Last update: Oct 2026 Macao (China) ⭐ Capital 622.6K

Cost of Living in Macao

For one person, living costs in Macao are estimated at $2,114 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $31 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Macao

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Macao actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $2,114 monthly including rent, or $939 excluding housing.

$2,114 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,990 with rent, or $1,626 without housing.

$2,990 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,866 including rent, or $2,313 for daily expenses alone.

$3,866 /mo

Macao sits 37–57% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 99% above average – among the most expensive in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.26 MOP 50.6
$6.26 MOP 50.6
$7.52 MOP 60.8
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$56.2 MOP 454
$37.48 MOP 303
$187 MOP 1,515
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.02 MOP 48.66
$5.77 MOP 46.61
$6.52 MOP 52.7
Cappuccino
$5.06 MOP 40.87
$2.75 MOP 22.19
$10.98 MOP 88.8
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.05 MOP 8.48
$0.63 MOP 5.10
$1.88 MOP 15.23
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.85 MOP 6.88
$0.47 MOP 3.79
$4.50 MOP 36.34
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.62 MOP 45.46
$3.63 MOP 29.33
$7.01 MOP 56.7
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.33 MOP 59.2
$4.97 MOP 40.16
$9.69 MOP 78.3
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$3.26 MOP 26.34
$1.59 MOP 12.88
$4.32 MOP 34.90
White Bread (500g)
$1.70 MOP 13.72
$1.51 MOP 12.21
$4.64 MOP 37.50
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.66 MOP 13.38
$0.97 MOP 7.84
$2.42 MOP 19.56
Eggs
$3.50 MOP 28.30
$1.98 MOP 15.97
$5.31 MOP 42.95
Local Cheese (1kg)
$16.22 MOP 131
$8.92 MOP 72.1
$28.51 MOP 230
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$19.56 MOP 158
$8.61 MOP 69.6
$31.22 MOP 252
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$28.45 MOP 230
$11.29 MOP 91.3
$47.27 MOP 382
Apples (1kg)
$2.59 MOP 20.96
$1.28 MOP 10.32
$4.62 MOP 37.32
Banana (1kg)
$2.86 MOP 23.13
$1.96 MOP 15.84
$3.67 MOP 29.69
Oranges (1kg)
$1.89 MOP 15.27
-
Tomato (1kg)
$2.36 MOP 19.04
$2.25 MOP 18.17
$2.42 MOP 19.59
Potato (1kg)
$3.84 MOP 31.03
$1.49 MOP 12.08
$7.25 MOP 58.6
Onion (1kg)
$2.84 MOP 22.92
$1.88 MOP 15.20
$3.65 MOP 29.52
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.62 MOP 5.04
-
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.15 MOP 9.32
$0.61 MOP 4.94
$4.63 MOP 37.42
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.64 MOP 53.6
$6.64 MOP 53.6
$7.12 MOP 57.6
Wine (Bottle)
$12.30 MOP 99.4
$7.34 MOP 59.3
$24.58 MOP 199
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.79 MOP 14.43
$1.30 MOP 10.53
$1.92 MOP 15.51
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.30 MOP 18.61
$1.89 MOP 15.30
$2.34 MOP 18.94
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.73 MOP 5.88
$0.73 MOP 5.88
$0.75 MOP 6.04
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$22.47 MOP 182
$22.31 MOP 180
$22.63 MOP 183
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.63 MOP 21.26
$2.38 MOP 19.22
$2.63 MOP 21.26
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.29 MOP 10.40
$1.01 MOP 8.17
$1.51 MOP 12.22
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$14.68 MOP 119
$14.68 MOP 119
$14.68 MOP 119
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.78 MOP 14.38
$1.70 MOP 13.74
$1.88 MOP 15.17
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$30.5K MOP 246.6K
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$30.9K MOP 249.8K
$30.5K MOP 246.2K
$31.4K MOP 253.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$120 MOP 972
$73.3 MOP 593
$183 MOP 1,482
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$23.50 MOP 190
$11.10 MOP 89.7
$32.93 MOP 266
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$37.25 MOP 301
$24.91 MOP 201
$49.58 MOP 401
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$63.8 MOP 515
$61.7 MOP 499
$67.9 MOP 549
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$3.81 MOP 30.82
-
Cinema Ticket
$14.71 MOP 119
$12.47 MOP 101
$15.58 MOP 126
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,231 MOP 9,951
$1,231 MOP 9,951
$1,231 MOP 9,951
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$18.7K MOP 151.3K
$14.9K MOP 120.3K
$24.4K MOP 197.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$68.7 MOP 555
$42.78 MOP 346
$85.6 MOP 692
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$33.15 MOP 268
$24.55 MOP 198
$36.84 MOP 298
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$91.9 MOP 743
$61.3 MOP 495
$122 MOP 988
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$135 MOP 1,091
$85.9 MOP 694
$184 MOP 1,488
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,103 MOP 8,913
$856 MOP 6,917
$1,320 MOP 10.7K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,055 MOP 8,528
$728 MOP 5,882
$1,552 MOP 12.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,111 MOP 17.1K
$1,626 MOP 13.1K
$3,603 MOP 29.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,433 MOP 11.6K
$1,225 MOP 9,901
$2,915 MOP 23.6K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$8,352 MOP 67.5K
$6,070 MOP 49.1K
$10.6K MOP 85.9K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,490 MOP 44.4K
$3,587 MOP 29.0K
$7,393 MOP 59.8K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,041 MOP 16.5K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3
-

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Macao $2,114
Accommodation & Living
$1.1K
Groceries & Markets
$423
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$181
Eating Out
$179
Clothing & Footwear
$148
Sport & Entertainment
$93
Getting Around
$34

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,103 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,055 outside the center. At 54% of the average salary ($2,041), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,041, while typical expenses reach $2,114. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $423 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $56.0 for two – above the Asian average of $36.00.

Public transport is priced at around $22.47 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33.00).

Cost Highlights

Macao has the 6th most expensive milk in Asia

Macao has the 6th most expensive chicken fillets in Asia

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
14:02 2:02 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
622,567 Capital
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to MOP – Macanese Pataca Converter

Macanese Pataca exchange rates as of October 18, 2026: 1 USD = 8.08 MOP (1 MOP = 0.124 USD). 1 EUR = 9.09 MOP (1 MOP = 0.11 EUR).

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Macao Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Macao - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Macao affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find it a good value?
Cost of Living in Macao, Macao (China) varies by district and lifestyle, with value leaning toward smart neighborhood choices and longer stays. Waterfront and casino-adjacent areas often feel premium, while quieter residential pockets offer calm, good access to amenities, and reasonable transport. You can stretch your budget by choosing local eateries, cooking at home, and using efficient transit to explore. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, the mix of modern conveniences and cultural charm adds value even when you choose higher-end options occasionally. Tip: identify a base that fits your daily routine and negotiate duration for more favorable terms.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and errands in Macao?
Daily life revolves around district choice, transit access, and the rhythm of amenities. For housing, you’ll find a spectrum from compact new builds to older, characterful units in varied neighborhoods; search near convenient transit hubs to cut commute time and costs. Food options range from affordable local spots to diverse restaurants and markets; cooking at home helps stabilize expenses. Transport is comfortable via buses, light rail, and walkability in core areas, making cars optional. Macao, Macao (China) living cost shifts with your location and lifestyle, so compare areas before committing. Tip: set a weekly errands route to save time and steps.
How can you assess quality of life, budgeting frameworks, and neighborhood fit, including seasonality and savings strategies?
Quality of life in Macao blends safety, access to services, and a lively mix of culture and outdoors. A practical budgeting framework can be category-based: prioritize housing and essentials, then allocate for experiences and fitness. Use seasonal patterns to plan: humid summers with rain and typhoon season can drive indoor activity; cooler months invite more outdoor exploration in parks or waterfronts. For neighborhood fit, consider proximity to co-working spaces, markets, and family-friendly hubs if needed. Save by cooking at home, buying in local markets, and preferring short-term leases to test areas. Tip: trial a neighborhood for a few weeks before committing long-term.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Macao?
With 54% of the average paycheck going to rent, Macao is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What is the average cost of living in Macao?
A single person in Macao typically spends $2,114 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $939. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Is the average salary in Macao enough to cover living costs?
An average salary of $2,041 technically covers the $2,114 monthly cost of living in Macao, but just barely. There's little room for surprises – a rent hike, medical bill, or unexpected repair can throw things off quickly at this income level.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Macao?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Macao range from $1,055 to $1,103, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How expensive is a gym membership in Macao?
A regular gym membership in Macao costs around $63.8 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
What is a typical grocery budget in Macao?
Expect to spend around $423 per month on groceries in Macao. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in Macao?
Living on $2,000 in Macao means careful planning, since monthly costs average $2,114. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is Macao good for expats?
Expats in Macao enjoy fast internet, low crime rates, vibrant nightlife, and monthly costs average around $2,114. The international crowd is active and welcoming, and practical stuff – bank accounts, apartment hunting, healthcare – is all manageable with some basic prep.
Can you save money living in Macao?
Monthly expenses in Macao run around $2,114, so putting money aside takes more than $3,171 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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