As of November 12, 2026, the cheaper of the two for travelers is Japan: a mid-range day costs about $131 there, against $153 in the other (Macau), a gap of 16.7%. Over the past year the one that moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor is Japan (+4.9% after inflation, against +2.8%). The lower US advisory belongs to Japan (Level 1, against Level 3).
| Measure | Japan | Macau |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $131 | $153 |
| Lean day | $61 | $66 |
| Comfortable day | $299 | $387 |
| Real change, 12 months | +4.9% | +2.8% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +3.6% | +0.9% |
| Versus 5-year average | +20.6% | +10.2% |
| US advisory | Level 1 · Normal precautions | Level 3 · Reconsider travel |
| Ease of travel | 5.0 · Effortless | 4.8 · Effortless |
| Index score | 70 | 50 |
| Best months | Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov | Oct, Nov, Dec, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder months | Jan, Feb, Jun, Dec | Jan, Feb, May |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
The rich country that got cheap. The yen remains far below where it sat a decade ago.
The catchKyoto and Tokyo are crowded and hotel rates there have risen with demand. Value is in second cities and the countryside.
A Portuguese-Chinese port turned into the world's biggest casino town.
The catchWeekend and holiday hotel rates double or more. Outside the historic center and the casinos there is not much to do.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.