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Cost of Living Guide · Macao (China)

Cost of Living Guide in Macao (China)

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses

Macao offers a high quality of life but at a cost significantly above the Asia average, with overall costs including rent 54.8% higher than the regional benchmark and consumer prices excluding rent 46.3% higher. Rent is particularly steep, 80.1% above the Asia average of low regional norms. It stands out as one of the more expensive places in Asia for expats and digital nomads.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
MOP 6,000–8,000 ($750–1,000 USD) — local food markets, shared housing outside center, public buses.
Comfortable
MOP 15,000–25,000 ($1,900–3,100 USD) — 1BR city apartment, mix of home cooking and dining out, coworking space.
Family of four
MOP 40,000–70,000 ($5,000–8,700 USD) — 3BR housing, international schooling, imported groceries, occasional driver.

Macao delivers excellent value through its high purchasing power and quality of life despite costs 54.8% above the Asia average, ideal for high earners seeking luxury Asia living. It's pricier than most regional peers but offers unmatched safety and entertainment.

Economic & Living Costs in Macao (China)
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

39-75 MOP
Avg: 57 MOP
-4.2% vs 3 months ago

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

300-1500 MOP
Avg: 900 MOP
+2.7% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

48-52 MOP
Avg: 50 MOP
+3.1% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

30-58 MOP
Avg: 44 MOP
-28.5% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

7000-10800 MOP
Avg: 8900 MOP
-6.3% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

6000-12800 MOP
Avg: 9400 MOP
+44.6% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

13000-19800 MOP
Avg: 16400 MOP
-5.7% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

11000-18000 MOP
Avg: 14500 MOP
-6.5% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

3-6.18 MOP
Avg: 4.59 MOP
-51.7% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

30-80 MOP
Avg: 55 MOP
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

90-200 MOP
Avg: 145 MOP
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Gasoline (1L)

14-15 MOP
Avg: 14.5 MOP
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

600-1500 MOP
Avg: 1050 MOP
+5.0% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

200-398 MOP
Avg: 299 MOP
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

165-267 MOP
Avg: 216 MOP
-5.5% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

12.5-29 MOP
Avg: 20.75 MOP
0.4% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

12-38 MOP
Avg: 25 MOP
+4.2% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

15.6-42 MOP
Avg: 28.8 MOP
+30.9% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

45-330 MOP
Avg: 187.5 MOP
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

500-1200 MOP
Avg: 850 MOP
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

20-32.5 MOP
Avg: 26.25 MOP
+31.3% vs 3 months ago

Cinema Ticket

100-125 MOP
Avg: 112.5 MOP
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

9791.67 MOP
Avg: 9791.67 MOP
+8.8% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03

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View all Macao (China) Guides & Categories14 in-depth guides for expats & digital nomads
    Cost of living in Macao (China) — full breakdown | NestFainder