A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guangzhou vs. Macao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guangzhou or Macao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Macao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Macao?

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

Macao

Located in China, Macau is a Special Administrative Region and one of the world's most densely populated regions. Until 1999 it remained an overseas territory of Portugal. It sits across from Hong Kong, along the Pearl River Estuary. Because it was so recently relinquished as a colony, it still has a significant amount of visible colonial history. The old city still looks very European, which you can see during a walking tour. Despite this architectural influence, the majority of the city's population is native Chinese.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Macao or Guangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $89, while the average daily cost in Macao is $143. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Guangzhou and Macao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $58
    Macao $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $116
    Macao $228
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Macao

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Macao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Guangzhou


Hotels in Macao


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guangzhou $14
    Macao $0.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Fast Train Ticket from Guangzhou to Hong Kong with Station Transfer in Guanghou: $95
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
  • Guangzhou Airport Transfer by 6 seat mpv: $74
  • Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $71
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
  • Guangzhou Downtown Hotel - Baiyun Airport OneWay Private Transfer: $35
  • Guangzhou Layover Visa-Free Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $190
  • Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou with Private Transfer: $69
  • Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Macao

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Macao:


  • Local Bus (for Two)
    $1.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Macao?

Prices for flights to both Macao and Guangzhou change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Guangzhou $19
    Macao $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.

  • Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
  • 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $170
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
  • Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guangzhou $18
    Macao $11

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
  • Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
  • Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
  • Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
  • Guangzhou Local Market Shopping and Business Private Tour: $70
  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $76
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
  • Half Day Private Tour to Yuntai Garden and Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou: $81
  • Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
  • 4-Hour Guangzhou Walking Tour in Xiguan Area: $89

Typical Entertainment Prices in Macao

Here are a few typical costs in Macao for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Macau Tower
    $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $14
    Macao -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Macao, we can see that Macao is more expensive. And not only is Guangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guangzhou and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Macao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Macao than you might in Guangzhou.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Macao Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Macao?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Macao. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Macao, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.