Best Areas to Live in Taipei for Exchange Students

Choosing the best area to live in Taipei as an exchange student depends on more than just rent. Your university, MRT line, budget, and lifestyle all matter. Taipei is safe, convenient, and easy to navigate, but each neighborhood has a different feel and price range.

We’ve helped hundreds of exchange students find housing across Taipei’s districts, and the most common mistake is choosing a neighborhood based on looks rather than commute. Before diving into budgets and apartment types, here’s what actually matters: which MRT line connects your campus to where you’ll sleep. Get that right, and the rest falls into place.

For most international students, a realistic monthly housing budget in Taipei is around NT$10,000 to NT$25,000. Shared apartments are usually the best value, while private studios are more realistic if your budget is closer to NT$20,000 or above.

This guide explains the best Taipei neighborhoods for exchange students, including areas near NTU, NTNU, NTUST, NTUT, NCCU, Ming Chuan University, Chinese Culture University, and Mandarin language centers.

Taipei Student Housing Budget: NT$10,000–NT$25,000

NT$10,000–NT$15,000: Best for Shared Apartments

At this budget, most students will be looking at a private bedroom in a shared apartment. You may share the kitchen, bathroom, laundry area, and common space with other tenants.

This is often the best choice for exchange students who want to save money, meet people, and avoid handling utilities alone. To stay within this price range, consider areas outside the most central neighborhoods, such as Xindian, Yonghe, Zhonghe, Wenshan, parts of Shilin, and parts of Banqiao.

NT$15,000–NT$20,000: Better Location and More Choice

This budget gives you more flexibility. You may find shared rooms closer to MRT stations, universities, and popular student areas such as Gongguan, Taipower Building, Guting, Zhongzheng, Xindian, and Yonghe.

If you are arriving before the fall or spring semester, start looking early. August, September, January, and February are competitive months for student housing in Taipei.

NT$20,000–NT$25,000: Private Studios Become More Realistic

With this budget, a private studio becomes more realistic, especially outside the most expensive central districts. In areas like Da’an, Gongguan, Zhongzheng, Zhongshan, and Songshan, studios may still be older or smaller, but you will have more options than students with a lower budget.

In Xindian, Yonghe, Zhonghe, or Wenshan, the same budget may get you a larger room, a better-equipped apartment, or a more comfortable studio.

Shared Apartment vs Studio in Taipei: Which Is Better?

For most exchange students, a shared apartment is the smarter starting point. It is cheaper, easier to manage, and often comes furnished. Many students also prefer shared housing because it feels less lonely when arriving in a new country.

A studio is better if you need privacy, plan to stay longer than one semester, or have a stable budget of NT$20,000 or more. Graduate students, interns, and remote workers may also prefer studios because they need a quieter space.

A practical approach is to search for shared apartments first, then compare studios if your budget allows.

Best Areas to Live in Taipei for Exchange Students

Gongguan: Best Area for NTU and NTUST Students

Step out of Gongguan MRT and you are immediately in student territory. Roosevelt Road is lined with tea houses, secondhand bookshops, and cheap noodle joints that have been feeding university students for decades. The Gongguan Night Market sprawls across two lanes behind Shuiyuan Market — smaller than Shilin but far more local, with Michelin Bib Gourmand stalls that locals queue for. A short walk south takes you to Treasure Hill Artist Village, a free-to-wander creative settlement above the river.

NTU’s main campus is a 10-minute walk. NTUST is equally close. Cafés along Roosevelt Road and Wenzhou Street fill up with laptops from morning until late.

Real downsides: Apartments are mostly older walk-up buildings — expect narrow staircases, aging plumbing, and limited natural light. Good rooms near the MRT station get snapped up weeks before each semester. Roosevelt Road itself stays noisy past midnight. Air conditioning in summer can add NT$2,000–4,000 to your monthly costs.

• Best for: NTU, NTUST/Taiwan Tech, Mandarin students, students who want food and transport within walking distance
• Housing types: Shared apartments, student rooms, small studios, older walk-up buildings
• Typical budget: NT$15,000–25,000

Taipower Building and Guting: Best for NTNU and Mandarin Students

This stretch between two MRT stations has a slightly quieter tempo than Gongguan — fewer tourists, more locals. Shida Night Market, a short walk away, has Japanese-style ramen next to Taiwanese braised pork rice next to Korean fried chicken, all under NT$120. Longquan Street is lined with small cafés, vintage clothing stores, and the kind of unmanned Japanese secondhand shop that runs on the honour system.

Guting station is a key interchange connecting the Green and Orange MRT lines, which makes this area unusually well-connected. Students from NTNU can walk to campus; NTU students are one stop away.

Real downsides: The area around Shida Night Market can be genuinely loud on Friday and Saturday nights — street crowds, music, and scooters until 1am. Search a few blocks inward from the night market for noticeably quieter rooms. Housing stock is old throughout this area, and finding a well-maintained apartment takes more searching than in newer parts of Taipei.

• Best for: NTNU students, Mandarin language students, NTU students, anyone who wants Green and Orange line access
• Housing types: Shared apartments, older apartment rooms, studios
• Typical budget: NT$15,000–25,000

Da’an: Best Central Taipei Lifestyle

Da’an is the district most people picture when they imagine “nice Taipei.” Yongkang Street — voted one of the coolest streets in Asia — is lined with Din Tai Fung’s original outlet, hole-in-the-wall noodle shops, matcha cafés, and boutiques. Da’an Forest Park is Taipei’s version of Central Park: tai chi at dawn, students reading under trees in the afternoon, couples walking dogs at night. On weekends, the Jianguo Jade Market and Flower Market operate under the nearby expressway. The Zhongxiao Dunhua area has Eslite bookstore, Uniqlo, and cafés open past midnight.

This district works well for students at NTU, NTNU, NTUST, NTUT, and Mandarin language centers who want a polished central lifestyle.

Real downsides: Da’an is the most expensive area on this list. Main corridors (Xinyi Road, Fuxing South Road, Zhongxiao) are noisy and traffic-heavy during peak hours. Some older buildings lack elevators. Weekend crowds around Yongkang Street and Da’an Forest Park can make nearby streets feel more like a tourist district than a neighborhood.

• Best for: Students who want central convenience, cafés, parks, and access to multiple MRT lines
• Housing types: Studios, shared apartments, renovated older apartments
• Typical budget: NT$18,000–25,000+

Zhongzheng: Best for Taipei Main Station and NTUT Access

Zhongzheng is Taipei’s civic core — government buildings, wide boulevards, the National Theater and Concert Hall, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and Taipei Main Station, which connects the Red and Blue MRT lines, the regular train network, and the high-speed rail. Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a converted factory now full of design shops, galleries, and an independent cinema, is also here. If you plan to travel around Taiwan frequently, there is nowhere more convenient to be based.

This area is useful for students at NTUT, NTNU, NTU, and Mandarin programs.

Real downsides: Parts of Zhongzheng feel administrative rather than residential — dominated by office buildings and government institutions, which makes it quieter at weekends but less vibrant day-to-day. The Ximending end gets very crowded and noisy on weekends. Finding a comfortable, well-maintained apartment at a fair price takes more effort here than in the university-adjacent areas.

• Best for: NTUT students, Mandarin students, students who travel around Taiwan often
• Housing types: Shared apartments, studios, older central apartments
• Typical budget: NT$15,000–25,000

Wenshan and Muzha: Best for NCCU Students

Wenshan and Muzha feel genuinely different from the dense central districts — hill-edged, green, and residential. NCCU’s campus sits on the slopes of Muzha with two rivers running through it and mountains visible from the library windows. Maokong, accessible by gondola or a 15-minute bus ride, has tea houses set into the hillside with views over the city. Housing near campus is spacious and affordable compared to anywhere near Da’an or Gongguan.

Wenshan is quieter and more residential than central Taipei. It is a good fit for students who prefer more space, a calmer environment, and lower rent.

Real downsides: The closest MRT is Taipei Zoo station on the Brown Line, and NCCU campus is a 20-minute walk or 8-minute bus ride from there. Getting to central Taipei takes 30–40 minutes. Short-term rentals near NCCU are limited — most landlords want one-year leases. Fewer late-night food options and fewer English-speaking landlords than central districts.

• Best for: NCCU students, students who prefer quiet neighborhoods, students who want better value
• Housing types: Larger rooms, shared apartments, local studios
• Typical budget: NT$10,000–20,000

Xindian: Best Budget Area with Green Line Access

Xindian is technically in New Taipei City, but the same Green Line that passes through Gongguan, Taipower Building, and Guting continues south to Xindian without any transfers. That makes it one of the smartest budget choices for NTU, NTUST, and NTNU students — you trade central location for noticeably more space and lower rent. The area around Bitan has a riverside park and scenic footbridge that make weekends pleasant. Stations like Dapinglin, Qizhang, Xindian District Office, Xiaobitan, and Xindian all have decent housing options within walking distance.

Real downsides: The commute to campus adds 15–25 minutes each way compared to living in Gongguan. Late-night trips back after socialising in central Taipei mean catching the MRT before midnight or paying for a taxi. Fewer English-speaking landlords and less internationally oriented than central districts.

• Best for: Budget-conscious students, Green Line commuters, students who want quieter housing
• Housing types: Shared apartments, studios, larger rooms near MRT stations
• Typical budget: NT$10,000–20,000

Yonghe and Zhonghe: Best Value Near Central Taipei

Yonghe and Zhonghe sit just across the Xindian River from central Taipei — close enough that students sometimes underestimate how different the atmosphere is. These are genuinely local neighborhoods: traditional breakfast shops open at 6am, wet markets alongside convenience stores, family-run noodle joints on every block. It is one of the more authentic everyday Taiwanese living experiences available at a student-friendly price. Bus 236 from Yonghe runs directly to Gongguan and Roosevelt Road, making NTU, NTNU, and NTUST commutes manageable.

The trade-off is that some apartments are older, and not every location is equally close to the MRT. Always check walking distance to the nearest station before booking.

Real downsides: MRT coverage is uneven — some streets that look close on a map require a longer walk or bus ride to reach a station. Less English signage and fewer international-facing landlords than central Taipei districts. Apartment stock tends to be older and not always well-maintained.

• Best for: Budget students, NTU/NTNU/NTUST students comfortable with a local neighborhood
• Housing types: Shared apartments, older studios, walk-up buildings
• Typical budget: NT$10,000–18,000 for shared housing

Banqiao: Best New Taipei City Option for Transport

Banqiao is one of the most developed districts in New Taipei City, with MRT access on the Blue Line, Taiwan Railway, High Speed Rail, shopping malls, and many residential buildings. It can work well if you want city convenience at a lower price than central Taipei, and it is particularly useful for students or interns who travel often between Taipei and other cities.

Real downsides: Not the closest area for most Taipei university students — commuting to Da’an or Gongguan adds 20–30 minutes each way. Less of a student community feel than Gongguan or Guting. The area is well-developed but feels more suburban than central Taipei.

• Best for: Students who want New Taipei convenience, transport access, and lower rent than central Taipei
• Housing types: Studios, shared apartments, newer residential buildings
• Typical budget: NT$15,000–25,000

Zhongshan: Best for Cafés, Restaurants, and City Life

Zhongshan has a Japanese-influenced character that you notice quickly — the streets around the MRT station were once known as the “Ginza of Taipei,” and that history lingers in the izakayas, design-forward ramen bars, and independent boutiques lining the side streets. The area is dense with good coffee shops with a vibe that skews more “remote worker” than “student cram session.” The Taipei Fine Arts Museum is a 10-minute walk, and Linsen Park offers quiet green space nearby.

It is not usually the cheapest choice for exchange students, but it can be a strong option if your budget is closer to NT$18,000–25,000 and you want to live somewhere central without being directly beside campus.

Real downsides: Linsen North Road, a few blocks from the MRT station, is Taipei’s traditional hostess bar district — entirely safe, but students who didn’t know can be surprised by the nighttime character on those specific streets. “Cool Zhongshan” is geographically concentrated near the MRT station; parts of the district further out are more ordinary. Not the easiest area to find affordable student housing.

• Best for: Students who want cafés, restaurants, nightlife, and central access
• Housing types: Studios, shared apartments, older central apartments
• Typical budget: NT$18,000–25,000

Songshan: Best for MRT Access and Local Taipei Living

Songshan is practical, local, and well-connected, with access to the Green Line, Brown Line, and Songshan Station. Raohe Night Market — one of Taipei’s most atmospheric — is nearby, and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is a popular weekend spot. For students whose campus connects to these lines, it offers a comfortable everyday Taipei lifestyle without the premium of Da’an or Zhongshan.

Real downsides: Less student-focused than Gongguan or Guting. Some streets are busy with traffic. Slightly pricier than Zhongzheng for similar apartment quality. The area is more spread out, so location within Songshan matters a lot.

• Best for: Students who want Taipei City convenience with a local feel
• Housing types: Shared apartments, studios, older apartments near MRT
• Typical budget: NT$15,000–25,000

Shilin and Tianmu: Best for Ming Chuan University and Quieter Living

Shilin is a large district and the experience varies dramatically by location. Around Shilin Night Market — one of Taipei’s largest and most famous — the area is busy and lively. Tianmu, further north, is quieter, more spacious, and popular with expat families and international school communities, with Western grocery stores and a more suburban feel.

Shilin is especially useful for students at Ming Chuan University, whose Taipei campus is in Shilin District. Students attending Chinese Culture University should check bus routes carefully — PCCU is on Yangmingshan and is not directly served by the MRT. For Mandarin students comparing programs, the Tamkang University Chinese Language Center is another option worth considering.

Real downsides: Tianmu is noticeably more expensive than most student areas. Commuting from Shilin or Tianmu to central Taipei for socialising or activities takes longer than from Da’an or Gongguan. Tianmu in particular has a more expat-family feel than a student feel.

• Best for: Ming Chuan University students, PCCU students who have checked bus routes, students who prefer quieter living
• Housing types: Shared apartments, residential rooms, larger apartments
• Typical budget: NT$15,000–25,000, with Tianmu usually more expensive

Best Taipei Neighborhoods by University

University / Program	Best Areas to Consider
NTU	Gongguan, Taipower Building, Guting, Da’an, Xindian, Yonghe
NTUST / Taiwan Tech	Gongguan, Taipower Building, Guting, Da’an, Xindian, Yonghe
NTNU	Taipower Building, Guting, Da’an, Zhongzheng, Gongguan, Xindian
NTUT / Taipei Tech	Da’an, Zhongzheng, Zhongshan, Songshan, Banqiao
NCCU	Wenshan, Muzha, Taipei Zoo area, Xindian if commute is acceptable
Ming Chuan University	Shilin, Jiantan, Yuanshan, Tianmu
Chinese Culture University	Shilin, Tianmu, Yangmingshan-area housing, areas with direct bus access
Mandarin Language Centers	Da’an, Guting, Taipower Building, Gongguan, Zhongzheng, Xindian

How to Choose the Right Area in Taipei

Start with the MRT Line, Not the Map

Straight-line distance can be misleading in Taipei. A room that looks far away may be easy if it is on the same MRT line as your school. A room that looks close may require a bus transfer and take much longer. Before choosing a neighborhood, check the official Taipei Metro website and compare your route to campus. The Taipei Travel MRT guide is also useful for first-timers learning how the system works.

Decide What Kind of Lifestyle You Want

Choose Gongguan, Guting, Taipower Building, or Da’an if you want student life, cafés, restaurants, and central convenience.

Choose Xindian, Wenshan, Yonghe, Zhonghe, or Shilin if you prefer more space, lower rent, and a quieter local neighborhood.

Choose Zhongshan, Songshan, or Banqiao if you want a more independent city lifestyle with strong transportation access.

Check What Is Included in the Rent

Before signing or paying a deposit, ask whether the rent includes electricity, water, internet, building management fees, garbage disposal rules, laundry access, air conditioning costs, and deposit terms.

A cheaper room is not always cheaper after utilities. Some rooms may add several thousand NT dollars per month depending on electricity use, especially during summer.

Book Early Before Semester Starts

The best student rooms near NTU, NTNU, NTUST, NTUT, and NCCU are often taken before the semester begins. If you are arriving in August, September, January, or February, start looking at least six to eight weeks ahead.

Useful Links for Students

• Taipei Metro official route map — check MRT lines and plan your commute to campus before choosing a neighborhood.
• Taipei Travel MRT guide — helpful for students new to Taipei public transportation.
• NTU Visitor Center — check NTU campus building locations before deciding where to live.
• National Taipei University of Technology — useful for NTUT students checking campus location.
• NCCU transportation information — essential because NCCU requires MRT plus bus planning; check this before choosing housing in Wenshan or Muzha.
• Tamkang University Chinese Language Center — useful for Mandarin students comparing language programs.

Looking for Student Housing in Taipei?

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Browse available rooms and studios in Taipei before choosing your neighborhood, and compare each listing by MRT line, school commute, rent, utilities, and lease terms.

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