Side-by-side city decision # Taichung vs Ghent. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link TaichungTaiwan3/6 VS GhentBelgium2/6 $925Taichung monthly budget $1,915Ghent monthly budget 210 MbpsTaichung internet 180 MbpsGhent internet Decision summary Taichung Taichung leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Taichung Speed Fastest internet Taichung Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Taichung Air Cleanest air Ghent Walk Most walkable Ghent Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Taichung](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/taiwan/taichung.md) Taiwan 3/6 Budget$925 Internet210 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Ghent](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/belgium/ghent.md) Belgium 2/6 Budget$1,915 Internet180 Mbps Vibe8/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals MetricTaichungGhent Total estimated budget $925 $1,915 1-bed center rent $430 $1,160 Coworking desk $165 $260 Local meal $3.8 $19.5 Cappuccino $3.4 $3.9 Gym membership $28 $48 Transport budget $45 $55 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricTaichungGhent Internet speed 210 Mbps 180 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricTaichungGhent Safety index 84/100 72/100 Air quality 62/100 78/100 Walkability 7/10 9/10 Female safety 9/10 8/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 8/10 9/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricTaichungGhent Healthcare quality Excellent Excellent English proficiency Average Excellent Climate type Humid subtropical Temperate oceanic Best time to visit Oct - Apr May - Sep Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Taichung](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/taiwan/taichung.md) Taiwan → ### Strengths * Affordable rents and excellent value for a major Taiwanese city * Fast, reliable fiber internet and widespread 5G * Exceptional healthcare and very low violent-crime risk * Outstanding night markets, cafés, and local food culture * Milder winters and less rain than Taipei * Convenient access to mountains, coast, and high-speed rail ### Trade-offs * Summer heat, humidity, and typhoon disruptions can be intense * Air quality can worsen during dry-season pollution episodes * Scooter-heavy traffic makes some streets noisy and less pedestrian-friendly * English is limited outside international businesses and central areas * Long-term visa options are restrictive for many remote workers * Cash is still useful at traditional markets and small eateries ### Common visa routes * Visa-exempt entry for eligible passports, commonly 14 to 90 days depending on nationality * Taiwan Employment Gold Card for eligible skilled professionals, valid for 1 to 3 years * Visitor visa for eligible travelers, subject to purpose and extension rules [Ghent](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/belgium/ghent.md) Belgium → ### Strengths * Exceptionally walkable and bicycle-friendly historic center * Fast, reliable fiber internet and strong mobile coverage * High English proficiency among students and young professionals * Excellent rail links to Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Europe * Inclusive, progressive atmosphere with a lively cultural calendar * Safe tap water and high-quality public healthcare ### Trade-offs * Housing is expensive and well-priced furnished flats move quickly * Rain, wind, and gray winter days can feel persistent * Belgian taxes and administrative procedures are complex * Restaurants, alcohol, and everyday services cost more than in southern Europe * There is no dedicated Belgian digital nomad visa * Cycling requires confidence around tram tracks and heavy bike traffic ### Common visa routes * Schengen short-stay visa * Belgian self-employed professional card route * EU Blue Card or local employment permit Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.