Cost of Living: Macao (China) vs Japan

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Macao (China) and Japan.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Macao (China) is 71.7% more expensive than Japan. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 124.8% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $172 in Macao (China) for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Property Prices 124.8%

Macao (China) is 124.8% more expensive

Rent Per Month 79.4%

Macao (China) is 79.4% more expensive

Other Expenses 47.4%

Macao (China) is 47.4% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 71.7%

Macao (China) is 71.7% more expensive than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Property Prices +124.8%
  • Rent Per Month +79.4%
  • Other Expenses +47.4%

Is Macao (China) cheaper than Japan?

No, Japan is cheaper than Macao (China)

Overall, living costs in Japan are 71.7% lower than in Macao (China).

Where Japan is cheaper:

  • Property Prices 124.8% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 79.4% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 47.4% cheaper

Where Japan is more expensive:

  • Household Utilities 45.8% more expensive
  • Markets 33.6% more expensive
  • Mobile and Internet 5.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Macao (China): 6.19 $ Japan: 7.01 $
11.7% cheaper in Macao (China)

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Macao (China): 1,164.48 $ Japan: 624.64 $
86.4% more expensive in Macao (China)

Monthly public transport pass

Macao (China): 22.30 $ Japan: 58.97 $
62.2% cheaper in Macao (China)

1 liter of milk

Macao (China): 2.66 $ Japan: 1.56 $
70.5% more expensive in Macao (China)

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Japan is indeed cheaper than Macao (China). You would spend approximately 71.7% on living expenses by choosing Japan over Macao (China). This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

71.7%

Macao (China) is 71.7% more expensive than Japan

Restaurants

13.0%

Macao (China) is 13.0% more expensive than Japan in this category

Markets

33.6%

Macao (China) is 33.6% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

47.4%

Macao (China) is 47.4% more expensive than Japan in this category

Transportation

41.7%

Macao (China) is 41.7% more expensive than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

45.8%

Macao (China) is 45.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

5.7%

Macao (China) is 5.7% cheaper than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

5.9%

Macao (China) is 5.9% more expensive than Japan in this category

Childcare

4.2%

Macao (China) is 4.2% more expensive than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

14.4%

Macao (China) is 14.4% more expensive than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

79.4%

Macao (China) is 79.4% more expensive than Japan in this category

Property Prices

124.8%

Macao (China) is 124.8% more expensive than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

5.4%

Macao (China) is 5.4% cheaper than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Macao (China) Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 6.19 $ 7.01 $ 11.7%
Macao (China) is 11.7% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 49.55 $ 35.03 $ 41.5%
Macao (China) is 41.5% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 6.19 $ 5.61 $ 10.3%
Macao (China) is 10.3% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 4.49 $ 3.36 $ 33.6%
Macao (China) is 33.6% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.98 $ 1.12 $ 12.5%
Macao (China) is 12.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.74 $ 0.82 $ 9.8%
Macao (China) is 9.8% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.39 $ 0.94 $ 47.9%
Macao (China) is 47.9% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 4.50 $ 2.32 $ 94.0%
Macao (China) is 94.0% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.68 $ 8.42 $ 80.0%
Macao (China) is 80.0% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 10.00 $ 11.20 $ 10.7%
Macao (China) is 10.7% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) ? 2.04 $ N/A
Milk (1L) 2.66 $ 1.56 $ 70.5%
Macao (China) is 70.5% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.20 $ 1.59 $ 38.4%
Macao (China) is 38.4% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.06 $ 4.51 $ 54.3%
Macao (China) is 54.3% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.74 $ 2.24 $ 22.3%
Macao (China) is 22.3% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 19.25 $ 12.14 $ 58.6%
Macao (China) is 58.6% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.78 $ 6.92 $ 12.4%
Macao (China) is 12.4% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 4.19 $ 17.18 $ 75.6%
Macao (China) is 75.6% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 3.79 $ 5.37 $ 29.4%
Macao (China) is 29.4% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 3.22 $ 2.62 $ 22.9%
Macao (China) is 22.9% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 3.79 $ 4.78 $ 20.7%
Macao (China) is 20.7% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 2.71 $ 4.84 $ 44.0%
Macao (China) is 44.0% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 4.34 $ 2.85 $ 52.3%
Macao (China) is 52.3% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 3.41 $ 2.65 $ 28.7%
Macao (China) is 28.7% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 1.66 $ 1.39 $ 19.4%
Macao (China) is 19.4% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 22.30 $ 58.97 $ 62.2%
Macao (China) is 62.2% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 6.19 $ 4.20 $ 47.4%
Macao (China) is 47.4% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.74 $ 1.54 $ 51.9%
Macao (China) is 51.9% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 2.60 $ 4.20 $ 38.1%
Macao (China) is 38.1% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.21 $ 3.15 $ 61.6%
Macao (China) is 61.6% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 14.87 $ 23.82 $ 37.6%
Macao (China) is 37.6% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.77 $ 1.22 $ 45.1%
Macao (China) is 45.1% more expensive
New Economy Car 30,970.11 $ 23,415.29 $ 32.3%
Macao (China) is 32.3% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 27,677.26 $ 17,953.06 $ 54.2%
Macao (China) is 54.2% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 96.96 $ 178.92 $ 45.8%
Macao (China) is 45.8% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 24.54 $ 27.25 $ 9.9%
Macao (China) is 9.9% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 34.79 $ 35.66 $ 2.4%
Macao (China) is 2.4% cheaper
Gym Membership 77.43 $ 60.05 $ 28.9%
Macao (China) is 28.9% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 2.79 $ 15.69 $ 82.2%
Macao (China) is 82.2% cheaper
Movie Ticket 14.12 $ 13.31 $ 6.1%
Macao (China) is 6.1% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 681.34 $ 348.57 $ 95.5%
Macao (China) is 95.5% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 13,771.55 $ 13,519.03 $ 1.9%
Macao (China) is 1.9% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 66.03 $ 49.02 $ 34.7%
Macao (China) is 34.7% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 29.94 $ 32.77 $ 8.6%
Macao (China) is 8.6% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 83.62 $ 63.16 $ 32.4%
Macao (China) is 32.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 86.72 $ 87.75 $ 1.2%
Macao (China) is 1.2% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,164.48 $ 624.64 $ 86.4%
Macao (China) is 86.4% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 918.78 $ 424.63 $ 116.4%
Macao (China) is 116.4% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,058.19 $ 1,366.33 $ 50.6%
Macao (China) is 50.6% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,672.39 $ 825.90 $ 102.5%
Macao (China) is 102.5% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 12,344.33 $ 6,447.80 $ 91.5%
Macao (China) is 91.5% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 10,147.02 $ 3,555.73 $ 185.4%
Macao (China) is 185.4% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,058.89 $ 2,177.14 $ 5.4%
Macao (China) is 5.4% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 3.21 1.82 76.4%
Macao (China) is 76.4% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Japan. Enter your monthly expenses in Macao (China) to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Macao (China) and Japan goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Macao (China) vs Japan

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Macao (China)

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Japan

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Macao (China) Cost of living in Japan

Related comparisons