Is Macau or Xi'an cheaper?

Xi'an is cheaper on average. A mid-range day in Macau costs about $180 vs $90 in Xi'an, so Xi'an saves you roughly $90 per day compared to Macau.

Is Macau or Xi'an safer?

Macau and Xi'an score equally on our safety index (85/100). Specific risks differ by neighborhood — check the Safety section on each guide.

Is it easier to get by with English in Macau or Xi'an?

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 Macau and Xi'an compare?

In Macau: budget ~$60/day, mid-range ~$180/day, luxury ~$450/day. In Xi'an: budget ~$25–45/day, mid-range ~$60–100/day, luxury ~$150–300/day.

← Back to Compare

Macau vs Xi'an

Q: Which has better weather, Macau or Xi'an?

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?

🏆 Xi'an wins 84 OVR vs 78 · attribute matchup 2–3

Macau

China

78OVR

Xi'an

China

84OVR

Safety

Affordability

Food

Culture

Nightlife

Walkability

Nature

Connectivity

Transit

Macau Guide →Xi'an Guide →

Macau

China

Xi'an

China

Macau

Safety: 82/100Pop: 680KAsia/Macau

Xi'an

Safety: 82/100Pop: 8.7MAsia/Shanghai

💰 Budget

budget

Macau: $60Xi'an: $25–45

mid-range

Macau: $180Xi'an: $60–100

luxury

Macau: $450Xi'an: $150–300

🛡️ Safety

Macau85/100✓Safety Score82/100Xi'an

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.

Xi'an

Xi'an is a safe city for tourists. The same cautions as Chengdu apply: art student scams, traffic behaviour, and the need for a VPN. The Muslim Quarter is very safe despite sometimes appearing hectic.

⭐ Ratings

Macau4/5✓English Friendly2/5Xi'an

Macau4/5Walkability4/5Xi'an

Macau3/5Public Transit✓4/5Xi'an

Macau5/5Food Scene5/5Xi'an

Macau5/5✓Nightlife3/5Xi'an

Macau3/5Cultural Sites✓5/5Xi'an

Macau2/5Nature Access2/5Xi'an

Macau5/5✓WiFi Reliability4/5Xi'an

🌤️ Weather

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

Xi'an

Xi'an has a continental monsoon climate — cold winters, hot summers, and two distinct seasons of pleasant weather in spring and autumn. Air quality can be poor in winter due to heating and fog trapped in the Wei River basin. The Terracotta Army site is outdoor and uncomfortable in extreme heat or cold.

Spring (March–May)8–23°C

Summer (June–August)25–37°C

Autumn (September–November)8–23°C

Winter (December–February)-2–8°C

🚇 Getting Around

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)

Xi'an

Xi'an has a metro system covering the city centre and reaching the high-speed train stations. The Terracotta Army requires Bus 306 or a taxi/Didi. The city walls are walkable from the South Gate metro stop.

Walkability: Moderate in city centre. Muslim Quarter and Bell/Drum Tower area walkable. Terracotta Army requires transport.

Xi'an Metro — CNY ¥2–7

Bus 306 / Tourist Bus to Terracotta Army — CNY ¥7 per trip

Didi / Taxi — CNY ¥15–60 city trips; CNY ¥100+ to Terracotta Army

The Verdict

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

Choose Xi'an if...

you want the Terracotta Army — 8,000 life-size warriors guarding Emperor Qin's tomb — plus the ancient Ming Dynasty City Wall, Muslim Quarter biang biang noodles, and the Silk Road's eastern terminus

Macau

View Full Guide Book Tours

Xi'an

View Full Guide Book Tours