Cost of Living in Vientiane, Laos

Are you considering a move to Vientiane, Laos, and wondering about the cost of living? Vientiane is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Vientiane and help you understand whether $1702 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $375.0.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Vientiane, Laos
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

1.99 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

40.0 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

5.0 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

1.2 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.0 $

Cappuccino (regular)

1.93 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.92 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.5 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.84 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.51 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.01 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.68 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

19.27 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

6.0 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

5.89 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.18 $

Banana (1 lb)

0.89 $

Oranges (1 lb)

2.25 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.11 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.1 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.1 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.82 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.42 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

14.51 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.15 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.71 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

2.01 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.6 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

--

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

2.0 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.58 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

5.0 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.57 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

27000.0 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

35000.0 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

111.14 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

15.96 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

50.8 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

5.0 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

2.99 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

100.0 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

10000.0 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

97.74 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

69.57 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

74.14 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

44.33 $

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Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

725.0 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

891.33 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1862.8 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1590.24 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

3500.0 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

100.0 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

375.0 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

10.25 %

Cost of Living in Vientiane, Laos

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Vientiane?

The monthly expenses for living in Vientiane come to a total of approximately $1702. This includes an average monthly rent of around $725 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $119 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $494 per month.

How affordable is living in Vientiane?

Living in Vientiane appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $375.0. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Vientiane, you would likely need an income exceeding $375.0.

What is the average salary in Vientiane?

In Vientiane, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $375.0, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Vientiane?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Vientiane is approximately $725. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $891.33 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Vientiane?

The expense for groceries in Vientiane can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $406 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Laos?

The cost of living in Laos can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Laos.

Vientiane, Laos

How Safe Is Vientiane, Laos for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Vientiane, Laos

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Vientiane is generally residually safe. However, you should be on the alert with petty thieves and watch your things. Often your items can be snatched directly from your hands or your transport. Do not leave things unattended. Avoid any contact with drug dealers.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transportation may be unreliable, inconvenient, and not follow the schedule. Pickpockets can work in a crowd. Better to get a taxi. Make sure that you use only licensed taxi services and that the driver has turned on the taximeter. Or arrange a trip price in advance.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

The most common type of crime involves the seizure of wallets, usually committed by thieves working on motorbikes/mopeds, pickpocketing. You must always keep track of your things, especially in crowded places. Thieves work in groups.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The region is prone to droughts, floods, and storms, the most common hazards, and they are expected to become more severe due to climate change. Examine the surroundings and the weather before you visit this city.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Armed severe robberies are rare. More often, this happens against the background of drug or alcohol intoxication. Avoid the dysfunctional areas of the city, and do not walk late at night on dark streets. In case of an attack, you should immediately contact the police.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

The risk of terrorist attacks in Laos in recent years can be classified as almost negligible. However, this possibility should not be ruled out. Avoid political rallies and more massive crowds. Explore the country before your visit to Vientiane.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Most often in Vientiane, there is a fraud with tourists when they sell non-existent tours, raise prices for trinkets, do not give change (supposedly not), they deceive with the price of a taxi ride. Keep these types of risks in mind to protect yourself.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Laos is very safe, and violence against women travelers is sporadic. Just follow the usual safety precautions and wear modest clothing. If you plan to swim in the village or on the river, a sarong is necessary.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Visitors to Laos must obtain a visa from one of the Laotian diplomatic missions or online unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or qualify for a visa on arrival. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.

currency_exchange

Currency

The kip is the currency of Laos since 1955. Historically, one kip was divided into 100 att. The currency has a code: LAK and sign: ₭ or ₭N.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The best time to visit this place is during the months of November to February when the atmosphere is usually relaxed as well as contain a bit of warmth. The weather feels hot for most of the year, with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Wattay International Airport is one of the few international airports in Laos and the country's main international gateway. The airport is located 8 km from the city center.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Vientiane, Laos

What about weather in Vientiane, Laos ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 83°F 87°F 92°F 94°F 92°F 90°F 89°F 88°F 88°F 88°F 86°F 83°F
Temp 72°F 76°F 81°F 84°F 83°F 83°F 82°F 82°F 81°F 80°F 77°F 72°F
Low 63°F 67°F 72°F 76°F 77°F 77°F 77°F 77°F 76°F 74°F 69°F 63°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 28°C 30°C 33°C 34°C 33°C 32°C 31°C 31°C 31°C 31°C 30°C 28°C
Temp 22°C 24°C 27°C 28°C 28°C 28°C 27°C 27°C 27°C 26°C 25°C 22°C
Low 17°C 19°C 22°C 24°C 25°C 25°C 25°C 25°C 24°C 23°C 20°C 17°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Laos with Vientiane

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries