When people ask me about savings in Taiwan for OFWs, I always go back to my first few months here. I came to Taiwan because I wanted something stable. I wasn’t expecting to get rich fast. I only wanted a place where the salary matched my effort, the costs were predictable, and I could slowly build something for myself and for my family.
And if you’re weighing Taiwan for work right now, here’s my honest take. Taiwan is “savable.” Not in an instant way, not in a jackpot way, but in a steady and realistic way that feels manageable if your employer provides a dorm, subsidized meals, and fair hours. It’s a place where you can actually track your money and see your progress month by month.
Understanding the Income and Cost of Living in Taiwan in 2025
Most factory workers I’ve met, including myself when I started, take home around NT$24,000 to NT$28,000 monthly. Some earn more if they get regular overtime, but this range is the norm.
The good part is that many Taiwanese companies give us dorms and subsidized cafeteria meals, so we don’t feel the same pressure that OFWs in other countries feel when it comes to rent.
When I compare this to my time in the Philippines, it’s a huge difference. Back home, my whole salary would disappear into bills and food, and there was barely anything left to save. Here in Taiwan, data shows that the average after-tax salary covers about 1.4 months of living expenses. In the Philippines, it covers around 0.5 months.
That means our money stretches farther here. And that’s where the saving potential comes from.
My Usual Monthly Budget Inside a Dorm
A lot of Filipinos in Taiwan live in factory dorms. It’s not perfect. You share space, you hear snores at night, and privacy is limited. But when you’re trying to build savings, a dorm is a blessing.
Here’s a real and common budget for OFWs staying in a company dorm:
Accommodation (with utilities): NT$600
This already covers electricity, water, and even air-conditioning in most factories. I remember a vlogger showing her breakdown, and it matched my own experience almost exactly.
Food: NT$3,000 to NT$5,000
This depends on how often you eat at the cafeteria and how much you cook. Night markets are tempting, so I try to balance everything.
Transportation: NT$1,000 to NT$2,000
If your dorm is near the factory, this can be even lower.
Personal/leisure/hygiene: NT$2,000 to NT$4,000
Contingencies: NT$1,000 to NT$2,000
Altogether, the usual spend inside a dorm is around NT$7,600 to NT$13,600 per month.
This is why many OFWs here can save half of their salary before remittance. The dorm setup keeps fixed costs small.
Budget If You Choose to Rent Outside
There came a point when I wanted my own space. A quiet place to breathe, sleep, and make my own meals. But I’m going to be honest—moving out of the dorm changes your savings a lot.
Here’s the typical cost if you rent outside:
Room or shared flat: NT$5,000 to NT$10,000
Taipei is expensive, while areas farther from the city center are cheaper.
Utilities and internet: NT$1,000 to NT$2,000
Food without cafeteria subsidies: NT$5,000 to NT$7,000
Transportation: NT$1,500 to NT$2,500
The farther the jobsite, the higher the cost.
Personal/leisure/contingencies: NT$3,000 to NT$5,000
This adds up to NT$15,500 to NT$26,500 per month.
Dorm life is not luxurious, but if your goal is savings, it’s the most efficient path.
Realistic Savings Scenarios (Based on NT$26,000 Income)
Let’s break it down the way most OFWs actually budget.
Scenario 1: Dorm + Subsidized Meals
Monthly spend: around NT$10,000
Savings before remittance: NT$16,000
Now, let’s factor in remittance.
Most Filipinos send between NT$8,000 to NT$12,000 home.
That means your personal savings land at around NT$4,000 to NT$8,000 monthly.
If you’re disciplined, this adds up fast.
Scenario 2: Renting Outside
Monthly spend: around NT$20,000
Savings before remittance: NT$6,000
With remittances, you might reach zero unless you adjust your lifestyle. Some OFWs avoid travel, reduce shopping, or cook every meal to stay balanced. Renting outside needs more planning.
Scenario 3: Higher Earners or Regular OT (NT$30,000 Income)
Even with the same NT$12,000 overall spending, savings can reach NT$18,000 before remittance.
After sending money home, you still keep around NT$6,000 to NT$10,000 just for yourself.
Factory workers with consistent overtime feel this advantage the most.
Savings Scenarios Comparison Table
| Scenario | Monthly Income | Estimated Spending | Savings Before Remittance | Typical Remittance | Take-Home Personal Savings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorm + Subsidized Meals | NT$26,000 | ~NT$10,000 | NT$16,000 | NT$8,000–12,000 | NT$4,000–8,000 | First-time OFWs, disciplined savers |
| Renting Outside | NT$26,000 | ~NT$20,000 | NT$6,000 | NT$8,000–12,000 | NT$0 or negative | OFWs who want privacy and independence |
| Higher Earner with OT + Dorm | NT$30,000 | ~NT$12,000 | NT$18,000 | NT$8,000–12,000 | NT$6,000–10,000 | OFWs willing to work OT and save aggressively |
| Dorm + High Remittance Demands | NT$26,000 | ~NT$10,000 | NT$16,000 | NT$12,000–15,000 | NT$1,000–4,000 | OFWs with big responsibilities at home |
| Renting Outside + Low Lifestyle Spending | NT$26,000 | ~NT$17,000 | NT$9,000 | NT$8,000–10,000 | NT$0–1,000 | OFWs balancing comfort and saving goals |
Why Taiwan Feels “Savable” Even if the Salary Is Not Extremely High
When I talk to other OFWs in Taiwan, we all mention the same things.
- Dorms make life simple.
Imagine paying only NT$600 for your bed, electricity, and AC. In other countries, housing alone eats half the salary.
- Meals are cheap and predictable.
Factory cafeterias usually offer NT$40 to NT$70 meals. This keeps spending on track.
- Public transportation is efficient.
You don’t worry about unpredictable fares or long walks. MRT and bus systems are clean, fast, and affordable.
- It’s easier to stay disciplined.
Because your fixed costs are low, you get to decide what to do with the extra money. That gives you control over your progress.
Common Pitfalls That Affect OFW Savings in Taiwan
I’ve seen many Filipinos lose their saving momentum because of small, repeated habits. Here are the realities we often overlook.
Dorm vs Independence
Privacy is priceless, but it comes with rent and utilities. Once you move out, your budget doubles.
Remittance Pressure
Most OFWs feel guilty if we don’t send a big amount home. But sending 50 to 70 percent of your salary every month leaves very little for emergencies.
A better approach is to talk with family and set clearer expectations.
Lifestyle Creep
Night markets, gadgets, shoes, weekend trips—it all adds up.
Even NT$200 per night of “small enjoyment” can turn into NT$6,000 by month-end.
City Differences
Living in Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung feels very different. Taipei is pricier, especially rent.
Healthcare Surprises
Taiwan’s healthcare is excellent, but not everything is fully covered. Dental care, glasses, and some clinic tests can be expensive.
Key Takeaways for Filipinos Thinking About Taiwan
After years of working here, this is how I personally see it.
Taiwan is best for steady savers
If your goal is slow but sure savings, this is a great fit. The purchasing power is solid, costs are predictable, and factory benefits help a lot.
The most “savable” setup is factory work with dorms
If you’re okay with shared living and simple routines, this gives the highest savings rate.
Taiwan might feel tight if you want rapid capital
If your dream requires fast earnings or if you prefer independent housing and frequent travel, Taiwan’s typical wages may feel limiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can OFWs save per month in Taiwan?
Factory workers in dorm setups often save NT$4,000 to NT$8,000 monthly after remittance. With OT, this can rise to NT$10,000.
Is Taiwan good for first-time OFWs?
Yes. Dorms, predictable expenses, and safe environments make it beginner-friendly.
Which city is best for OFWs trying to save?
Areas outside Taipei generally offer lower costs and better savings potential.
Is renting outside the dorm worth it?
It depends on your priorities. If comfort and privacy matter more than savings, it can be worth it. But it reduces your net savings significantly.
Do OFWs need to speak Chinese to survive in Taiwan?
Basic Chinese helps, but many factory roles do not require fluency. Learning simple phrases makes life easier.
Final Thoughts: Should You Choose Taiwan for Work?
If you ask me what I’ve learned about savings in Taiwan for OFWs, it’s this:
Taiwan is stable. Taiwan is predictable. Taiwan gives you a fair starting point.
But the real results come from your habits. Your remittances. Your personal discipline. Your choices.
If your priority is to build savings month after month, Taiwan is one of the most reliable places to do it.