Cost of living in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city in Laos, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or extended travel.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Luang Prabang, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $1.82 on average, with a range between $1.58 and $2.5.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $16.38, with prices ranging from $10.54 to $18.2.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.46.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $1.26, imported beer $1.14, cappuccino $1.74, and Coke/Pepsi $0.85.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced at $1.69 per liter.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $1.1.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $2.4.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.35 per kg, while oranges are $2.2 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $1.48 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.06 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.58.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.1 and $1.14 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.91, with a cost of $1.14 per km and $4.55 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $773.57 to $1500, averaging $1136.78.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $850.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1820.16 to $2000, averaging $1910.08.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1700.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $83.27.
- Internet - Internet services average $6.83.
Cost of Living Data
The following pricing data has been gathered from 9 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Avg
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$1.82
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$16.38
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.46
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.26
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.14
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.85
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.55
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.74
Markets
Markets
Avg
Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.69
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.10
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.40
Local Cheese (1kg)
$24.81
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.71
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$30.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.21
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.84
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.65
Apples (1kg)
$1.35
Oranges (1kg)
$2.20
Potato (1kg)
$1.48
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.06
Rice (white), (1kg)
$2.20
Tomato (1kg)
$4.41
Banana (1kg)
$2.20
Onion (1kg)
$0.99
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$4.41
Transportation
Transportation
Avg
Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.58
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$58.74
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.12
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$28,134.73
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.91
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.14
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.55
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$28,836.40
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Avg
Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,136.78
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$850.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,910.08
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,700.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg
Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$83.27
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$6.83
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$12.00
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Avg
Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$83.27
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$7.74
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$2.45
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Avg
Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$71.67
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$60.29
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$73.49
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$52.10
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Avg
Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$2,609.51
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$100.00
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Avg
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$200.00
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
10.12%
Childcare
Childcare
Avg
Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$251.14
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$9,069.54
Luang Prabang Cost of Living
"Key Takeaways"
Luang Prabang offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western cities, with affordable dining and grocery options.
Housing can be a significant expense, especially in the city centre, but options outside the centre are more budget-friendly.
Transportation costs are minimal, making it easy to get around the city without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Luang Prabang presents an attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, the overall cost of living remains manageable, especially with low transportation and dining costs.
Potential residents should consider their housing preferences and budget accordingly to make the most of living in this culturally rich city.
Luang Prabang