As a born-and-bred Hongkonger, I’ve always wondered why people say Hong Kong and Macau are like siblings. Some even say they’re practically twins!

Are Hong Kong and Macau really the same? Today, we’ll answer this question in detail. 

But first, here’s the short answer: Hong Kong and Macau are both Special Administrative Regions of China, but they’re not entirely the same. 

While they share similar government structures and were both once under European colonial rule, they differ in a lot of aspects. This includes lifestyle and opportunities. 

How did we get to this conclusion? Below, we’ll break down the commonalities they share and the differences that set them apart!

Cost of Living in Hong Kong vs. Macau 

To show you the difference between the costs attributed to living in Hong Kong and Macau in detail, we created a table that contains data sourced from Expatistan.   

By looking at the table, it’s easy to see that the cost of living in Hong Kong is substantially higher than in Macau for most expenses. 

Interestingly, entertainment and leisure costs in Macau are generally higher. However, since these expenses are optional, they don’t significantly affect the overall cost of living there.

Real Estate Prices in Hong Kong vs. Macau 

IMAGE IDEAS:

1. Side-by-side pic of the lineup of housing/apartments in HK and Macau 

It’s evident that the average property cost per square meter in Hong Kong is 136% higher than in Macau, so owning a property in Hong Kong is more expensive. 

To give you an example, a single-family home or apartment in Hong Kong that’s around 100 square meters would cost approximately USD 2,355,400. This figure is based on the average price per square meter of USD 23,554.

In contrast, a similar-sized property in Macau would only set you back about USD 1,000,000, considering the average price per square meter is USD 10,000. 

It’s certainly not cheap, but think about it: you could basically buy two houses in Macau at the price of one in Hong Kong!

Diversity and Demographics in Hong Kong vs. Macau 

If you’d like a closer look at each region’s demographics and diversity, check out the table below. 

We sourced data from the Hong Kong Census Statistics Department and Index Mundi, so you can see their differences in several ways. 

Obviously, Hong Kong is significantly bigger than Macau in terms of land area and population. 

Despite both cities having predominantly Han Chinese heritage and being influenced by China after the handover, they each showcase distinct ethnicities and cultural landscapes due to European colonization.

You see, Hong Kong was part of British territory until 1997, while Macau was part of Portuguese territory until 1999. 

This history gives Hong Kong a British influence in its language, lifestyle, and culture. Macau, on the other hand, has a more evident mix of Chinese and Portuguese influences.  

That said, both cities have different currencies, border controls, and official languages. 

Career Opportunities in Hong Kong vs. Macau    

Based on the unemployment rate data, we can assume that Macau has better career opportunities and a higher demand for workers than Hong Kong. 

That said, it’s still a win that both cities have lower unemployment rates than the global unemployment rate, which stood at 5.1% in 2023. 

In terms of the job market, Macau excels in the gaming and tourism industries, along with other sectors in hospitality and entertainment.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s leading industries are finance, tourism, and professional services.   

Now, let’s talk about the earning potential. In Hong Kong, the average monthly salary is USD 4,662. This is significantly higher than Macau’s USD 2,114 per month. 

But, of course, the cost of living is also worth noting. 

Salaries may be higher in Hong Kong, but living expenses are also higher here. The same goes for Macau, which has lower incomes but a cheaper cost of living. 

Needless to say, when you’re deciding where to live and work, it’s essential to consider the job sector you’ll thrive in and the living costs you can afford. 

It’s evident that both cities offer opportunities. In the end, it’s important to understand the balance between earnings and living costs to handle them for better financial prospects.  

Crime Index in Hong Kong vs. Macau 

For a breakdown of details, check out the table below:

While Macau is considered safer than Hong Kong based on their respective crime rate values, crime levels in these two places are generally low. 

Plus, it’s evident that Hong Kong experiences a higher incidence of reported crimes because it has a larger population size compared to Macau.  

To put it into perspective, if you randomly select 100,000 people in Macau or Hong Kong, it’s less likely that two of them committed a crime. 

Lifestyle in Hong Kong vs. Macau 

To delve deeper into the type of lifestyle each region offers, we compare them in detail based on specific factors. This includes the weather, leisure activities, and healthcare. 

Weather in Hong Kong vs. Macau 

Hong Kong and Macau have pretty similar weather because they both have a subtropical climate. This means that these places tend to have hot and humid summers and mild and dry winters.  

Throughout the year, Hong Kong’s average humidity levels hover between 70% to 85%, while Macau’s range from  70% to 90%. 

However, Hong Kong encounters hotter summers, with average temperatures between 26°C and 31°C (79°F and 88°F). Macau, on the other hand, has generally pleasant summers with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F).  

As for winters, both cities experience relatively mild temperatures with an average of 15°C (59°F). 

Things to Do in Hong Kong vs. Macau 

Both cities offer a myriad of hotspots and unique experiences for travelers. 

However, when it comes to outdoor activities and natural attractions, Hong Kong has a slight advantage. Here, you can visit tons of parks, hiking trails, and camping spots. 

Moreover, it also features iconic landmarks like Disneyland, Victoria Harbour, and Tian Tian Buddha.     

Meanwhile, Macau, also known as the “Las Vegas of Asia,” offers more adult-focused nightlife attractions. This includes large casinos, vibrant entertainment venues, and luxury resorts. 

If these aren’t your cup of tea, you can also visit notable landmarks like the Ruins of St. Paul’s, A-Ma Temple, and Senado Square.    

Healthcare in Hong Kong vs. Macau   

Hong Kong boasts a robust public healthcare system with a high concentration of state-of-the-art medical facilities and highly trained medical personnel.

On the other hand, Macau offers good medical coverage and free basic medical services to all residents. 

In Hong Kong, every region and district has access to an extensive network of healthcare facilities and services. Plus, all these come at very little cost due to heavy government subsidies for residents.

Those seeking more specialized and personalized care can opt for the private healthcare sector. However, these services are notably more expensive, especially for non-residents.    

Now, let’s talk about Macau. 

There’s only one public hospital in this region, which often suffers from high occupancy rates. This often leads to long wait times and slower service. 

To deal with the constraints of limited public healthcare, many residents and expats choose private healthcare sectors. It generally offers more efficient services and shorter wait times due to its network of hospitals and clinics. 

That said, due to the shortage of Western medicine specialists and services in Macau, complex cases are sent to Hong Kong. 

If you’re an expat, it’s best to get private health insurance before your arrival in Macau because the costs for treatments and transfers are both expensive. 

Hong Kong vs. Macau: How They Stack Up 

Some might say that Hong Kong and Macau are like two sides of the same coin, but when you dig deeper, you’ll see that they have distinct advantages and drawbacks in various aspects. 

Once again, let’s take a look at everything we discussed and see how they stack up against each other.