Taiwan's Most Suitable City for Retirement Isn't Taipei or Kaohsiung! Industry Insiders Recommend 1 County-City: 'Well-Functioning, Beautiful Environment, Relaxed Pace' — Top Choice for Post-Retirement Living

As Taiwan's population continues to age, creating cities where seniors can live safely and comfortably has become an increasingly important issue. According to data from Commonwealth Magazine's 2025 'Aging-in-Place City Survey,' Taichung City claimed the top spot among the six major cities as the most suitable for retirement living, while Chiayi City took first place among non-six municipalities.

Ranking of Most Suitable Retirement Cities Among the Six Major Cities

Rank | City | Total Score 1 | Taichung City | 712.00 2 | Kaohsiung City | 684.67 3 | Taipei City | 612.00 4 | Taoyuan City | 588.67 5 | Tainan City | 538.00 6 | New Taipei City | 505.33

The top two cities in the six major municipalities stood out due to their comprehensive hardware infrastructure and highly satisfactory software services, emerging as the preferred destinations for dignified aging.

Taichung City: A Model of Comprehensive Elderly-Friendly Infrastructure

Taichung City secured the top position among the six major cities, primarily due to its exceptionally well-developed barrier-free environment and long-term care resources. Not only does it boast the highest sidewalk coverage rate among the six cities, making daily walks and outings convenient for seniors, but it also ranks among the top in terms of barrier-free bus availability. Combined with a long-term care service coverage rate that ranks among the highest in the six cities, Taichung has created a seamless living environment for the elderly, ensuring accessibility and health support.

Kaohsiung City: A Model of Acclaimed Long-Term Care and Cultural Lifestyle

Coming in second, Kaohsiung City won hearts with its thoughtful software services and rich leisure life. Kaohsiung ranked first among the six cities in citizen satisfaction with long-term care policies, allowing seniors to enjoy high-quality, tangible care services. At the same time, its diverse and highly satisfying local cultural activities inject vitality into retirement life, enabling seniors to achieve a happy and active life in both body and mind.

Ranking of Most Suitable Retirement Cities Among Non-Six Municipalities

Rank | Non-Six Municipality | Total Score 1 | Chiayi City | 649.33 2 | Hsinchu City | 636.00 3 | Chiayi County | 633.33 4 | Yilan County | 616.67 5 | Pingtung County | 606.00 6 | Changhua County | 586.00 7 | Taitung County | 571.33 8 | Nantou County | 566.00 9 | Kinmen County | 548.00 10 | Penghu County | 538.67 11 | Yunlin County | 527.33 12 | Hsinchu County | 526.00 13 | Miaoli County | 510.67 14 | Keelung City | 507.33 14 | Lienchiang County | 507.33 16 | Hualien County | 504.67

Among non-six municipalities, several cities also emerged as outstanding retirement havens. The top two cities earned recognition for their thoughtful senior welfare programs and rich spiritual lives, becoming ideal retirement destinations in many people's eyes.

Chiayi City: Taiwan's First-Ever Elderly-Friendly City of Safety and Welfare

Chiayi City, ranked first among non-six municipalities, provides meticulous care for seniors' rights and safety. As Taiwan's first pilot city for the 'Age-Friendly City' initiative, the city government not only provides rare citywide low-floor buses but also offers free rides for seniors, greatly enhancing mobility convenience. Additionally, Chiayi City has the lowest rate of elderly fraud victimization among non-six municipalities on the main island, creating a secure and relaxing retirement environment for seniors.

Hsinchu City: A Model of Lifelong Learning and Active Aging

Hsinchu City, ranked second, demonstrates exceptional quality in spiritual life. It is the only non-six municipality where the 'adult participation rate in lifelong learning activities' exceeds 50%. With abundant cultural and educational resources and accessible learning channels, seniors can continue acquiring new knowledge and expanding their social circles after retirement, enjoying an active and fulfilling 'learn for life, live for life' retirement lifestyle.

The rankings have sparked heated online discussions: 'Kaohsiung people love Kaohsiung the most,' 'I'll definitely retire in Tainan or Kaohsiung—Taichung is better for working,' 'For retirement, living near Taipei Veterans General Hospital is best... just use insurance when sick, and living to 90 is easy,' 'Chiayi City is truly perfect for retirement,' 'Taipei? Too hot, crowded, and expensive,' 'The top three cities are also leaders in air pollution—overcast skies can make people depressed,' 'How come Yunlin is ranked so low?' 'I'm from Taichung, but I think Taipei has better sidewalk coverage.'