Cost of living in Macao is 78% more expensive than in Johor Bahru (Malaysia)
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WARNING! This comparison is based on only a few data points. At this point it is only a guess. It is based on 19 prices entered by 5 different people.
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| Food | + 71% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Macao is 71% more expensive than in Johor Bahru (Malaysia) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Macao | Johor Bahru | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 90 Pataca (RM51) | RM21 | + 146% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 46 Pataca (RM26) | RM15 | + 67% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 30 Pataca (RM17) | RM10 | + 75% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 19 Pataca (RM11) | RM6 | + 78% | |
| 12 eggs, large | 28 Pataca (RM16) | RM7 | + 123% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 28 Pataca (RM16) | RM4.81 | + 232% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 55 Pataca (RM31) | RM18 | + 75% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 23 Pataca (RM13) | RM13 | - 2% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 25 Pataca (RM14) | RM4.21 | + 237% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 13 Pataca (RM7) | RM11 | - 34% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 132 Pataca (RM74) | RM81 | - 9% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | 16 Pataca (RM9) | RM4.73 | + 84% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 13 Pataca (RM8) | RM3.10 | + 143% | |
| Housing | + 157% | |||
| Housing in Macao is 157% more expensive than in Johor Bahru (Malaysia) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Macao | Johor Bahru | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | 16,372 Pataca (RM9,171) | RM2,798 | + 228% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 12,482 Pataca (RM6,992) | RM1,774 | + 294% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 845 Pataca (RM473) | RM311 | + 52% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 11,749 Pataca (RM6,582) | RM1,597 | + 312% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | 8,195 Pataca (RM4,591) | RM912 | + 404% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | 664 Pataca (RM372) | RM575 | - 35% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 175 Pataca (RM98) | RM112 | - 13% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | 5,906 Pataca (RM3,309) | RM1,579 | + 110% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 1,290 Pataca (RM723) | RM480 | + 50% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 80 Pataca (RM45) | RM20 | + 124% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | 42 Pataca (RM24) | RM26 | - 10% | |
| Clothes | + 25% | |||
| Clothes in Macao is 25% more expensive than in Johor Bahru (Malaysia) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Macao | Johor Bahru | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 617 Pataca (RM346) | RM217 | + 59% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 328 Pataca (RM184) | RM171 | + 8% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 681 Pataca (RM382) | RM320 | + 19% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 1,013 Pataca (RM567) | RM384 | + 48% | |
| Transportation | + 23% | |||
| Transportation in Macao is 23% more expensive than in Johor Bahru (Malaysia) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Macao | Johor Bahru | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | 272,113 Pataca (RM152,439) | RM143,076 | + 7% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 11 Pataca (RM6) | RM2.11 | + 196% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | 223 Pataca (RM125) | RM128 | - 2% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | 101 Pataca (RM56) | RM16 | + 256% | |
| Personal Care | + 105% | |||
| Personal Care in Macao is 105% more expensive than in Johor Bahru (Malaysia) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Macao | Johor Bahru | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 61 Pataca (RM34) | RM16 | + 107% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 114 Pataca (RM64) | RM27 | + 135% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 291 Pataca (RM163) | RM68 | + 139% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 42 Pataca (RM24) | RM22 | + 6% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 34 Pataca (RM19) | RM11 | + 77% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 62 Pataca (RM35) | RM14 | + 142% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | 13 Pataca (RM7) | RM8 | - 9% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | 24 Pataca (RM14) | RM8 | + 63% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | 261 Pataca (RM146) | RM30 | + 382% | |
| Entertainment | + 95% | |||
| Entertainment in Macao is 95% more expensive than in Johor Bahru (Malaysia) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Macao | Johor Bahru | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 338 Pataca (RM189) | RM125 | + 51% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | 262 Pataca (RM147) | RM53 | + 176% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | 1,290 Pataca (RM723) | RM175 | + 313% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 620 Pataca (RM347) | RM210 | + 65% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 97 Pataca (RM54) | RM62 | - 12% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 41 Pataca (RM23) | RM14 | + 64% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 51 Pataca (RM28) | RM18 | + 57% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | 4,392 Pataca (RM2,461) | RM2,126 | + 16% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 1.10 Pataca (RM0.62) | RM0.27 | + 129% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | 1,187 Pataca (RM665) | RM122 | + 445% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 46 Pataca (RM26) | RM17 | + 51% | |
 |
TOTAL | + 78% | ||
WARNING! This comparison is based on only a few data points. At this point it is only a guess. It is based on 19 prices entered by 5 different people.
These prices were last updated on January 22, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.560
MYR
/
MOP
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For example, you would need at least RM13,565 (24,213 Pataca) in Macao to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with RM7,600 in Johor Bahru.
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