74world:
I know you asked this question of Jim, but I'll answer. How far below the poverty level would someone be living in Taipei on USD 4400 per month. I have many good friends and relatives living in Taiwan who only make USD 800 per month. So the answer is it depends on how you want to live. To get a decent apartment in a decent section of Taipei would cost about USD 1000 to USD 1500 per month. I say decent, meaning decent by western standards. Eating could only cost about 100 NTD per meal if you and your spouse could live on street food ( which is quite good and very safe ). You wouldn't need a car so transportation is by taxi, bus, and MRT which is very affordable. Health Insurance is dirt cheap compared to the States.
You could live very well in Taipei for that kind of money. You may not be able to save a whole lot, but it wouldn't be a bad life.
Typhoopilot