Daily costs per person in Macau Patacas (MOP$). Macau can be surprisingly affordable if you avoid the casino tables and eat where locals do.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: MOP$ (Pataca) (1 USD ≈ MOP$8.05 · HKD accepted 1:1)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | MOP$250–450 | MOP$600–1,200 | MOP$2,000+ | Guesthouses → 3-star hotels → casino resorts |
| Food | MOP$100–160 | MOP$200–350 | MOP$600+ | Street food & cha chaan teng → local restaurants → fine dining |
| Transport | MOP$15–30 | MOP$40–80 | MOP$150+ | Buses & free shuttles → taxis → private car |
| Activities | MOP$0–50 | MOP$100–300 | MOP$500+ | Free UNESCO sites → towers & shows → bungee & gambling |
| Drinks | MOP$20–50 | MOP$80–150 | MOP$300+ | Convenience store beer → local bars → casino lounges |
| Daily Total | MOP$385–740 | MOP$1,020–2,080 | MOP$3,550+ | $48–92 → $127–258 → $441+ |
Money-saving tips
Free casino transport
Free shuttle buses run from the ferry terminal and border gates to every major casino resort. Use them as free transport across the Cotai Strip and back — no need for taxis or buses.
Casino food courts
The Venetian food court has Michelin-recommended noodles from MOP$40. Casino food courts are subsidised to keep gamblers inside — take advantage of the low prices without gambling.
HKD accepted everywhere
Hong Kong dollars are accepted at par (1:1) in Macau, even though MOP is worth slightly less. Use HKD if you're coming from Hong Kong — no need to exchange currency.
Free heritage sites
Almost all UNESCO sites are free: Ruins of St. Paul's, Monte Fort, A-Ma Temple, Mandarin's House, Guia Fortress, churches, and the entire Historic Centre. Macau's best attractions cost nothing.
Bus system is cheap
Macau's bus system covers the entire territory for MOP$3.20–6.40 per ride. Use Macau Pass (MOP$130 incl. MOP$100 credit) for tap-and-go convenience on all buses.
Stay in Macau Peninsula
Hotels on the Macau Peninsula are significantly cheaper than Cotai casino resorts. Guesthouses and budget hotels from MOP$250–400/night with easy bus access to the Strip.
