Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Antananarivo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Antananarivo or Vientiane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Antananarivo and Vientiane can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Antananarivo or Vientiane?
Antananarivo
Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar; it is also sometimes referred to as Tana. This city is the cultural and political center of Madagascar as a whole. There are multiple universities, museums, and other social venues in the city, as well as a national rugby team. This city has a very apparent French influence.
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Madagascar, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Madagascar, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAntananarivo $72Vientiane $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Antananarivo is $72, while the average daily cost in Vientiane is $15. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Antananarivo and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAntananarivo $30Vientiane $6.00
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAntananarivo $60Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Antananarivo and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Antananarivo or Vientiane? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Antananarivo Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Antananarivo $14Vientiane $2.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antananarivo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Antananarivo:
- Private Airport Transfert Ivato Antananarivo: $43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Antananarivo or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Antananarivo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAntananarivo $29Vientiane $6.30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antananarivo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Antananarivo.
- Cooking And Cuisine Tasting From Tana-Malagasy Fine Foodie Madagascar Tour: $245
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Antananarivo $24Vientiane $3.53
Tours and Activities in Antananarivo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Antananarivo are as follows:
- Antanavario: Private custom tour with a local guide: $24
- Antananarivo Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $25
- Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $30
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Antananarivo: $35
- Private Ambohimanga and Ironwork Shop Tour from Antananarivo: $87
- Private Tour Through the Wildlife of Madagascar and the Kingdom of Rova: $137
- Day - Tour Ampefy: $145
- Half-Day Private Tour in Lemur's Park: $150
- Full Day Private Tour in Antananarivo: $203
- Lemur Day Tour at Andasibe Rainforest and Vakona Lodge Reserve: $299
- 3 days -Wildlife and Lemur discovery Tour to Andasibe: $861
- From 9 days unique adventure trip to Tulear: $1,991
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $61
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
- Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
- Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAntananarivo $9.65Vientiane $2.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antananarivo and Vientiane, we can see that Antananarivo is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antananarivo is in Africa and Vientiane is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Antananarivo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antananarivo than you might in Vientiane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antananarivo Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Antananarivo or Vientiane?
Antananarivo has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Antananarivo and Vientiane, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.