Is Astana or Macau cheaper?

Astana is cheaper on average. A mid-range day in Astana costs about $100 vs $180 in Macau, so Astana saves you roughly $80 per day compared to Macau.

Is Astana or Macau safer?

Macau scores higher on our safety index (85/100 vs 82/100). Macau is very safe with low crime rates.

Is it easier to get by with English in Astana or Macau?

English is more widely spoken in Macau (4/5 vs 2/5 on our scale). You will find it easier to order food, ask for directions, and navigate transit in Macau.

How do daily costs in Astana and Macau compare?

In Astana: budget ~$30-50/day, mid-range ~$70-120/day, luxury ~$180-300/day. In Macau: budget ~$60/day, mid-range ~$180/day, luxury ~$450/day.

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Astana vs Macau

Q: Which has better weather, Astana or Macau?

Macau has the more temperate climate year-round. Macau has a humid subtropical climate similar to Hong Kong. Summers are hot and wet with typhoon risk, while autumn and winter are the most comfortable seasons for exploring on foot.

Which destination is right for your next trip?

🏆 Macau wins 78 OVR vs 71 · attribute matchup 1–5

Astana

Kazakhstan

71OVR

Macau

China

78OVR

Safety

Affordability

Food

Culture

Nightlife

Walkability

Nature

Connectivity

Transit

Astana Guide →Macau Guide →

Astana

Kazakhstan

Macau

China

Astana

Safety: 72/100Pop: 1.3MAsia/Almaty

Macau

Safety: 82/100Pop: 680KAsia/Macau

💰 Budget

budget

Astana: $30-50Macau: $60

mid-range

Astana: $70-120Macau: $180

luxury

Astana: $180-300Macau: $450

🛡️ Safety

Astana70/100Safety Score✓85/100Macau

Astana

Astana is generally safe for tourists with low street crime. The biggest danger is the extreme winter cold. The city is modern and well-organized, with a visible police presence.

Macau

Macau is very safe with low crime rates. The casino areas are heavily monitored with security. The main concerns are gambling-related debt scams and typhoon-season weather.

⭐ Ratings

Astana2/5English Friendly✓4/5Macau

Astana2/5Walkability✓4/5Macau

Astana3/5Public Transit3/5Macau

Astana3/5Food Scene✓5/5Macau

Astana3/5Nightlife✓5/5Macau

Astana3/5Cultural Sites3/5Macau

Astana2/5Nature Access2/5Macau

Astana4/5WiFi Reliability✓5/5Macau

🌤️ Weather

Astana

Astana has an extreme continental climate. Winters are brutally cold and windy; summers are warm and pleasant. The temperature difference between seasons can exceed 70°C.

Spring (April - May)3-20°C

Summer (June - August)15-32°C

Autumn (September - October)0-15°C

Winter (November - March)-25 to -5°C

Macau

Macau has a humid subtropical climate similar to Hong Kong. Summers are hot and wet with typhoon risk, while autumn and winter are the most comfortable seasons for exploring on foot.

Spring (March - May)18-27

Summer (June - September)26-33

Autumn (October - November)20-28

Winter (December - February)12-18

🚇 Getting Around

Astana

Astana is a modern, spread-out city. The new LRT system, buses, and ride-hailing apps are the main transport options. The Left Bank (new city) is where most tourist sights are concentrated.

Walkability: The Left Bank boulevard from Bayterek to Ak Orda is a pleasant walk in summer (~2 km). In winter, the extreme cold and wind make walking impractical for more than short distances.

Astana LRT — 90 KZT (~$0.19 USD)

Yandex Go / inDriver — 500-2,000 KZT ($1.05-4.20 USD)

City Buses — 90 KZT (~$0.19 USD)

Macau

Macau is small enough to explore largely on foot and by bus. Free casino shuttle buses are a popular hack for getting between major areas. The new LRT light rail serves the Taipa-Cotai area.

Walkability: High on the Macau Peninsula — the UNESCO Historic Centre, Senado Square, and Ruins of St. Paul's are all within walking distance. Taipa Village is also very walkable.

Public Buses — 3.20-6.40 MOP ($0.40-0.80)

Free Casino Shuttles — Free

Macau LRT — 3-6 MOP ($0.37-0.75)

The Verdict

Choose Astana if...

you want Nur-Sultan's space-age skyline — Bayterek tower, Khan Shatyr "tent", Ailand water park, and the Kazakhstan State Museum all on the steppe

Choose Macau if...

you want "Vegas of Asia" fused with a UNESCO Portuguese colonial old town — Senado Square, A-Ma Temple, Cotai Strip megacasinos, and egg-tart pastries

Astana

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Macau

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