Macao🌍
At a Glance
How Macao compares across key indices
Cost of Living
63 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
93/100
Healthcare
77/100
Quality of Life
176/200
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Macao
Cost of Living
63
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
47
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
63
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
66
100 = NYC dining
Safety & Crime
Low RiskHow safe residents feel in Macao - based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
93/100
Crime Index
2/100
Lower is better
Walking Safety
0 point drop from day to night
Cities in Macao
Macao has 6 cities with Freedom Abroad estimates. Monthly costs for a single person range from $1,247 in Luhuan to $1,583 in Macau. Sé leads on safety, scoring 95/100. Taipa ranks highest for quality of life at 177/200.
Luhuan
$1,247/mo
Sé
95/100
Taipa
177/200
Macau
86/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macau | $1,583 | 89/100 | 177/200 | 86/100 | 55 |
| Taipa | $1,302 | 95/100 | 177/200 | 75/100 | 45 |
| Sé | $1,250 | 95/100 | 177/200 | 73/100 | 42 |
| Luhuan | $1,247 | 95/100 | 177/200 | 73/100 | 42 |
| Zhuojiacun | $1,247 | 95/100 | 177/200 | 73/100 | 42 |
| Lai Chi Van | $1,247 | 95/100 | 177/200 | 73/100 | 42 |
Freedom Abroad estimates are modeled for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Macao
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Environment
Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Macao
Based on 0 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Macao, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Macao?
Macao has a cost of living index of 63 relative to New York City (100). It is moderately affordable compared to the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,302 in Taipa and reach $1,583 in Macau.
What is the cheapest city in Macao for expats?
Taipa is the most affordable city in Macao in Freedom Abroad estimates, with estimated monthly costs of $1,302 for a single person including rent. Macau is the next most affordable at $1,583/mo.
Is Macao safe for expats?
Macao has a safety index of 93/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Taipa scores highest on safety at 95/100.
What is the best city in Macao for expats and digital nomads?
Taipa ranks highest for quality of life in Macao, scoring 177/200 in Freedom Abroad's modeled quality-of-life estimate. Monthly costs there run around $1,302/mo for a single person.
How good is healthcare in Macao?
Macao scores 77/100 in Freedom Abroad's modeled healthcare estimate, making it excellent by global standards. This estimate reflects open public indicators for health outcomes and system capacity.
Is Macao cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Macao's cost of living is roughly 37% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 53% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Macao
Plan Your Move
Where Can I Move?
Check whether this country fits your passport, budget, work setup, safety floor, and priorities.
Build My Escape Plan
Turn this country into a practical move plan with visa, insurance, housing, banking, and scouting-trip next steps.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
Cost of Living
Model monthly costs with Freedom Abroad estimates before you narrow the shortlist.
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Set Up International Banking
Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.
Get Connected
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet - sorted before you land.
Book Your First Accommodation
Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.
Find Flights
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Cost of living, safety, school, and quality-of-life figures on this page are Freedom Abroad estimates or verified public records modeled from open sources. Data sources
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