Living in Taiwan vs. Japan: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Workers

Choosing between Taiwan and Japan is often a choice between two distinct lifestyles and career trajectories. Both countries offer safety, convenience, and rich cultural experiences, but they differ significantly in work pressure, visa accessibility, and financial upside.

To help you decide quickly, here is the bottom line on which environment fits which type of person:

Choose Japan if:

•   Career Growth is Priority: You are an engineer, researcher, or specialist looking for the highest possible salary cap and access to a massive global economy.

•   You Value Order: You appreciate clean streets, punctuality, and a structured society where things work exactly as advertised.

•   You Want “The Japan Life”: You are willing to commit years to learning a difficult language and navigating complex social rules in exchange for world-class food, safety, and seasonal beauty.

Choose Taiwan if:

•   Lifestyle is Priority: You want a friendly, relaxed environment where it is easy to make friends and get by with English while you learn.

•   You Are a Digital Nomad or Entrepreneur: The Employment Gold Card and open work culture make it one of the easiest places in Asia to start a business or freelance.

•   You Want Flexibility: You prefer a society that is open-minded, politically liberal, and less rigid about social hierarchy and etiquette.

Ultimately, the above is just a surface level takeaway. To see which country truly fits you, let’s dive in and see what they have to offer.

General Information and Daily Life

When moving to a new country, the feel of daily life is just as important as the salary. Japan is defined by order, privacy, and distinct seasonality, while Taiwan is defined by a social, casual atmosphere and subtropical heat.

Food and Entertainment

Japan offers a culinary landscape defined by specialization and seasonality. You can find restaurants dedicated entirely to one dish, such as tonkatsu (pork cutlet) or unagi (eel). Dining is often a quiet, private experience, with solo booths common in chains like Ichiran Ramen. For entertainment, Japan is unmatched in large-scale attractions. Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan are world-class, while districts like Akihabara and Harajuku offer deep dives into anime and fashion subcultures. However, spontaneity can be difficult; popular spots often require reservations weeks in advance.

In contrast, Taiwan’s food culture is communal, accessible, and deeply integrated into street life. The “Night Market” is the heart of Taiwanese entertainment. Places like Shilin or Raohe in Taipei are sensory explosions of sizzling oyster omelets, stinky tofu, and bubble tea, open late every night. Dining is casual; you can walk into a Michelin-recommended beef noodle shop in flip-flops and share a table with strangers. Entertainment tends to be more low-key and lifestyle-oriented, such as hanging out in 24-hour bookstores like Eslite or enjoying hiking trails that are easily accessible from the city center.

Climate

Japan is the choice if you love distinct seasons. Spring brings the famous hanami (flower viewing) picnics, while autumn offers stunning red foliage (koyo) temple tours. Winter allows for world-class skiing in places like Hokkaido or Nagano. However, this means dealing with a proper winter. Tokyo temperatures drop to near freezing in January, and heating in older apartments can be surprisingly weak.

Taiwan is a subtropical island, meaning it is green and humid year-round. Winters are mild, with temperatures in Taipei hovering around 15°C–20°C. It essentially feels like a cool autumn, so you never need a heavy coat. The trade-off is the intense, “sticky” heat of summer, which lasts from May to October. Because of the pervasive humidity, mold control becomes a necessary household skill.

Public Transportation and Infrastructure: Japan for the Best Trains 

Japan’s rail network is a marvel of engineering. You can live your entire life in Tokyo or Osaka without a car. Trains run on second-by-second schedules, and the network reaches deep into rural areas. Commuting is often a mix of walking and trains, which contributes to the population’s general fitness. However, the system shuts down around midnight, and taxis after hours are expensive.

Taiwan offers a mix of world-class metro systems and chaotic street traffic. The Taipei MRT (metro) is incredibly clean, cheap, and easy to navigate with English signage. Outside the metro network, however, the scooter is king. Many residents own one to zip through traffic, which can feel disorganized compared to Japan. Taxis and Ubers are affordable and plentiful, making late-night travel much easier than in Japan.

Travel

Traveling within Japan offers vast diversity. You can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to go from the neon streets of Tokyo to the traditional geisha districts of Kyoto in roughly two hours. Domestic travel allows you to experience vastly different environments, from the tropical beaches of Okinawa to the snowy peaks of the Japanese Alps. The “Ekiben” (train station bento) culture makes the journey itself a culinary event.

Taiwan is compact and perfect for weekend explorers. The High Speed Rail (HSR) runs down the west coast, connecting the capital Taipei to the southern port city of Kaohsiung in just 90 minutes. A popular weekend trip is Jiufen, a mountain town famous for its tea houses and lantern-lit alleys that resemble the movie Spirited Away. Nature is never far; you can reach the marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge or the beaches of Kenting relatively easily without weeks of planning.

Safety and Crime Rates

Japan is famous for its social order. People leave laptops unattended in cafes, and lost wallets are frequently returned to police stations intact. The streets are clean, and public drunkenness is generally non-violent. The concept of meiwaku (not causing trouble for others) keeps the environment peaceful but can feel socially rigid.

Taiwan feels “safely relaxed.” Violent crime is extremely rare, and theft is low. The main safety concern for foreigners is actually traffic. Crossing the street requires more awareness than in Japan due to aggressive scooters and cars turning on red lights. However, the social vibe is warmer and more forgiving of small rule-breaking than Japan.

Earthquakes and Typhoons: Slightly Less Shaky Taiwan

Disaster awareness is part of life in both countries. In Japan, earthquakes are frequent. Most are small shakes, but the risk of a major quake is real. Coastal areas have tsunami evacuation routes clearly marked, and buildings are built with advanced seismic isolation technology.

Taiwan also sits on the “Ring of Fire” with frequent tremors. However, the bigger daily disrupter is Typhoons. During typhoon season (summer/fall), the government may declare “Typhoon Days” where offices and schools close to keep people safe from high winds and flooding.

The Economy

Japan remains a global economic heavyweight, hosting headquarters for giants like Toyota and Sony. It offers stability and a huge internal market, but the economy has been stagnant for decades, meaning salary growth is slow.

Taiwan is currently riding a tech boom, driven by its dominance in semiconductor manufacturing (TSMC). This has created a dynamic job market in tech and engineering, though wages in traditional sectors can still be surprisingly low compared to the cost of housing in Taipei.

Cost of Living: Comparison of Rent, Food, and Taxes

Japan generally has a higher cost of living due to expensive transport, utilities, and upfront housing fees. However, Taiwan’s housing market in Taipei is surprisingly expensive relative to local salaries, though daily expenses like food and travel are significantly cheaper.

Housing Costs

In the City

Living in Tokyo requires a high initial investment. You typically need to pay “Key Money” (a non-refundable gift to the landlord), a deposit, and agency fees, totaling 4–6 months of rent upfront. According to real estate data from the Greater Tokyo Area, a typical 1-bedroom apartment (1K/1DK) in central wards like Minato or Shibuya averages around ¥130,000–150,000 ($835–$965 USD at 155.5 JPY/USD, December 2025) per month, while slightly less central areas average ¥80,000–95,000 ($514–$611). Apartments are generally clean, modern, and well-maintained.

Taipei has a unique challenge: rental yields are very low, meaning buying is expensive but renting is comparatively cheaper—yet still high for local wages. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center averages NT$20,000 (~$642 USD at 31.15 TWD/USD, December 2025). Unlike Tokyo, many affordable buildings in Taipei are older and may lack elevators or modern insulation.

City Housing Cost Comparison

Note: USD conversions based on exchange rates as of December 10, 2025 (155.5 JPY/USD, 31.15 TWD/USD).

In the Country

Rural Japan offers incredible value. In regional cities like Fukuoka or Sapporo, or the true countryside, you can rent spacious detached houses for ¥50,000–¥70,000 ($322–$450)—the price of a tiny studio in Tokyo. The Akiya (empty house) phenomenon means some properties are available for almost free if you commit to renovations.

Rural Taiwan (e.g., outskirts of Tainan or Kaohsiung) is also very affordable. Rent for a basic studio can drop to around NT$5,000–8,000 ($161–$257) per month. However, unlike rural Japan which often retains train access, living in rural Taiwan almost certainly requires a scooter or car for daily life due to limited public transport.

Rural Housing Cost Comparison

Daily Expenses: Food, Transport, and Utilities

Taiwan wins on dining out. You can eat three hot meals a day at local eateries for under NT$300 ($9.63) total. However, grocery shopping in Taiwan can be surprisingly pricey, especially for milk and imported goods.

Japan is the opposite. Eating out is moderately expensive (lunch ~¥1,200 / $7.72), but supermarkets offer high-quality fresh food at reasonable prices, especially if you buy bento boxes in the evening when they are discounted.

Daily Living Expenses Comparison

Work Life

Japan offers structure, higher salary ceilings, and stability, but requires navigating a rigid hierarchy and frequent overtime. Taiwan offers a more relaxed social environment and higher job mobility, but actual working hours can be longer and salaries are generally lower.

Work Environment Comparison

Overtime and Work-Life Balance

Japan is actively reforming its famous “overwork” culture. While the image of the exhausted “salaryman” persists, recent laws (Article 36) strictly limit overtime to 45 hours a month for most employees, and companies increasingly adhere to this to avoid being blacklisted. “Service overtime” (unpaid work) still exists but is illegal and declining. However, social obligations like nomikai (drinking parties) with the boss are still a semi-mandatory part of building relationships, though younger generations are pushing back.

Taiwan presents a contradiction: it feels more laid-back socially, but actual working hours are significantly longer than in Japan. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor statistics, Taiwanese employees work over 2,000 hours annually, ranking sixth longest globally and far exceeding Japan’s average. Overtime is often expected, and while laws mandate pay or compensatory leave, enforcement varies by company size. The upside is that the workplace hierarchy is generally flatter and friendlier than in Japan, making it easier for foreigners to bond with colleagues without navigating complex politeness levels.

Job Opportunities for Foreigners

Japan is aggressively hiring to combat its shrinking population. According to a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) report, Japan will need approximately 6.74 million foreign workers by 2040 to meet its economic growth targets—nearly four times the current number. The biggest opportunities are in IT/Software (driven by the Digital Transformation initiative), Engineering (Robotics/Automotive), and Healthcare/Nursing. The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa has opened doors for non-degree holders in fields like construction, agriculture, and hospitality. English teaching remains a classic entry point, but salaries in that sector have stagnated.

You can see all the industries in demand that don’t require a college degree in our article on the SSW Visa’s industries here:

▶︎ SSW Industry Guide: Finding the Best Role for You

Taiwan is a global leader in hardware and semiconductors, making it a paradise for engineers and tech professionals. According to the Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office, the Employment Gold Card is a massive advantage; it is an open work permit that allows top talent (earning >NT$160,000 / ~$5,135 per month or with specific skills) to live and work freely without being tied to a single employer. Beyond tech, there is steady demand for English teachers and manufacturing roles. However, outside of the semiconductor giants (like TSMC), salaries for general office roles can be low relative to the cost of living in Taipei.

Education and Raising a Family

Japan offers superior financial support and almost free healthcare for children, but non-professional visas often prohibit bringing family. Taiwan offers a more family-friendly visa policy (Gold Card) and affordable living, but childcare subsidies are lower and international schooling is similarly expensive.

Education Systems

In Japan, public schools are high quality and free, but instruction is 100% Japanese. This is excellent for immersion but tough for older non-Japanese speaking kids. International schools in Tokyo are prestigious but expensive, with median costs around $17,300 (~¥2.69 million) annually, and top schools reaching over $28,000.

Taiwan has launched its Bilingual 2030 policy, aiming to enhance English proficiency nationwide. By 2030, English classes in all high schools will be taught solely in English, and one-third of schools will have bilingual instruction in other subjects. Private “bilingual” schools are a popular middle ground, costing around NT$94,000 (~$3,018) per semester, which is far cheaper than fully international schools (which average ~$15,500/year).

Support for Families

Japan is heavily investing in childcare to combat its low birthrate. The government provides a monthly “Child Allowance” (Jidou Teate) of ¥15,000 ($96) for children under 3, and ¥10,000 ($64) for older kids. In Tokyo’s 23 wards, medical care for children (including dentist visits) is essentially free up to age 15 or 18. Additionally, preschool and kindergarten are effectively free for children aged 3 to 5.

Taiwan offers cultural and financial support, though cash amounts are often lower. Taiwan is famous for “Confinement Centers” (Yuezi centers), where new mothers stay for a month to recover with professional nursing care. This is a massive cultural perk, though it costs money. Parents can receive childcare leave subsidies (60% of insured salary) and local “baby bonuses” (one-time cash gifts) that vary by city.

Can I Bring My Family?

This is the most critical differentiator for many workers. In Japan, if you enter on the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) (i) visa (common for construction, caregiving, food service), you cannot bring your spouse or children. You must upgrade to SSW (ii) or hold a high-skilled professional/engineer visa to bring dependents.

In Taiwan, the visa policy is much more inclusive. According to the Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office, holders of the Employment Gold Card or standard professional work permits can apply for dependent resident visas for their spouse and minor children immediately. Gold Card holders can even apply for visitor visas for their parents and grandparents for up to one year.

For more information on family, education, and other forms of support in Japan, please take a look at our full article on the topic here:

▶︎ Support for Visa Holders in Japan: Find The Support You Need

Language Barrier: Japanese vs. Mandarin Chinese

The difficulty of learning the local language depends heavily on your native language, but for most learners, both present significant challenges. Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan) has a simpler grammar structure but requires mastering “tones” to speak correctly. Japanese is easier to pronounce for many but has complex grammar and a difficult writing system. For those relying on English or other foreign languages, Taiwan generally offers a friendlier and more accessible environment.

Learning Curve

While English speakers often struggle with both languages, your native tongue plays a huge role in which one you might find easier. For Korean speakers, Japanese is often much easier to learn because both languages share similar grammar orders (Subject-Object-Verb) and use similar particles to mark words. For Chinese speakers, Japanese writing (Kanji) is familiar because it uses Chinese characters. However, the grammar is very different, and Japanese characters often have multiple different pronunciations, which can be confusing. For English/European speakers, both are classified as “Category V” languages, meaning they are exceptionally difficult.

Comparison of Language Features

Navigating Daily Life Without Fluency

If you cannot speak the local language, your experience in each country will be quite different. Taiwan is generally more accessible for beginners. In major cities like Taipei, English is widely used on street signs, in the metro system, and in hospitals. Taiwan ranks higher than Japan in global English proficiency, and many younger people are willing to communicate in English. Locals are often very patient with foreigners who try to speak Mandarin, and you can usually manage daily tasks like ordering food or opening a bank account with basic English and body language.

Japan presents more hurdles for non-speakers. Outside of major tourist hubs in Tokyo, finding someone who speaks fluent English can be difficult. According to the EF English Proficiency Index 2024, Japan’s global English proficiency ranking has dropped to “Low Proficiency” (92nd place out of 116 countries). Essential life tasks, such as renting an apartment, visiting city hall, or setting up utilities, almost always require filling out forms in Japanese. You will likely need a translator or a Japanese-speaking friend to help you settle in. Furthermore, Japan relies heavily on “unspoken rules” (reading the air). Even if you don’t speak the language, breaking these social rules can make integration difficult and isolating.

Social Integration: The “Foreigner” Experience

Taiwan is widely considered one of the friendliest countries in the world for expats, making it easier to feel “at home” quickly. Japan offers a deep, fascinating culture but presents a thicker social wall; while people are incredibly polite, breaking into local social circles to form deep friendships is notoriously difficult without fluent language skills and cultural conformity.

Making Friends and Expat Communities

Taiwan consistently ranks in the top tier of global expat surveys for “ease of settling in” and “friendliness.” Locals often go out of their way to help foreigners, and there is a genuine curiosity about outsiders that feels welcoming rather than exclusionary. The social vibe is casual, and it is relatively easy to make friends with locals over food or shared hobbies without needing a formal introduction.

In Japan, social interaction is governed by Tatemae (public face) and Honne (true feelings). Japanese people are exceptionally polite and helpful, but this politeness can act as a barrier to true friendship. Building deep relationships often requires time and trust.

Cultural Acceptance and Belonging

In Japan, the concept of being a gaijin (outsider) is strong. Even if you live there for 20 years and speak fluently, you may still be treated as a guest rather than a member of society. This can manifest in small ways, like people avoiding sitting next to you on the train, or larger ways, such as landlords refusing to rent to foreigners.

Taiwan is often described as more liberal and open-minded. According to the Library of Congress, Taiwan was the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage on May 24, 2019, reflecting a society that values diversity and human rights. While foreigners definitely stand out, the feeling is less about “exclusion” and more about “difference.” You are less likely to face rigid social policing regarding your behavior or dress compared to Japan.

💬 Note: It should be known that no matter where you go, you really need to make your best effort to go out and interact with the people and culture around you. If you appreciate the individuals you meet and take part in their culture, you can find your group of people. 

Visa Pathways and Residency Options

Taiwan’s Employment Gold Card is the superior option for flexibility, offering an open work permit that allows you to freelance or change jobs easily. Japan’s work visas are generally tied to a specific employer, offering stability but less freedom unless you qualify for the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa, which provides a fast track to permanent residency.

Taiwan’s Employment Gold Card vs. Japan’s Work Visas

The Taiwan Employment Gold Card is a “4-in-1” card that includes a work permit, resident visa, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and re-entry permit. Its biggest advantage is flexibility; it is an open work permit, meaning you are not tied to one company. You can freelance, start a business, or switch jobs without reapplying. Eligibility is based on skills and income (e.g., earning >NT$160,000 / ~$5,135 per month in a specialized field like Science, Tech, or Law). Perks include tax breaks for high earners (50% tax exemption on salary >NT$3M for 5 years) and family rights.

In Japan, most foreigners enter on a standard work visa (e.g., “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities”), which is strictly tied to your sponsoring employer. Quitting means you lose your visa sponsorship unless you find a new job quickly. According to JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa is a points-based system for top talent. If you score 70+ points (based on salary, age, education, etc.), you get a 5-year visa and a fast track to permanent residency. Even with HSP, your visa is generally tied to your employer’s category, though it offers easier lanes for spouses to work and parents to visit under specific conditions.

Visa Comparison Table

Permanent Residency

In Taiwan, you can apply for the Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) after 5 years of legal residency (staying 183+ days/year). According to the Taiwan Gold Card Office, Gold Card holders have a distinct advantage, as they can apply for the APRC after just 3 years. Requirements include having no criminal record and proof of financial self-sufficiency (earning 2x minimum wage or assets >NT$5M).

In Japan, the standard path to Eijuuken (Permanent Residency) requires 10 years of consecutive residence. However, the “fast track” is world-leading for top earners. According to Japan’s Immigration Services Agency guidelines, if you have 70 points on the HSP scale, you can apply for PR after just 3 years. If you have 80 points, you can apply after just 1 year. The process involves strict scrutiny on tax and pension payments (records must be perfect), stable income, and a guarantor (usually a Japanese national or PR holder).

FAQ

The choice between Japan and Taiwan ultimately depends on your career goals and lifestyle preferences. Japan offers higher earning potential and structure, while Taiwan offers flexibility and ease of entry.

Q. Which country is cheaper to live in?

A. Taiwan is cheaper for daily expenses like food and healthcare. However, rent in Taipei is high compared to wages. Rural Japan often offers cheaper, better housing than Taiwanese cities, though daily costs remain higher.

Q. Which country is better for bringing my family?

A. Taiwan is significantly easier, as the Employment Gold Card allows you to bring your spouse and children immediately. In Japan, many entry-level visas like the Specified Skilled Worker (i) do not allow family members to join you.

Q. Do I need to speak the language to find a job?

A. In Japan, it is almost essential; N2 level proficiency is usually required for most jobs. In Taiwan, English is often sufficient for the technology sector and daily life.

Q. Where can I earn a higher salary?

A. Japan generally offers higher average salaries. However, senior engineers in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry can earn wages comparable to Japan, with lower living costs.

Conclusion

Japan represents high structure and financial potential, offering a spotless environment and strong career growth for those willing to master its language and social rules. It rewards patience and conformity with world-class safety and stability.

Conversely, Taiwan offers a “softer landing” defined by warmth and flexibility. While salary ceilings can be lower, its welcoming people, accessible visa options, and lower language barrier make it ideal for those prioritizing immediate social integration and a relaxed lifestyle.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you value most right now. Define your goals—whether rapid savings or cultural immersion—and you will be on your way to building the good life in East Asia.