How Much Does Macau Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Macau offers a fascinating blend of UNESCO-protected Portuguese heritage and the high-octane luxury of the Cotai Strip, making it a destination that serves both budget travelers and high rollers. While it is often compared to Las Vegas, the daily costs here can be surprisingly manageable, with solo budget travelers spending around $80 / MOP 648 per day, while those seeking luxury should expect to budget approximately $557 / MOP 4,484. Visitors can find immense value in the historic center's street food, though hotel prices tend to fluctuate significantly during peak periods. The city is particularly pleasant in November when the weather is a dry 20–25°C (68–77°F) and prices remain moderate before the high-season spikes. Overall, Macau remains slightly more affordable than neighboring Hong Kong for daily essentials and transportation.
Is Macau expensive to visit?
Macau is a mid-range destination with a wide price spectrum; expect to spend between $80 / MOP 648 and $557 / MOP 4,484 per day depending on whether you stay in historic guesthouses or luxury casino resorts.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Macau
$80
per person /day
$198
per person /day
$557
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $241 | $594 | $1,671 |
| 5-Day Trip | $403 | $991 | $2,786 |
| 7-Day Trip | $564 | $1,387 | $3,901 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is recommended to add a 15% buffer to your daily budget to cover the 10% service charge at restaurants and the $5.89–$18 / MOP 47–MOP 142 tourism tax applied to most hotel stays. Additionally, small taxi surcharges like the $0.38 / MOP 3.03 luggage fee or the $0.62 / MOP 5.02 terminal surcharge can add up over a multi-day trip.
How Does It Compare?
See how Macau stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Macau
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Portuguese Egg Tart (Single) The original Coloane shop is the most famous. Cost is ~$1.37 / MOP 11. | $1.37 MOP 11 |
| Famous Pork Chop Bun A Macau staple. Expect queues at the Taipa Village main branch. | $6.81 MOP 55 |
| Wonton Noodles at Wong Chi Kei A classic Michelin-recommended local spot. Meal is ~$5.94 / MOP 48. | $5.94 MOP 48 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Public Bus Fare (Cash) Flat fare for all routes. Exact change only. Using a Macau Pass reduces this to ~$0.38 / MOP 3.03. | $0.74 MOP 5.97 |
| Taxi Flag-fall (first 1600m) Includes first 1600 meters. Each additional 220-meter costs ~$0.25 / MOP 1.99. | $2.6 MOP 21 |
| Macau LRT Max Fare Fares range from ~$0.74 / MOP 5.97 to ~$1.48 / MOP 12 depending on the number of stations. | $1.48 MOP 12 |
| HK-Macau Ferry (Weekday Day Service) HKD and MOP are accepted 1:1 in Macau. Price is ~$22 / MOP 174. | $22 MOP 180 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Guesthouse (San Va Hospedaria) One of Macau's oldest guesthouses. Prices rise to ~$71–$94 / MOP 568–MOP 758 during weekends and holidays. | $47 MOP 379 |
| Mid-Range Hotel (Rio Hotel & Casino) Located in the NAPE district. Includes a ~$12–$18 / MOP 95–MOP 142 buffet breakfast option. | $118 MOP 947 |
| Luxury Integrated Resort (The Venetian Macao) Suites are massive. Prices often double during Chinese New Year (~February 17, 2026). | $347 MOP 2,790 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Macau Tower Observation Deck Provides 360-degree views. Book online for a ~$2.35–$3.53 / MOP 19–MOP 28 discount. | $24 MOP 194 |
| Macao Grand Prix Museum Ticket Closed on Tuesdays. Macau residents pay only ~$4.96 / MOP 40. | $9.91 MOP 80 |
| Museum of Macao Admission Free admission on the 15th of every month. Located inside Monte Fort. | $1.86 MOP 15 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| CTM Tourist SIM (3-Day) Available at the airport and ferry terminals. Cost is ~$9.66 / MOP 78. | $9.66 MOP 78 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is defined by its Cantonese-Portuguese fusion, where a famous Portuguese egg tart costs just $1.37 / MOP 11 and a filling pork chop bun in Taipa Village is $6.81 / MOP 55. Budget-conscious travelers can enjoy Michelin-recommended wonton noodles at Wong Chi Kei for $5.94 / MOP 48, while hotel-based dining and casino buffets generally represent a significant step up in price.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Nam Ping
$4.33–$8.05 / MOP 35–MOP 65Peninsula (Rua de Cinco de Outubro) · Bakery
Try the 'Nam Ping' sandwich with ham, omelet, and char siu for ~$6.19 / MOP 50.
Margaret's Café e Nata
$1.37–$6.19 / MOP 11–MOP 50Peninsula (Senado Square) · Bakery
Long lines common; standing in the alley to eat is part of the experience.
Seng Cheong
$22–$31 / MOP 179–MOP 249Taipa Village · Local chain
A small bowl is enough for 2 people to share for ~$22 / MOP 179.
Sei Kee Cafe
$4.96–$9.29 / MOP 40–MOP 75Taipa / Peninsula · Street food area
Their clay pot brewed coffee (~$2.94 / MOP 24) is unique and highly recommended.
Chuen Yee Garden
$5.57–$9.91 / MOP 45–MOP 80Peninsula · Food court
A true local spot away from tourists where a full meal costs ~$5.57 / MOP 45.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the city is highly affordable using the public bus system, which has a flat cash fare of $0.74 / MOP 5.97, or approximately $0.38 / MOP 3.03 for those using a Macau Pass. Taxis are convenient for short hops with a flag-fall of $2.6 / MOP 21, and the Macau LRT provides efficient transport through the Cotai resort area for $0.74–$1.48 / MOP 5.97–MOP 12.
Accommodation Overview
Value seekers can find historic charm at the San Va Hospedaria for $47 / MOP 379, while a mid-range stay at the Rio Hotel & Casino typically costs $118 / MOP 947. For a world-class experience, luxury suites at The Venetian Macao average $347 / MOP 2,790, though these rates can double during peak holidays.
Accommodation Budget in Macau
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Take advantage of the free casino shuttle buses that run frequently between the Border Gate, Ferry Terminals, Airport, and major resorts.
- 2 Purchase a Macau Pass at a convenience store to lower bus fares from $0.74 / MOP 5.97 to roughly $0.38 / MOP 3.03 per ride.
- 3 Visit the Museum of Macao on the 15th of any month to save the $1.86 / MOP 15 admission fee.
- 4 Book your Macau Tower Observation Deck tickets online in advance to receive a $2.35–$3.53 / MOP 19–MOP 28 discount off the $24 / MOP 194 gate price.
- 5 Avoid the expensive bottled water in hotel minibars and instead take the complimentary bottles offered on the casino floors.
- 6 Eat at 'Tea Restaurants' like Nam Ping on the Peninsula, where a local breakfast is significantly cheaper than hotel buffets.
- 7 Stay at the San Va Hospedaria on Rua da Felicidade for a budget-friendly $47 / MOP 379 per night, one of the city's most iconic cheap stays.
- 8 Walk between the attractions in the Macau Peninsula Historic Center as most sites are clustered within a 2km radius.
- 9 Use the Macau LRT for travel between Taipa and Cotai to avoid taxi surcharges that can add up during peak traffic.
- 10 Look for 'Set Lunch' menus at Portuguese restaurants in Taipa Village, which often include three courses for under $24 / MOP 189.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Feb, Oct, Dec
+50–100%
May, Jun, Sep
-20–30%
Nov, Mar
February is high season due to Chinese New Year (~Feb 17, 2026). Visit in November for dry 20–25°C (68–77°F) weather and moderate prices.
Events to Watch
- ● Chinese New Year (mid-Feb): Hotels triple in price
- ● Macau Grand Prix (mid-Nov): Transport and hotels booked months ahead
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Ruins of St. Paul's: Explore the iconic 17th-century stone facade and the crypt behind it.
- 2 Senado Square: Walk across the distinctive wave-patterned Portuguese pavement in the city's heart.
- 3 A-Ma Temple: Visit the oldest Taoist temple in Macau, which dates back to 1488.
- 4 Monte Fort: Climb the stone ramparts for 360-degree views of the city and mainland China (the fort grounds are $0).
- 5 Performance Lake at Wynn Macau: Watch the choreographed fountain, light, and fire show every 15–30 minutes.
- 6 Guia Fortress and Chapel: Hike up to the highest point on the peninsula to see the lighthouse and historic frescoes.
- 7 St. Dominic's Church: Visit this stunning 16th-century yellow Baroque church near Senado Square.
- 8 Lou Lim Ioc Garden: Relax in this classical Chinese garden featuring a nine-turn bridge and lotus ponds.
- 9 Handover Gifts Museum of Macao: See the spectacular artisanal gifts presented by China's various regions.
- 10 Hac Sa Beach: Take a bus to Coloane to see the natural black sand and walk along the shoreline.
- 11 Taipa Village Walking Tour: Wander the narrow alleys and colorful Mediterranean-style streets of old Taipa.
- 12 Camões Garden: Explore one of Macau's oldest parks, a favorite spot for locals practicing Tai Chi.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
AJ Hackett Macau Tower Bungy Jump
It is the world's highest commercial bungy jump at 233-meters.
Michelin Dining at Robuchon au Dôme
3-Michelin star dining at the top of Grand Lisboa for a 'budget' lunch price.
The House of Dancing Water (VIP Seats)
One of the most expensive water-based stage productions in the world.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Macau
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Macau and what they cost
Coloane Village
$1.48 / MOP 12 by bus
Free
$19 / MOP 149
Hong Kong Island (Central)
$45 / MOP 359 by ferry
Free
$102 / MOP 821
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Macanese Pataca (MOP)
1 $ ≈ 8.05 MOP
Yes
High in casinos, hotels, and malls; low in local noodle shops and for buses.
10% service charge is usually included in restaurants. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest ~$1.18 / MOP 9.47 is appreciated but not mandatory.
ATMs in casinos dispense both MOP and HKD. Avoid 'dynamic currency conversion' to save ~$3.53–$5.89 / MOP 28–MOP 47 per transaction.
Connectivity
eSIM: $9.42–$14 for 3GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $9.66 / MOP 78 for a 3-day unlimited plan
WiFi: Excellent in all casinos, hotels, and many public parks via 'FreeWiFi.MO'.
Buy a local CTM Tourist SIM for ~$9.66 / MOP 78 at the airport for the best speed and coverage.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Macau.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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