Cost of living in Vientiane

Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, offers a unique blend of traditional culture and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Vientiane is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this vibrant city.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2 on average, with a range between $1.37 and $4.55.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $25, with prices ranging from $9.1 to $38.68.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $3, with a range between $2.73 and $3.5.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $0.77 to $1.37, imported beer $1.59 to $4, cappuccino $0.91 to $2.18, and Coke/Pepsi $0.46 to $0.64.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $1.5 and $2.73 per liter, averaging $1.71.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.55 and $1.64, with an average price of $0.92.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $0.91 to $2.73, averaging $1.76.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $1 to $2.05 per kg, while oranges range from $1.37 to $2.82 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $1 and $2.55 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.46 to $0.77 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.36 and $0.91.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.13 and $2 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $1.14, with a cost of $0.68 to $2.28 per km and $4.55 to $5 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $500 to $1450, averaging $866.67.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $500 to $1400, averaging $782.02.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $500 to $4200, averaging $928.78.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $750 to $3800, averaging $1635.52.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1820.16.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $100.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $45.5 and $113.76, averaging $71.42.
  • InternetInternet services range from $7.74 to $15.02, with an average cost of $11.22.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 23 user contributions, as of the most recent update in September, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$2.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$25.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$3.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.96
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.75
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.53
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.43
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.50
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.71
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.92
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.76
Local Cheese (1kg)
$27.60
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.40
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$10.46
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.74
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$1.60
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.55
Apples (1kg)
$1.96
Oranges (1kg)
$2.05
Potato (1kg)
$1.61
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.61
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.02
Tomato (1kg)
$1.32
Banana (1kg)
$1.09
Onion (1kg)
$1.02
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$6.07
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.64
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$49.46
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.33
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$28,516.29
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.16
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.78
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$29,331.02
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$866.67
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$782.02
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$928.78
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,635.52
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$71.42
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$11.22
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$32.68
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$50.04
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$5.61
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$3.53
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$85.81
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$62.99
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$57.62
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$41.70
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$1,820.16
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$100.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$227.52
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
10.13%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$334.40
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$9,333.33
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