Taichung vs Kaohsiung: Where to Teach English

For teachers looking to build a meaningful life abroad, Taiwan is an easy favorite. It's safe, affordable, and offers one of Asia’s most accessible legal job markets for ESL instructors. While Taipei often steals the spotlight, Taichung and Kaohsiung are two cities that deserve serious attention—especially if you're after more space, lower costs, and a calmer pace of life.

Taichung sits in central Taiwan and blends modern urban comforts with a temperate climate and access to nature. Kaohsiung, farther south, is a port city with tropical weather, coastal views, and a reputation for being one of the most livable cities in Asia. Each city has its own flavor—not just in food, but in teaching culture, daily life, and long-term potential. The right choice depends on the kind of lifestyle and classroom energy you’re drawn to.

Teaching Jobs and Demand

When it comes to English teaching opportunities, both Taichung and Kaohsiung have strong markets—but they play out differently on the ground.

Taichung has long been a magnet for ESL teachers, especially in the private sector. Buxibans (cram schools) and kindergartens dominate the hiring scene, with new positions opening regularly throughout the year. While competition exists, it’s far less saturated than Taipei. You’ll find both full-time and part-time roles with fairly predictable hours—many clustered around the afternoon and evening peaks.

Kaohsiung, while a bit more relaxed overall, also offers a healthy demand for teachers. Most positions are in buxibans or public schools, with fewer international school opportunities than you might find further north. That said, it’s generally easier to land a job here without a high-stress application process, especially if you’re flexible on age groups or hours.

Compared to Taipei, both cities offer a slightly less polished but more approachable job market—ideal for teachers who want meaningful work without the ultra-competitive edge.

Average Pay vs. Living Costs

Salaries don’t vary drastically between the two cities, but the cost of living can make a big difference in how far your paycheck goes.

In Taichung, most ESL jobs pay between 55,000–65,000 TWD per month, with opportunities for extra income through tutoring or weekend classes. Rent, groceries, and transport are all affordable, and you’ll likely find a comfortable one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood for 10,000–15,000 TWD. The city hits a sweet spot for many teachers: decent income paired with manageable expenses.

Kaohsiung, on the other hand, may offer slightly lower starting salaries—closer to 50,000–60,000 TWD—but it more than makes up for it with its rock-bottom cost of living. Rent can be 20–30% cheaper than in Taichung, and daily essentials like meals and public transit are also less expensive. For teachers on a modest budget or those focused on saving, Kaohsiung offers incredible value.

When you stack salary against cost of living, both cities let you live well—just in slightly different ways. Taichung might suit someone who wants to spend a bit more while still saving, while Kaohsiung is perfect for maximizing every dollar without sacrificing comfort.

Teaching Culture and Student Behavior

Classroom dynamics can vary more than you might expect, even within a relatively small country like Taiwan.

In Taichung, students are generally motivated and respectful, with a strong academic culture that doesn’t feel overwhelming. Teachers often enjoy a structured yet flexible environment, where creativity is encouraged—especially with younger learners. There's usually good support from staff, and while expectations are high, they’re balanced with a friendly, collaborative tone.

Kaohsiung classrooms lean even more relaxed. Students tend to be cheerful, open, and less driven by test results. The vibe in many schools is laid-back, and teachers often find they can build genuine rapport with their students quickly. That said, this sometimes comes with less academic rigor, which can be refreshing or frustrating depending on your teaching style.

If you're the kind of teacher who enjoys structure and clearly defined goals, Taichung may be the better fit. But if you thrive in a looser, more personal teaching environment, Kaohsiung might feel like home.

Daily Life and City Personality

Taichung and Kaohsiung both offer a high quality of life—but with distinctly different flavors.

Taichung feels like a city made for balance. It’s large enough to have malls, cafés, museums, and international restaurants, yet small enough to avoid the chaos of a true metropolis. The weather is mild, the traffic is reasonable, and there’s a growing arts and coffee scene that keeps things interesting. Whether you’re cycling in the parks or grabbing night market snacks, the city is comfortable and easy to navigate.

Kaohsiung, by contrast, is Taiwan’s southern gateway—a warm, coastal city with ocean breezes and a slower pace of life. It’s spread out, sunny nearly year-round, and deeply tied to the sea. Think harbor walks, seaside temples, and city bikes by the beach. While it may not have quite the same volume of amenities as Taichung, it more than makes up for it with space, calm, and friendliness.

Your ideal teaching life might come down to vibe. If you want an urban-lifestyle-meets-green-space experience, Taichung delivers. If you’re chasing warmth, openness, and ocean air, Kaohsiung is hard to beat.

Transportation and Ease of Getting Around

Getting to work and navigating your new city is a big part of daily life as a teacher—especially in a country where your schedule often involves commuting between schools or heading to class during peak traffic hours.

Taichung doesn’t yet have a full MRT system, but it makes up for it with a solid bus network and relatively smooth traffic flow. Many teachers get around by scooter, which offers flexibility and speed—especially for reaching more suburban schools. The city is fairly spread out, so without your own transport, some commutes may require a bit of planning. Still, public transport is cheap, reliable, and constantly improving.

Kaohsiung offers a more polished experience thanks to its efficient MRT system, which connects many key neighborhoods and educational hubs. It also has a light rail, a good bus network, and a flat city layout—making it ideal for biking, scootering, or even walking in some areas. The pace of traffic is relaxed, and teachers often report stress-free commutes, even during busy times.

If you value walkability and convenient public transport, Kaohsiung wins. But if you’re happy to hop on a scooter and appreciate the slightly more organic flow of city life, Taichung works just as well.

Social Life and Expat Community

Teaching abroad isn’t just about the classroom—it’s about finding your rhythm socially and emotionally, too. That means community matters.

Taichung has a well-established ESL scene and a friendly expat community that’s big enough to offer diversity, but small enough to avoid feeling anonymous. From weekly pub quizzes to hiking groups and café meetups, there’s always something happening. Teachers here often say they feel like part of a network—not just another face in the crowd.

Kaohsiung, while home to fewer foreigners overall, offers deeper social ties and easier cultural integration. The expat scene is tight-knit, with a “we’re all in this together” vibe. You’ll find strong friendships form quickly, and it's easy to feel at home—especially if you make the effort to get involved in local events or learn a bit of Mandarin.

Whether you prefer a more active, event-filled scene (Taichung) or a slower, more personal social life (Kaohsiung), both cities offer plenty of ways to connect beyond the classroom.

Nature and Weekend Adventures

Both cities give teachers a chance to unwind in nature after a busy week—but the kind of escape you’re after may shape your choice.

Taichung is a great base for mountain lovers and inland adventures. You're just a short trip from Sun Moon Lake, Dakeng hiking trails, and scenic drives through central Taiwan’s national parks. Even within the city, green spaces and bike lanes make it easy to breathe on your days off.

Kaohsiung, being coastal, leans toward sun and sea. You’ve got beaches within the city limits, island getaways like Cijin and Xiaoliuqiu nearby, and coral reefs for diving and snorkeling. It's one of the best places in Taiwan for those who crave warm weather and the ocean lifestyle year-round.

If weekend escapes for you mean forests, lakes, and winding mountain roads, Taichung fits. If you’re a flip-flops-and-sea-breeze type, Kaohsiung feels like a natural match.

Long-Term Living and Lifestyle Value

A year teaching abroad can easily turn into two—or more—if the lifestyle fits. So which city makes that transition easier?

Taichung offers a well-rounded experience. The job market is steady, the city is clean and manageable, and you’ll find most of what you need without the high prices or fast pace of Taipei. It’s easy to save, build a routine, and feel settled. Career progression is moderate—there are opportunities, but not quite the same density of roles as in the capital.

Kaohsiung is ideal for teachers who prioritize comfort, balance, and community. It may not be the launchpad for a big career in education, but it’s an incredible place to live. Teachers often report lower stress levels, less burnout, and a genuine attachment to the city. The cost of living makes it possible to stay longer-term without pressure to constantly chase higher pay.

In short, Taichung suits teachers who want solid work-life balance with some room for career growth. Kaohsiung is for those who want to slow down, live well, and enjoy every phase of the teaching experience.

Final Thoughts: Which City Fits You Best?

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you weigh your options:

Taichung might be right for you if...

• You want a balanced lifestyle with opportunities to save.
• You like some urban energy but without big-city chaos.
• You want a decent job market without Taipei-level competition.

Kaohsiung could be your ideal city if...

• You thrive in sunshine, warmth, and community vibes.
• You care more about lifestyle than career advancement.
• You want to stretch your salary without giving up comfort.

Both cities are solid choices for teachers who want more than just a paycheck—they’re about finding a place that supports your teaching journey while giving you space to enjoy everyday life.