Taiwan's "Escape from Taipei": A Surge in Outward Migration in Early 2024

What's Behind the Exodus? Almost 40,000 People Left Taipei in Just Three Months.

Taipei City experienced a significant population decline in the first quarter of 2024, prompting discussions about a "脱北 (Tuobei)" or "Escape from Taipei" phenomenon. From January to March, the city saw nearly 40,000 people move out, with over 20,000 leaving in March alone – a record high.

The Taipei City Government (北市府 - Beishifu) suggests a possible connection to the central government's new 房屋 (house) tax 2.0 regulations. The new rules require individuals to establish their 戶籍 (huji - household registration) at the property. The deadline for establishing residency to take advantage of the new tax structure was March 24th. The timing seems to indicate a potential link, as many citizens who own property outside Taipei may have chosen to move their 戶籍 (huji) out of the city.

Statistics show a clear trend: In January, Taipei had a net migration (social increase) of 4,529 people moving in and 6,473 moving out. February saw 5,764 people moving in and a significantly higher 12,667 moving out. In March, this trend intensified further, with 8,056 moving in compared to a staggering 20,158 moving out, resulting in a net loss of over 12,102 people.