Skyline of Macau
Cost of Living: 120 700,000

Macau, Macau

Macau is a city in Macau with a population of 700,000.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Macau is a city in Macau with a population of 700,000. Macau is a city in Macau with a population of 700,000. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively low.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 120

Above Average vs Macau Avg (100)

Housing Index 180

Very Expensive

Median Income MOP$ 300,000

Household income

Unemployment 2.5%

Job market health

Macau vs Macau Average

Cost of Living
Macau: 120
Macau Avg: 100
Housing Index
Macau: 180
Macau Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Macau: 12%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 12.0%
  • Sales Tax: 0.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: MOP$ 300,000
  • Unemployment: 2.5%
  • Population: 700,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 200/year
  • Summer High: 90°F
  • Winter Low: 58°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a

Housing

  • Median Home: MOP$500,000
  • 1BR Rent: MOP$1500/mo

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Cost of Living

Macau's cost of living index is 120 (Macau average = 100).

CategoryMacauNational AverageDifference
Overall120100+20.0%
Housing180100+80.0%

Data source: Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceMOP$500,000
Median Rent (1BR)MOP$1500/mo
Median Rent (2BR)MOP$1,875/mo
Price per Sq FtMOP$333

Data source: Numbeo, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

MOP$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
MOP$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Macau:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityMOP$300
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)MOP$19Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterMOP$100Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)MOP$200Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesMOP$619Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: National Utility Regulator, 2025

Remote Work Score

Macau scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 120
Rent
— MOP$1500
Sunny Days
— 200
Tax
— 12%
Unemployment
— 2.5%
Climate
— 90°F / 58°F
Safety
— 0.3 homicides/100k
Population
— 700,000
Internet Speed
— 200 Mbps

Climate

Macau has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January78°F58°F2.5"
April75°F73°F2.8"
July90°F65°F1.5"
October70°F76°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7a

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Macau faces the following natural hazards:

Typhoon Extreme Risk

Frequently affected by typhoons.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Flood Moderate Risk

Coastal flooding during typhoons.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 12%
  • Sales Tax: 0%
  • Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.

Crime & Safety

Crime rates in Macau per 100,000 residents:

20.0
Violent Crime
20.0
Property Crime
0.3
Homicide

City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Academic Year September to July
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Jan), Spring (Feb-Jul)
Summer Break July to August (6 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Chinese New Year (1-2 weeks)

Calendar influenced by both Portuguese and Chinese traditions.

Universities & Higher Education

2
Universities
#529
Top University Rank
Top-Ranked University University of Macau

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Macau is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Chinese
89.0%
Other
11.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
30.0%
High school graduate
30.0%
Less than high school
20.0%
Some college
20.0%

Religion

Buddhist/Taoist (syncretic)
50.0%
Christian
10.0%
Other
10.0%
Unaffiliated
30.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Statistics and Census Service (2021)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Macau, Macau?

The cost of living index in Macau is 120, which is Higher the Macau national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Macau?

The median home price in Macau is MOP$500,000. The housing index is 180.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Macau is approximately MOP$1500/mo.

Does Macau, Macau have income tax?

Macau is in Macau, which has an income tax rate of 12%.

What is the climate like in Macau?

Macau enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 58°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Numbeo, 2026
  • Income & Employment: National Statistics, 2024
  • Utilities National Utility Regulator, 2025

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.