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

Should you visit Hongcun or Macao?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Macao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Hongcun or Macao?

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Macao or Hongcun?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $53, 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 Hongcun and Macao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hongcun $23
    Macao $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hongcun $46
    Macao $228
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Macao

Looking for a hotel in Hongcun 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 Hongcun


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.
    Hongcun $12
    Macao $0.58

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 Hongcun or Macao?

Prices for flights to both Macao and Hongcun 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
    Hongcun $19
    Macao $21
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.86
  • Breakfast of Dumplings
    $2.08

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hongcun $17
    Macao $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $29

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
    Hongcun $14
    Macao -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Macao, we can see that Macao is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Hongcun.

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


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