Taipei vs Taichung vs Kaohsiung: Where to Teach English

Taiwan continues to stand out as one of Asia’s most appealing destinations for teaching English. The work is legal and stable, the lifestyle is modern but culturally rich, and the cost of living is manageable—especially when compared to nearby countries like Japan or South Korea. For many foreign teachers, the challenge isn’t whether to come, but where to land.

Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung are the three main contenders. Each has a distinct character shaped by geography, size, and local culture. Taipei is the beating heart of the island—fast-paced and globally connected. Taichung sits in the center, offering a relaxed, balanced lifestyle with mild weather and a growing reputation as a liveable city. Kaohsiung, in the south, brings coastal vibes, warm winters, and a welcoming energy that many teachers fall in love with.

Whether you're chasing career growth, cultural immersion, or just a better quality of life, these cities each offer something unique. Let’s break down what it's like to teach and live in each one.

Teaching Job Availability and School Types

For English teachers, job availability often comes down to location—and in Taiwan, the size of the city usually correlates with the size of the job market.

Taipei is by far the largest ESL market in the country. You'll find everything from cram schools (buxibans) and kindergartens to public schools, bilingual programs, and international schools. Corporate English training is also an option for experienced teachers. But with all those opportunities comes fierce competition—especially for higher-paying roles or jobs with cushier schedules. Expect more screening, stricter requirements, and more seasoned applicants.

Taichung offers a solid middle ground. There’s consistent demand in buxibans and preschools, along with occasional openings in public schools or bilingual programs. The market isn’t as saturated as Taipei, so it may be slightly easier to land a job if you’re already in the country or have some flexibility. While you won’t see as many international schools, there’s enough opportunity to stay long-term without feeling stuck.

Kaohsiung has a smaller job market, but it still provides stable options for those willing to look. Most jobs are in buxibans and public school placements. You won’t find as many big-name schools or high salaries, but there’s also less competition. It’s a great choice for teachers who value lifestyle and aren’t chasing the highest paycheck or a career in elite schools.

Across all three cities, hiring is more consistent during the summer and around Lunar New Year. Most jobs prefer teachers already in Taiwan, but positions do open to overseas applicants—especially in Taipei.

Teacher Salary vs. Cost of Living

When comparing where to teach in Taiwan, salary alone doesn’t tell the full story. What really matters is how much of that salary stretches after rent, meals, transportation, and daily life.

Taipei offers the highest salaries in Taiwan—often between 60,000 and 80,000 TWD/month for full-time jobs, and more for experienced teachers in international schools or corporate settings. However, the cost of living reflects that. Rent is especially steep in central districts, and a long commute may be required if you want something more affordable. Eating out, transportation, and entertainment can also add up quickly.

Taichung hits a more comfortable balance. Salaries typically range from 55,000 to 70,000 TWD/month in buxibans and kindergartens. Housing is significantly cheaper than Taipei, and you’ll get more space for your money. Food, transport, and utilities are also moderate, giving teachers room to save or enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle.

Kaohsiung has the lowest average pay—often between 50,000 and 65,000 TWD/month—but also the lowest living costs. Rent can be shockingly affordable, even in central areas. Many teachers here find they’re able to live well, travel often, and still save, despite the lower salaries. If you’re not chasing luxury brands or fine dining every night, your income can go a long way.

Bottom line: Taipei offers the most earning potential, but Kaohsiung gives you the most financial breathing room. Taichung lands right in the middle, striking a solid balance for most teachers.

Classroom Experience and Student Expectations

Beyond salary and lifestyle, teaching day-to-day is a different experience in each city—shaped by local attitudes, school expectations, and even parental pressure.

In Taipei, you’re likely to find more structured classroom environments. Many students attend multiple after-school programs, and families often expect results. This can lead to higher pressure for both students and teachers. You may be working with kids who are already tired by the time they reach your class, especially in cram schools. On the upside, classrooms tend to be well-resourced and students are often very motivated.

Taichung offers a more balanced teaching atmosphere. Students are engaged, but there’s slightly less academic pressure compared to Taipei. Schools are generally welcoming and give teachers a bit more flexibility with their teaching style. While parent expectations are still present, the overall tone is less intense. It’s a good environment for teachers who want a stable but not overly demanding classroom experience.

Kaohsiung leans even more relaxed. Students here are often cheerful and responsive, and the classroom vibe can feel less rigid. Of course, that doesn’t mean there’s no discipline or structure—but the teaching dynamic tends to feel more friendly than formal. For newer teachers or those who prefer a more laid-back teaching rhythm, Kaohsiung can be a great match.

Each city has a unique classroom energy. Taipei offers challenge and prestige, Taichung offers balance, and Kaohsiung offers ease.

Urban Environment and Lifestyle

Life outside the classroom plays a big role in how you experience your time abroad—and each of Taiwan’s major cities offers a very different flavor of daily life.

Taipei is a true global city. It’s fast, efficient, and packed with energy. Public transport is world-class, there are endless restaurants and cafes, and every corner seems to hold something new to explore. But that also means noise, crowds, and a faster pace of life. For teachers who thrive in big cities and want constant stimulation, Taipei delivers.

Taichung is calmer and more spacious. The city is known for its pleasant weather and lower pollution levels, as well as its wide boulevards and green parks. It doesn’t have the nightlife or density of Taipei, but it’s not sleepy either. There’s always something happening—you just have to look for it. Teachers who want a more livable pace without feeling isolated will likely find a sweet spot in Taichung.

Kaohsiung brings the coast into the equation. Life here feels breezier, both literally and metaphorically. The city has been revitalized in recent years, with an expanding metro, lively arts scene, and growing infrastructure. But it still feels open, uncrowded, and friendly. With beaches nearby and a warm climate year-round, many teachers find it easier to relax and build a life they genuinely enjoy.

If Taipei is for urban explorers, Taichung is for balance-seekers, and Kaohsiung is for those who want breathing room and coastal charm.

Transportation, Healthcare, and Infrastructure

Getting around, accessing healthcare, and handling daily life logistics can make or break your teaching experience abroad—and Taiwan’s urban centers each offer different levels of convenience.

Taipei stands out with its highly developed infrastructure. The MRT system is fast, clean, and easy to navigate, making it simple to move between work, home, and social spots. Buses fill in the gaps, and taxis or Uber are readily available. Taipei is also home to Taiwan’s best hospitals, many with English-speaking staff and international-level care. Whether you need a dentist or a specialist, the capital delivers.

Taichung, despite lacking an MRT, manages well with a reliable and frequent bus system, including the city’s free green buses. The city is flatter and more walkable than Taipei, and traffic is generally manageable. Clinics and hospitals are modern and efficient, even if you might not have the same breadth of international care options. As infrastructure continues to grow, daily life is getting easier each year.

Kaohsiung offers a surprisingly smooth experience for a city of its size. The MRT is limited but functional, and most commutes are short thanks to less congestion. Scooters are still common, but you can get by without one. Medical care is top-notch, especially for general needs—local clinics are friendly, affordable, and accessible. For teachers who value simplicity and ease, Kaohsiung delivers on all fronts.

Social Opportunities and Expat Networks

The teaching job is important—but so is the social life that supports it. Having a community makes the highs better and the tough days easier.

Taipei has the biggest and most diverse expat scene in Taiwan. You’ll find teacher meetups, language exchanges, coworking spaces, sports leagues, and nightlife hubs that buzz all week. With so many foreigners passing through, it’s easy to meet people—but sometimes harder to build deep, lasting friendships unless you actively work at it.

Taichung offers a more grounded social environment. The expat community is smaller and less transient, so friendships tend to form around shared routines—like coworkers, local cafes, or hobby groups. There’s enough social energy to keep things fun, but not so much that it becomes overwhelming. It strikes a good middle ground for teachers who want connection without chaos.

Kaohsiung is all about quality over quantity. While the expat population is smaller, it’s tight-knit. You’ll get to know other teachers quickly, and it’s not uncommon to bump into familiar faces around town. Social life here leans more toward dinners, hikes, or beach days than bar-hopping, and many teachers say they feel more integrated into local life than anywhere else in Taiwan.

Weekend Travel and Natural Escapes

Taiwan punches far above its weight when it comes to natural beauty—and weekends are when teachers really get to explore.

Taipei offers endless day trips. In under an hour, you can be hiking in Yangmingshan, soaking in hot springs at Beitou, or wandering through historical towns like Jiufen. The high-speed rail makes it easy to jet down to central or southern Taiwan for a quick getaway.

Taichung is ideally located in the middle of the island, making it a launchpad for exploring in any direction. Nearby gems like Sun Moon Lake, Cingjing Farm, and Hehuanshan mountain offer some of Taiwan’s most photogenic scenery. It’s a dream base for nature-loving teachers.

Kaohsiung feels like a permanent holiday if you love the outdoors. You’ve got beaches like Cijin just minutes away, access to Kenting National Park, and ferries to the Penghu and Xiaoliuqiu islands. The warm climate means you can enjoy nature year-round, from snorkeling to coastal hikes.

Long-Term Career and Lifestyle Viability

Many teachers come for a year and stay for five. If you’re thinking long-term, some cities open more doors than others.

Taipei is the best choice for career-minded teachers. It’s where you’ll find the highest concentration of international schools, corporate English training roles, and private tutoring opportunities. If you’re aiming to transition into education leadership, curriculum development, or higher-paid niches, Taipei has the ecosystem to support that path.

Taichung offers solid middle-ground potential. There are fewer “elite” schools but still plenty of reputable employers and long-term contracts. Teachers often stay here for years due to the comfortable lifestyle and decent career security. It’s also a great city if you’re building side projects or furthering education on the side.

Kaohsiung is more about lifestyle than ladder-climbing. Opportunities exist, but fewer international roles mean your growth may plateau unless you create it yourself through private students or personal ventures. Still, for teachers focused on happiness, balance, or even raising a family, Kaohsiung’s relaxed pace and affordability make it appealing for the long haul.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right City

Still undecided? Here’s a quick recap:

Taipei might be the best fit if you want a fast-paced life, room to grow your teaching career, and access to every modern convenience.

Taichung could be ideal if you’re looking for a lifestyle balance—affordable, friendly, and still connected to nature and opportunity.

Kaohsiung might suit you if you value sunshine, personal space, low stress, and deep community over chasing promotions.

Whichever city you choose, teaching in Taiwan offers far more than a job. It’s a gateway into a vibrant culture, a chance to live well, and a launching point for unforgettable experiences. Choose the city that matches not just your resume—but your rhythm.