🇱🇦Cost of Living in Vientiane
Laos · Population: 950,000 · Cost Index: 22/100
Cost of Living in Vientiane
Laos · Asia
Vientiane is the capital of Laos, a serene city on the banks of the Mekong River known for its French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples. It is one of Southeast Asia's most relaxed capitals with an affordable cost of living and a growing expat community.
950,000
Population
22
Cost Index
62
Safety Index
40
Quality of Life
Average Monthly Cost: $580 (single person, excluding rent)
Cost Breakdown
Housing
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$300.001-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$170.003-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$600.003-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$350.00Food & Groceries
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$2.00Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$15.00McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.00Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$2.00Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.00Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.70Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.50Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.50Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.50Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.80Transportation
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$15.00One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.30Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.00Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.50Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20Utilities
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$40.00Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$5.00Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$20.00Healthcare
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$10.00Dentist Visit(per visit)
$12.00Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$4.00Entertainment
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$25.00Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$4.00Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.00Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$1.50Clothing
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$30.00Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$15.00Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$50.00Compare Vientiane with another city
See how Vientiane stacks up against any other city in our database.
Quick Facts
- Currency
- LAK
- Language
- Lao
- Cost Index
- 22/100
- Safety Index
- 62/100
- Quality of Life
- 40/100
Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.