MigrantoCost of living in Macao
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries, and where the money goes
Monthly cost in Macao
Spending runs from MOP 5,600 a month in the poorest fifth to MOP 33,600 in the richest
Per person, whole country
MOP 13,100
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
MOP 5,600richest 20%
MOP 33,600
Where people spend money in Macao
One person's out-of-pocket spending, averaged across the whole country
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Key facts
The cost of living in Macao in numbers
Groceries takes an unusual share of the budget
It absorbs 11.4% of spending here, or MOP 1,490 a month, against 19.7% in a typical country, 8.3 points less.
How living costs in Macao compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in Macao against other countries
No price survey covers this country, so it is not placed on the scale.
Data source: household consumption 2024 (World Bank, regional estimate), PPP price levels (World Bank), category breakdown 2024 (United Nations Statistics Division), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
Living-cost calculator
What it costs to live in Macao
Tell us what you earn and spend today — we'll estimate what the same lifestyle would cost in Macao and how much you could have left each month
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Cost of living in Macao
MOP 5,600/mo
vs MOP 6,460 in your country
Take-home
MOP 5,440
vs MOP 9,690 in your country
Potential savings
−MOP 158
more than in your country
Standard of living
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Macao?
A typical person in Macao spends about MOP 13,100 a month — around MOP 157,000 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
What is the standard of living in Macao?
By spending, Macao ranks #29 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about MOP 13,100 a month, the poorest 20% about MOP 5,600 and the richest 20% about MOP 33,600. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in Macao in US dollars?
The cost of living in Macao is about $1,625 a month, or roughly $19,500 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Macao?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about MOP 5,600 a month per person, a typical one around MOP 13,100, and a comfortable life around MOP 18,500. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
What do people spend the most on in Macao?
The biggest expense is housing, at about MOP 3,150 a month (24% of spending). Then come dining out (MOP 1,970, 15%) and groceries (MOP 1,490, 11%).
Is the average salary in Macao enough to live on?
In most cases yes, but without much of a cushion. Average spending is about MOP 13,100 a month, while the average take-home pay in Macao is about MOP 13,600. For more on incomes, see salaries in Macao.
Is Macao an expensive country to live in?
Yes. Macao is more expensive than 85% of countries worldwide and ranks 3rd of 27 in Asia by cost of living.
What currency is used in Macao?
Macao uses the Macanese Pataca (MOP). Amounts on this page are shown in it; the currency switcher converts them.
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Living in Macao
See the full country overview