffic remains a challenge.

Kaohsiung is described as a city that grows on you—the wide roads, stable weather, and relatively low cost of living make it appealing. Yilan and Hualien may lack the urban excitement of the six major cities, but their proximity to mountains and oceans offers a refreshing reminder to slow down. In Tainan, the biggest daily dilemma is deciding what to eat next. And in Hsinchu, it's common to see parents pushing strollers while discussing AI chips—salaries and housing prices are both high.

Users shared their favorite livable cities in the comments. One said, 'Taoyuan is the most livable—earthquakes are mild, and all basic needs for food, clothing, housing, and entertainment are fully met. There are plenty of outdoor facilities and natural landscapes. Shopping malls are everywhere. If you're bored, you can easily travel north, south, or even abroad. You get the job opportunities of northern Taiwan with the best weather in the north—life in Taoyuan feels truly happy.'

Others disagreed: 'Having lived in both north and south for over five years, I'd instantly pick Taipei. The convenience and food scene are just far superior. I don't think Tainan and Kaohsiung are as great as they're hyped online.' Some praised the east coast but noted frequent natural disasters. One user said, 'After living in four or five cities, I still love Kaohsiung most—please transfer me back!' Another shared, 'After moving back to Changhua from Taipei, I can't return to big cities. The location is convenient, and prices are much more affordable—but the job market is really lacking.'

Taoyuan was also praised for mild earthquakes and typhoons. 'Kaohsiung is great—beaches, mountains, parks, and malls are all close by. Public transit, buses, and bike paths are available, and it's not too crowded.' Others dismissed Hsinchu as unsuitable for living, while one recommended Miaoli for its charming coastal towns and scenic hills.

However, Taichung received the most enthusiastic endorsements. One user said, 'I didn't get it before, but my professor—a lifelong Taipei resident with degrees from National Taiwan University—said once he lived in Taichung, he never wanted to leave. I was skeptical, but when I got job offers in both Taipei and Taichung with the same salary, I chose Taichung instantly. The quality of life difference is huge. I pay less than 10,000 TWD in rent for a well-lit apartment near the MRT and train station, with a private balcony and a ventilated bathroom. Taichung's pace is slower—no endless queues, no lunchtime rush that feels like a battle. In Taipei, couples discuss how to save money or check stock prices in line. That lifestyle gets exhausting. In Taichung, I can easily travel north or south on weekends.'

Another noted, 'Taichung actually has plenty of job opportunities—many SMEs and factories—but salaries are shockingly low. Still, business owners and second-generation heirs live well, and luxury imported cars are common on the streets. After living there for three years, I've seen constant construction and new developments—new apartments and grand restaurants opening everywhere.'

Others praised Taichung's weather: 'I loved Taichung's climate when I studied there in university. It's so comfortable. The city is compact, everything is accessible, and rent is cheap. Restaurants are spacious and stress-free. On weekends, I'd stroll around Jingmei Green Park. I lived in Taichung for six years and got sick less often than I did in just one year in Taipei.'

A Taipei native who studied in Taichung said, 'Once you've lived in Taichung, you can't go back. The weather is amazing—does it even rain 60 days a year? And everything is cheaper and tastier.'

Overall, Taichung emerged as the most recommended city, celebrated for its balanced lifestyle, affordability, and high livability.