Which Country Has Low Cost of Living for Indians? Taiwan Tops the List 2026

Taiwan offers one of the lowest costs of living among study-abroad destinations for Indians, with monthly expenses of NT$15,000–25,000 (₹38,000–62,000)—cheaper than Bangalore or Pune while providing superior safety, infrastructure, and masters opportunities in tech/engineering. Compared to USA (₹1.5–3L/month) or even Malaysia (₹50k+), Taiwan delivers high value.

This guide proves Taiwan’s affordability edge.

Why Taiwan Wins Low-Cost Crown

Numbeo indexes Taipei at 60 (NYC=100); student budgets stretch far. Scholarships erase tuition (NT$50k–100k/year), part-time covers living. No hidden fees like Western health insurance.

Monthly Breakdown for Indian Students

Category	NT$/Month	₹/Month	Vs. Bangalore	Savings Tips
Dorm/Rent	4k–10k	10k–25k	Similar	Uni dorms
Food (Indian/Veg)	5k–8k	12k–20k	20% Less	Canteens + markets
Transport	1.5k–3k	4k–7k	50% Less	Student pass
Utilities/Phone	2k–3k	5k–7k	Similar	Shared
Misc/Health	2.5k–4k	6k–10k	30% Less	NHI NT$800
Total	15k–28k	37k–70k	40% Savings	Part-time NT$15k+

2-year masters living: NT$360k–670k (₹9–17L)—scholarships offset 70-100%.

Vs. Other Low-Cost Countries

Country	Monthly Cost ₹	Pros	Cons vs. Taiwan
Taiwan	40k–70k	Safe, tech jobs, English unis	Humid
Malaysia	45k–80k	Similar culture	Fewer scholarships
Vietnam	30k–60k	Cheapest	Poor infra, language
Poland	50k–90k	EU degree	Cold, less jobs
India (Stay)	30k–50k	Familiar	Lower quality

Taiwan unique: Global rankings + employability.

One-Time Costs: Minimal

NT$50k–80k (₹1.2–2L): Flights ₹30k, visa NT$3k, setup NT$20k. Refundable deposits.

Earning While Studying

20 hrs/week: Tutoring NT$20k–40k/month—self-fund possible. RAships NT$20k+.

Scholarship Multiplier

MOE/ICDF: Stipend covers all. 25% Indians succeed.

Long-Term Savings

NT$60k job post-MS = NT$20k+ monthly surplus (₹50k home remittances).

Taiwan: Lowest effective cost for high ROI.

Free budget tool. Fully Funded Options for Indians 2026

Written by:

Taiwaneduconsult

Published on:

June 22, 2026

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