Which place is cheaper, Datong or Macao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Macao or Datong?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Macao or Datong, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Macao or Datong?
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.
Datong
If you're looking for an old world city, with a renovated feel, you might want to spend some time in Datong, China. This city was once walled-in and the newest initiative is to rebuild their great wall to maintain their old world charm. Datong is definitely done a lot to make itself a contender in the world of vacation destinations.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMacao $142Datong $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Macao is $142, while the average daily cost in Datong is $56. 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 Macao and Datong in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMacao $113Datong $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMacao $226Datong $46
Compare Hotels in Macao and Datong
Looking for a hotel in Macao or Datong? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Macao $0.58Datong $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Macao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Macao:
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Local Bus (for Two)$0.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Datong
Also for Datong, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chengdu: Private Round-Trip Transfer to Leshan Budda: $128
- Datong Hanging Temple Private Transfer from Hotel or Station: $69
- Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $12
- Private Round-Trip Transfer to Hanging Temple: $98
- Dunhuang Private Round Trip Transfer to Jiayuguan and Xuanbi Great Wall : $100
- Private One Way Transfer from Datong to Beijing : $211
- Private Round-Trip Transfer Service to Hanging Temple and Hengshan from Datong: $118
- Private Transfer Service from Yungang Airport to Datong Hotel: $29
- Transfer from Datong Railway Stations to Hotels in City Center: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Macao or Datong?
Prices for flights to both Datong and Macao 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
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Food Meals for one dayMacao $21Datong $20
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Macao $11Datong $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Macao
Here are a few typical costs in Macao for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Macau Tower$11
Tours and Activities in Datong
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Datong.
- Yungang Grottoes Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $22
- Datong Private Self-guided Tour with Chartered Car: $26
- YungangGrottoe HangingTemple Private Self-guided Tour by Car: $79
- Datong Hanging Temple Wooden Pagoda Self-guided Tour by Car: $95
- Private Datong Day Tour Arranged by Local Tour Guide Nancy: $129
- Temples and Grottoes Private Full–Day Tour: $149
- Private Tour: Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery From Datong: $160
- Private Custom Tour: Datong City in One Day: $180
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Hanging Temple at Hengshan from Datong : $188
- Datong Day Tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple: $203
- One Day Classic Datong Tour: $215
- 1-Day Private Tour: Datong Highlights with the Lunch: $215
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMacao -Datong $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Macao and Datong, we can see that Macao is more expensive. And not only is Datong much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Datong would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Datong 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 Datong.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Macao Expensive? and Is Datong Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Macao or Datong?
Datong has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Macao. When comparing the sizes of Macao and Datong, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.