Taipei vs Kaohsiung: Where to Teach English

Taiwan has long been a favorite for English teachers looking for a stable, rewarding place to live and work. With its modern infrastructure, low crime rates, and a warm, welcoming culture, it offers a uniquely comfortable lifestyle without sacrificing the charm of living abroad. But once you’ve decided on Taiwan, the next question is: where?

Most teachers gravitate toward two cities—Taipei in the north and Kaohsiung in the south. Both have solid teaching opportunities and a high quality of life, but the experience you’ll have in each is quite different. From job market size and teaching culture to daily pace and cost of living, these two cities offer very different vibes. Whether you’re after city buzz or coastal calm, this comparison helps highlight what it’s really like to live and teach in Taipei vs Kaohsiung.

Job Market and Hiring Landscape

Taipei is the largest ESL job market in Taiwan and attracts the highest number of foreign teachers. It has the full spectrum of opportunities—from buxibans (private cram schools) and public schools to prestigious international schools and corporate training gigs. It’s also where many teaching programs place their new recruits. That said, because it’s the default first choice for many, competition can be stiff, and better jobs tend to get snapped up quickly.

Kaohsiung, while smaller in population and foreign teacher presence, still maintains a steady demand for English teachers, especially in buxibans. Public school roles exist but are fewer, and international schools are more limited compared to Taipei. However, with less competition and a more relaxed hiring atmosphere, many teachers find it easier to land stable roles—particularly if you’re already in the country and willing to network locally.

Hiring Seasons and Application Tips
Taipei sees more structured recruiting, especially for higher-paying jobs and public school placements. Kaohsiung is more flexible, with many schools hiring year-round based on immediate need. In both cities, being on the ground during hiring season (June–August) significantly boosts your chances.

Salary and Cost of Living

Salaries in both cities are relatively consistent across Taiwan, but Taipei tends to offer slightly higher pay—particularly in international schools and advanced private academies. A typical full-time buxiban job might pay between 55,000 to 70,000 TWD/month in Taipei, while similar roles in Kaohsiung might offer 50,000 to 65,000 TWD/month.

But what really sets the two apart is how far your money goes. Kaohsiung is noticeably cheaper. Rent for a modern one-bedroom apartment in Kaohsiung can be half of what you'd pay in Taipei. Groceries, meals out, and even public transport tend to cost less.

Here’s how a basic monthly breakdown might compare:

Many teachers in Kaohsiung find they can save more, even on a lower salary, simply because life is more affordable and less fast-paced.

Teaching Environment and Student Culture

Teaching culture differs subtly but meaningfully between the two cities. Taipei tends to attract more academically driven families, and students are often under pressure to perform. Parents in Taipei may expect quick results, fluent communication from teachers, and detailed progress tracking. Class sizes can be large, and you might find more rigid curricula in public schools or formal academies.

Kaohsiung, by contrast, offers a slightly more relaxed educational atmosphere. While students are still motivated and respectful, the pressure isn’t always as intense. This makes for a slightly more laid-back classroom experience, where lessons can be more conversational, and students may be more open and cheerful.

In both cities, English education is taken seriously, but the level of formality and academic pressure you’ll experience as a teacher will likely be heavier in Taipei than in Kaohsiung.

Lifestyle, Pace, and Urban Personality

Life in Taipei moves fast. It’s a polished, well-organized city filled with convenience, options, and constant motion. Teachers here enjoy easy access to co-working cafes, cultural events, quirky neighborhoods, and a never-ending stream of restaurants, bars, and shopping. It’s modern and safe—but also dense, noisy, and sometimes overwhelming.

Kaohsiung, on the other hand, moves at a slower rhythm. With a laid-back coastal energy, wide roads, and more open space, it feels far more breathable. The city has a strong arts scene, harbor views, and a more relaxed approach to daily life. It’s also sunnier and warmer year-round.

Your lifestyle preference will likely play a big role in which city suits you best. Taipei is ideal for those who crave stimulation, while Kaohsiung better serves those who prioritize space, ease, and calm.

Expat Community and Social Life

If connection and community matter to you while teaching abroad, both cities offer great experiences—but with very different dynamics.

Taipei has the largest and most diverse expat scene in Taiwan. From professional networking events and language exchanges to art shows and pub quizzes, there's always something happening. English teachers, corporate workers, and international students create a constant buzz. While it's easy to meet new people, the fast pace and sheer size of the city can make it feel a bit impersonal at first.

Kaohsiung, in contrast, has a smaller foreign population, but that often works in your favor. The expat teacher community tends to be more welcoming, and you’ll likely start recognizing familiar faces quickly. It’s easier to make genuine friendships, and social groups often include both locals and foreigners in more relaxed, mixed settings.

If you’re the type who thrives in energetic, ever-changing scenes, Taipei delivers. If you value deeper connections and a more laid-back social rhythm, Kaohsiung might feel more like home.

Transportation, Healthcare, and Urban Convenience

Taiwan is known for its outstanding infrastructure, and both cities reflect that—though again, with slightly different flavors.

Taipei boasts one of the best metro systems in Asia. The MRT is clean, reliable, and covers nearly every corner of the city. Add to that an efficient bus network, regular trains, and easy airport access, and it’s hard to beat for convenience. Hospitals are world-class, and English-speaking doctors are easier to find. You’ll also have access to global chains, international groceries, and every app-based service you can imagine.

Kaohsiung has its own metro and bus network, though it’s smaller and simpler. But because the city is more spread out and less dense, traffic is gentler and parking more manageable—many teachers choose to drive scooters without the same level of chaos you’d find in Taipei. Healthcare is still excellent and affordable, though you may need to travel slightly farther for specialized care.

Overall, Taipei wins for sheer convenience, but Kaohsiung is smoother and more relaxed when it comes to daily errands, commuting, and getting around.

Free Time, Nature, and Weekend Getaways

Taiwan is a dream for nature lovers, and both cities offer easy escapes—just in different directions.

Taipei is surrounded by mountains, hot springs, and forests. You can hop on the MRT and be at a trailhead within an hour, or take a short train ride to places like Jiufen, Tamsui, or the northern coast. The High-Speed Rail (HSR) makes weekend trips across the island fast and efficient, and it’s common for teachers in Taipei to use their days off to explore every corner of Taiwan.

Kaohsiung leans into its sunny southern vibes. With year-round warm weather, you’ve got easy access to the beach, day trips to Kenting National Park, or ferry rides to islands like Cijin or Xiao Liuqiu. You’re also closer to Taiwan’s less-touristed natural spots, like Maolin or Meinong, which offer a more local, peaceful kind of adventure.

If you crave mountain hikes, hot springs, and historic towns, Taipei has the edge. If beaches, sunshine, and open space sound more like your thing, Kaohsiung is hard to beat.

Long-Term Lifestyle and Career Potential

Where you teach your first class might not be where you stay forever. So if you’re thinking about staying more than a year—or even building a future—career options and long-term lifestyle start to matter.

Taipei is the best place in Taiwan to grow your teaching career. It offers the widest range of positions, including roles at prestigious international schools, corporate English gigs, and high-paying private tutoring. The city is also the center of professional development opportunities, networking events, and access to additional education credentials.

Kaohsiung, while offering fewer "ladder-climbing" roles, is ideal for teachers who prioritize balance and stability. With lower costs, less stress, and a slower pace, many teachers stay for years without feeling the burnout common in larger cities. It’s a great environment for raising a family or setting up a comfortable, slower-paced life—especially if you don’t feel the need to advance aggressively.

Choose Taipei if career growth is your focus. Choose Kaohsiung if your goal is to settle into a stable, fulfilling life without the rush.

Final Thoughts: Taipei or Kaohsiung?

Still on the fence? Here’s a quick side-by-side to help clarify which city aligns better with your teaching goals and lifestyle:

Taipei might be right for you if…

• You want the biggest selection of teaching jobs and career growth.
• You enjoy fast-paced city life and lots of social options.
• You’re comfortable with higher costs in exchange for convenience.

Kaohsiung could be your best fit if…

• You value space, slower living, and sunshine.
• You want to save more or spend less while enjoying a high quality of life.
• You’re looking for a stable base to teach long term.

Wherever you land, Taiwan is one of the most rewarding places to teach in Asia—warm people, great food, and a lifestyle that’s easy to love. Whether you’re after city energy or coastal calm, you’ve got a great adventure ahead.