Macao is among the top five most expensive Asian destinations to be a backpacker. That’s according to a recently published study from travel website Price of Travel, which saw the SAR earn an unfavourable ranking of 28 out of 31 in its 2025 Asia Backpacker Index.
Based on the survey, a backpacker staying in Macao would have to spend an estimated US$59.56 (463.40 patacas) per day to cover the cost of expenses that include transport, accommodation, food, attractions and entertainment.
Price of Travel said that Macao was “not a great choice for those on lower budgets,” noting that “there are no hostels here.” The company suggested that money conscious travellers could consider taking a ferry from Hong Kong to Macao as part of a day trip instead, but acknowledged that there are still “bargains” to be had for “those who look (and don’t gamble).”
However, neighbouring Hong Kong fared even worse – positioned in 30th place, with an index score of US$72.16 per day. Other Chinese cities that featured on the list included Taipei, Shanghai, Beijing and Xi’an, whose respective rankings were 20th (US$36.70), 24th (US$47.29), 25th (US$48.25) and 28th (US$62.22).
[See more: Macao has been ranked as one of the world’s top 100 city destinations by Euromonitor]
Singapore was the most expensive destination, earning 31st place and an index score of US$79.40 per day.
On the flip side, the Laotian city of Vientiane was designated the cheapest, with an index daily cost of just US$18.28. This was followed by Luang Prabang in Laos and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, which had scores of US$20.41 and US$20.37 respectively.
The head of the Travel Industry Council of Macau, Andy Wu Keng Kuong, told Macao Daily News that the overall cost of travelling in Macao could be considered reasonable but conceded that local options for accommodation – which averages around 400 to 500 patacas a night during off-peak season and reaches 1,000 patacas during holiday periods – could be made more affordable through the opening of hostels and capsule hotels.
Macao is already developing budget accommodation for travellers on Hengqin, but such hotels are primarily targeted at cost-conscious tourists from the Chinese mainland, rather than international backpackers.
