Renting an Apartment in Taipei: A Guide for Expats
Photo by James Hunt via Unsplash
Taipei is an exciting city with a unique blend of modernity and tradition, making it an attractive place to live for expats, students, and young professionals. However, renting an apartment in Taipei can be challenging, especially if you don’t speak Chinese. This guide will walk you through the best ways to secure a place to stay in Taipei, comparing various rental platforms and highlighting the best districts based on your lifestyle and budget.
1. Understanding the Rental Market in Taipei
Rental prices in Taipei vary depending on location, size, and whether the unit is furnished. Most leases require a one-year commitment, though short-term options are available.
- Shared apartments/private rooms: NT$7,000 – NT$20,000 per month
- Studio/one-bedroom apartments: NT$12,000 – NT$40,000 per month
- Larger apartments (2+ bedrooms): NT$25,000 – NT$60,000 per month
- Security deposit: Usually two months’ rent
- Utilities: NT$1,000 – NT$3,000 per month (electricity, water, internet)
2. Best Platforms to Find Rentals in Taipei
Please find list of platforms which are expat-friendly:
| Name | Description | Number of Properties | Diversity of Properties | Support For Tenants | Quality of Service | Value for Money | Overall Rank |
| pop-rooms.com | pop-rooms.com shared and private housing for both long term and short term tenants. English support, fully furnished. | Good number of properties. | Extremely diverse properties. | Best support for tenants. | Amazing quality of service. | Best value for money in Taiwan | 10/10 |
| Borderless House | Borderless House offers shared housing with international residents, which can be a great way to meet new people and experience different cultures. | Average number of properties. | Not very diverse properties. | Good Support for tenants. | Average quality of service. | Good value for money in Taiwan | 9/10 |
| 9floor | 9floor provides a shared living spaces in specific areas of Taipei. | Very Limited number of properties | Not very diverse properties. | Good Support for tenants. | Average quality of service. | Good value for money in Taiwan | 8/10 |
| International House of Taipei | Rental rooms to students in Taipei. They may have some short-term options available. *You need student ID to rent rooms. | Good number of properties. | Not very diverse properties. | Good Support for tenants. | Good quality of service. | Good value for money in Taiwan | 8.5/10 |
| May Rooms | May Rooms offers a variety of private rooms and studios for rent, to students. | Limited number of properties. | Not very diverse properties. | Average Support for tenants. | Average quality of service. | Good value for money in Taiwan | 7/10 |
| My Room Abroad | This platform specializes in short-term rentals for students and interns. | High number of properties. | Good diverse properties. | Average Support for tenants. | Average quality of service. | Good value for money in Taiwan | 8/10 |
3. Choosing the Right District in Taipei
The best area to live in depends on your budget, lifestyle, and commuting needs.
🏙️ Central & Lively Areas (Higher Rent)
- Da’an District (大安區) – The best area for coffee lovers, students, and professionals who enjoy an active social life.
- Xinyi District (信義區) – Taipei’s upscale financial district with modern apartments and nightlife.
- Zhongzheng District (中正區) – Close to NTU, historical sites, and excellent transport options.
🌿 Balanced & Affordable Areas
- Zhongshan District (中山區) – A mix of expat-friendly areas, local markets, and good restaurants.
- Songshan District (松山區) – Conveniently located with a mix of residential and commercial zones.
💰 Budget-Friendly & Local Areas
- Wenshan District (文山區) – Quiet and near nature, with cheaper rents.
- Neihu District (內湖區) – Modern but slightly farther from the city center.
- Banqiao (板橋區, New Taipei City) – Affordable and well-connected via the MRT.
The public transport in Taipei is well planned and extremely convenient, contrast to different cities around the world. As long as your house is next to MRT, you can go anywhere in the city within half an hour. When you search the house location, make sure to check google maps to see how long it would usually take to travel.
4. Tips for Securing an Apartment in Taipei
- Be prepared to negotiate. Many landlords expect it, especially if you’re renting for a year or more.
- Ask if utilities are included. Some listings don’t include water, electricity, or WiFi in the rent.
- Check the lease terms. Ensure the contract has clear terms on deposits, repairs, and moving-out conditions.
- Watch out for scams. Never pay a deposit before seeing the place or signing a legitimate contract.
- Consider short-term options first. If you’re new to Taipei, staying in an Airbnb or co-living space for a month while apartment hunting can be a smart move.
Final Thoughts
Finding a new place to live in Taipei can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city or don’t speak Mandarin. It’s important to research rental platforms, explore different districts, and take your time to make the best decision. If you want a hassle-free experience, consider reaching out to Pop-Rooms, which offers English-friendly services and flexible rental options to make your move smoother.
Would you like help with specific listings or further advice on the rental process? Let us know in the comments!