Hong Kong vs Taiwan: Where to Teach English

Choosing between Hong Kong and Taiwan for your next English teaching adventure? It’s not an easy decision—and that’s a good thing. Both destinations have a lot going for them, from strong demand for English teachers to vibrant local cultures and stunning natural beauty. But the experience you’ll have in each place is vastly different.

Hong Kong is a high-octane, global financial center where English is widely spoken, salaries can be impressive, and the pace of life rarely slows down. It’s fast, ambitious, and sharply international—ideal for teachers who want to challenge themselves professionally while enjoying big-city perks like world-class transport, nightlife, and networking.

Taiwan, meanwhile, offers a slower, more grounded pace of life. Known for its friendly locals, incredible food, and mix of urban comfort and natural scenery, it’s a place where teachers often find not just a job, but a sense of belonging. While salaries may be lower than in Hong Kong, the cost of living is far more manageable, and the lifestyle is often described as one of the best in Asia for long-term expats.

Whether you're aiming to grow your teaching career or simply want to explore a new part of the world, both Hong Kong and Taiwan offer incredible opportunities—you just need to decide what kind of adventure you're looking for.

Teaching Requirements and Eligibility

To legally teach English in both Hong Kong and Taiwan, you’ll need a few core qualifications: a degree, a clean criminal record, and a TEFL or TESOL certification. However, how strict each country is about experience, nationality, and visa eligibility can make a big difference in accessibility—especially for newer teachers.

In Hong Kong, most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree and 120-hour TEFL certification. While prior teaching experience isn’t always mandatory, it’s strongly preferred—particularly for better-paying roles in international schools or public schools under the NET Scheme. The city tends to favor teachers with solid resumes, especially those from native English-speaking countries. Visas are granted under Hong Kong’s employment visa system, with sponsorship handled by the hiring school.

In Taiwan, the system is a bit more flexible. Teachers need a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate for most jobs, but there’s more room for those without prior experience—especially in buxibans (cram schools). Taiwan is only open to native English speakers for legal English teaching positions, and the process typically involves securing an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) sponsored by your employer. Alternatively, the TFETP program (Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program) offers structured placements with added support for public school roles.

Hong Kong appeals more to experienced educators looking for high-salary positions in a competitive market. Taiwan, meanwhile, is friendlier to newcomers who are passionate and adaptable—even if they’re fresh out of university or switching careers.

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Hong Kong’s preference for experienced teachers vs. Taiwan’s openness to newer teachers with basic qualifications

Types of Teaching Jobs and Employers

Both Hong Kong and Taiwan offer a range of teaching opportunities, but the structure and style of schools—and your experience as a teacher—can feel quite different depending on where you end up.

In Hong Kong, many teachers aim for the prestigious NET Scheme, a government-run program that places native English speakers in public schools. These roles come with generous salaries, housing allowances, paid holidays, and a clear contract structure—but they’re competitive and favor candidates with education degrees or licensed teaching experience. Outside of NET, you’ll find opportunities in private language centers, international schools, and kindergartens, often with higher salaries but longer hours.

International schools are another major draw, especially for experienced teachers. These roles typically offer excellent pay, smaller class sizes, and global curricula (like IB or British/American systems), but they usually require certified teaching credentials and classroom experience.

In Taiwan, the most common entry point is through buxibans—after-school English cram schools that cater to younger students. These jobs are more accessible to new teachers, offer year-round hiring, and are available in cities big and small. Work hours often fall in the afternoons and evenings, and while pay isn’t as high as in Hong Kong, the cost of living is much lower.

For those looking for a more structured teaching path, Taiwan’s TFETP program places native speakers in public elementary and junior high schools, offering government-backed benefits, cultural orientation, and a predictable schedule. There are also opportunities in international schools and universities, though these roles are fewer and tend to require higher qualifications.

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Hong Kong’s more formal and competitive school ecosystem vs. Taiwan’s variety and approachability, especially in cram schools

Salary and Benefits

When it comes to pay, Hong Kong leads on paper—but salary only tells part of the story.

Hong Kong offers some of the highest teacher salaries in Asia, especially through the NET Scheme and international schools. Monthly pay can range from $3,000 to over $6,000 USD (HKD 24,000–47,000+), depending on experience and school type. On top of that, many roles include housing stipends, airfare reimbursement, performance bonuses, and pension contributions. However, the cost of living—especially rent—can eat into those earnings fast, particularly if housing isn't fully covered.

Taiwan, by contrast, offers more modest salaries, generally between $1,600 and $2,500 USD (TWD 50,000–80,000) per month for buxibans and TFETP placements. International schools and universities may pay more, but these jobs are harder to get. Benefits can include health insurance, contract completion bonuses, and in some cases, partial housing support or airfare reimbursement. Although the pay is lower than Hong Kong’s, the lower cost of living means many teachers in Taiwan still live comfortably—and even manage to save.

Both locations offer opportunities for private tutoring or online teaching on the side, especially for those looking to boost income or diversify their schedule.

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Higher gross salaries in Hong Kong but offset by cost of living vs. lower but livable wages in Taiwan with more balance

Cost of Living

This is where the difference between Hong Kong and Taiwan becomes especially clear. While both destinations offer a high quality of life, the cost of maintaining that lifestyle can vary dramatically.

In Hong Kong, the biggest expense is rent. A small studio apartment in the city center can easily cost $1,500–2,500 USD (HKD 12,000–20,000+) per month. Even further out in the New Territories, prices remain steep, and space is limited. While utilities and transport are more affordable (thanks to Hong Kong’s efficient MTR system), daily expenses like groceries, dining out, and entertainment often reflect global city prices. Expect to spend $3,000–4,500 USD monthly to live comfortably—more if your job doesn’t provide housing support.

Taiwan, by contrast, is consistently praised for being budget-friendly without sacrificing comfort. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in Taipei for around $400–700 USD (TWD 12,000–22,000), and much less in smaller cities. Eating out is cheap and delicious—a meal at a local restaurant often costs under $5 USD—and utilities, internet, and transport are all reasonably priced. Most teachers find they can live well on $1,200–2,000 USD per month, with room to save or travel.

Overall, Hong Kong offers higher salaries but demands higher spending, while Taiwan offers lower pay but far better value for money, especially for those who enjoy simple living and local culture.

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Hong Kong’s sky-high rent and global pricing vs. Taiwan’s overall affordability and expat-friendly budgets

Lifestyle and Work-Life Balance

The lifestyle differences between Hong Kong and Taiwan go far beyond salary or school type—they shape your day-to-day experience, from your commute to your weekend plans.

In Hong Kong, life moves fast. It’s a hyper-efficient, international hub, filled with skyscrapers, late-night dim sum spots, and people always on the move. For many, it’s exciting and full of opportunity—but it can also feel overwhelming. Teaching jobs here (especially in private or international schools) can come with longer hours, higher expectations, and more administrative work. That said, the city is incredibly connected, with easy access to hiking trails, beaches, and weekend getaways in Southeast Asia.

Taiwan, in contrast, offers a more laid-back and grounded pace of life. Teachers often describe the local lifestyle as “chill but organized”—a sweet spot between productivity and peace. Buxiban hours can be unusual (typically afternoons to evenings), but the work culture is generally less intense than Hong Kong’s. Locals are friendly, life is bikeable and walkable, and there’s a strong sense of community. Whether you’re into mountain hikes, night markets, or soaking in hot springs, Taiwan makes it easy to enjoy your time outside the classroom.

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Fast-paced, corporate-like lifestyle in Hong Kong vs. Taiwan’s slower rhythm and local warmth

Language, Culture, and Integration

Language and culture play a huge role in how at home you’ll feel—not just in the classroom, but in daily life.

In Hong Kong, Cantonese is the primary local language, though English is widely spoken, especially in professional settings, government offices, and international schools. This bilingual environment makes day-to-day logistics—like banking, shopping, or getting around—fairly manageable for foreigners. However, learning Cantonese can still be helpful for deeper connections with locals, especially if you plan to stay long-term. Social circles often lean international, and while local friendships can take time to build, most expats find the city’s multiculturalism welcoming.

Taiwan offers a different experience. While Mandarin is the national language and English is less common outside major cities, locals are famously warm, patient, and eager to connect—even if your Mandarin is basic. Many teachers find that learning the language is easier in Taiwan, not just because of immersion, but because people are often happy to help you practice. Over time, this can lead to deeper community integration, whether through friendships, local events, or even part-time study.

If you want a smooth transition and lots of fellow expats around you, Hong Kong offers more international ease. If you’re looking for a chance to truly learn the local language and connect on a grassroots level, Taiwan is hard to beat.

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Hong Kong’s bilingual edge and international scene vs. Taiwan’s Mandarin immersion and deeper local integration

Long-Term Opportunities and Career Growth

If you're not just passing through, the long-term possibilities in each location might make or break your decision.

Hong Kong is a solid base for those looking to build a teaching career, especially if you have experience or qualifications beyond just TEFL. The NET Scheme has built-in pay rises over time, and international schools offer clear promotion tracks to senior teaching, curriculum leadership, or admin roles. However, permanent residency is not easy to obtain, and visa renewals are tied tightly to your job—so you’ll need to stay employed and sponsored.

In Taiwan, the atmosphere is more relaxed. Teachers often stay for years without the pressure of climbing a corporate ladder. While buxibans don’t typically offer promotions, public schools (especially through TFETP) may offer renewal incentives and modest advancement. Opportunities at universities and international schools do exist, but they usually require advanced degrees or bilingual skills. Taiwan also offers more accessible paths to permanent residency, particularly if you’ve been employed consistently and meet income or education thresholds.

In short, Hong Kong rewards ambition and credentials with higher roles and better pay, while Taiwan supports a slower, steadier path with more flexibility and personal freedom.

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Hong Kong’s structured corporate-style advancement vs. Taiwan’s approachable, long-term livability with fewer hoops

Which Country Is Right for You?

You might thrive in Hong Kong if...

• You’re an experienced teacher looking for top-tier roles
• You want a fast-paced, international city lifestyle
• You’re focused on career advancement and higher earnings
• You’re comfortable with competition and pressure

You might thrive in Taiwan if...

• You’re newer to teaching and want a softer landing
• You value affordability, nature, and community
• You’re looking for balance, personal growth, and cultural immersion
• You’re open to learning Mandarin and building local relationships

Final Thoughts:
Choosing between Hong Kong and Taiwan comes down to what kind of life you want while teaching abroad. Hong Kong is ideal for ambitious professionals seeking strong salaries and career development in a high-energy city. Taiwan, on the other hand, appeals to those who value balance, cultural depth, and a more personal teaching journey. Whichever path you take, both places offer rich experiences that go far beyond the classroom.

📚 Explore More:

• Teach English in Hong Kong Guide
• Teach English in Taiwan Guide