As of November 12, 2026, the cheaper of the two for travelers is South Korea: a mid-range day costs about $140 there, against $153 in the other (Macau), a gap of 9.1%. Over the past year the one that moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor is Macau (+2.8% after inflation, against −8.5%). The lower US advisory belongs to South Korea (Level 1, against Level 3).
| Measure | Macau | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $153 | $140 |
| Lean day | $66 | $65 |
| Comfortable day | $387 | $312 |
| Real change, 12 months | +2.8% | −8.5% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +0.9% | −9.2% |
| Versus 5-year average | +10.2% | +4.8% |
| US advisory | Level 3 · Reconsider travel | Level 1 · Normal precautions |
| Ease of travel | 4.8 · Effortless | 4.9 · Effortless |
| Index score | 50 | 58 |
| Best months | Oct, Nov, Dec, Mar, Apr | Apr, May, Sep, Oct |
| Shoulder months | Jan, Feb, May | Mar, Jun, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
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.
A hyper-modern country that is cheaper than its reputation.
The catchSeoul lodging is no longer a bargain and the won can move quickly on political news.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.