Best value cities in Asia

Cities that punch above their price in Asia: strong safety, internet, healthcare and climate scores relative to what a month there actually costs.

Methodology: Blended score: average quality of life (safety, internet, healthcare, climate — 60%) against affordability (40%).

  1. 1. Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    QoL 89/100 · $1,160/mo

    Averages 89/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,160/mo all-in.

  2. 2. Taipei, Taiwan

    QoL 86/100 · $1,430/mo

    Averages 86/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,430/mo all-in.

  3. 3. Fukuoka, Japan

    QoL 86/100 · $1,470/mo

    Averages 86/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,470/mo all-in.

  4. 4. Kanazawa, Japan

    QoL 86/100 · $1,600/mo

    Averages 86/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,600/mo all-in.

  5. 5. Pokhara, Nepal

    QoL 75/100 · $640/mo

    Averages 75/100 across quality-of-life scores at $640/mo all-in.

  6. 6. Hiroshima, Japan

    QoL 86/100 · $1,620/mo

    Averages 86/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,620/mo all-in.

  7. 7. Sapporo, Japan

    QoL 85/100 · $1,570/mo

    Averages 85/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,570/mo all-in.

  8. 8. Galle, Sri Lanka

    QoL 76/100 · $830/mo

    Averages 76/100 across quality-of-life scores at $830/mo all-in.

  9. 9. Nha Trang, Vietnam

    QoL 75/100 · $780/mo

    Averages 75/100 across quality-of-life scores at $780/mo all-in.

  10. 10. Chiang Mai, Thailand

    QoL 76/100 · $910/mo

    Averages 76/100 across quality-of-life scores at $910/mo all-in.

  11. 11. Kyoto, Japan

    QoL 84/100 · $1,550/mo

    Averages 84/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,550/mo all-in.

  12. 12. Aqaba, Jordan

    QoL 80/100 · $1,260/mo

    Averages 80/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,260/mo all-in.

Frequently asked questions

Best value cities in Asia — which city is #1?

Kaohsiung, Taiwan tops this list. Averages 89/100 across quality-of-life scores at $1,160/mo all-in. Taipei and Fukuoka round out the top three.

How is this ranking calculated?

Blended score: average quality of life (safety, internet, healthcare, climate — 60%) against affordability (40%). 86 catalog cities in Asia qualified for this list; the top 12 are shown. Scores are catalog averages, not personalised — Jonzy re-ranks every city for your own income, passport and lifestyle when you sign in.

How much does it cost to live in the top city in Asia?

Kaohsiung runs about $1,160/month all-in for one person — rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities and everyday extras. See the Kaohsiung city guide for the full cost breakdown, visa options and FAQ.