Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Luang Prabang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Luang Prabang or Auckland?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Auckland, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Luang Prabang or Auckland?
Luang Prabang
Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesAuckland Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Auckland $169
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $169. 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 Luang Prabang and Auckland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.38Auckland $98
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Auckland $196
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Auckland
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Auckland? 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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices and Auckland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $1.98Auckland $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$2.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.41
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Hobbiton Private Transfers with Group Tour: $516
- Auckland Airport Premium Private Golf Transfer To Te Arai Links: $299
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport /City to Rotorua: $299
- Premium Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Raglan Beach: $281
- Auckland Airport to Whangaparaoa - Gulf Harbour Luxury Transfers: $227
- Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $216
- Premium Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Morrinsville: $203
- Private Luxury Auckland Airport Transfer (Up to 5 Guests): $197
- Premium Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Cambridge: $179
- Premium Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Hamilton: $179
- Premium Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Thames: $179
- Transfer Service: Auckland to Rotorua or Rotorua to Auckland: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Auckland?
Prices for flights to both Auckland and Luang Prabang 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 dayLuang Prabang $8.89Auckland $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang
For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
- The Namkhan - Kids Cooking Class: $40
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
- Home-cooked dinner & Baci ceremony with Villagers in Ban Nasang: $52
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
- Auckland Downtown Food Tour with 5 Locals Favorite Dishes: $128
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.56Auckland $27
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- 1 Day Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $70
- 1 Day Mekong Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Waterfalls Local Villages Tour: $80
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Cultural Heart of Laos Private Tour in Luang Prabang: $253
- Cultural Treasures of Luang Prabang Group Exploration Tour: $214
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Discover Luang Prabang Heritage City Tour and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $127
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- Experience Mekong Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang: $90
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$32
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$119
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "City of Sails" highlights - private tour with German tour guide: $219
- 2025 Award Winning: Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour: $86
- 24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour: $3,447
- 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $173
- AKL: TAUPO - Maori Rock Carving Cruise, Wai O Tapu & Blue Springs: $286
- Half-Day CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - Mt.Eden, Tamaki Dr: $86
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $120
- Amazing Auckland City Half Day Guided Tour: $107
- America's Cup Sailing Experience on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour: $125
- America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $122
- Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour: $149
- Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $72
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.71Auckland $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Auckland Coastal Brewery Kayak Tour: $71
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
- Ultimate Auckland Experience Full Day Tour with Brewery Lunch: $149
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
- Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $224
- Auckland City Tour & Kumeu Wine Country Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $239
- Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luang Prabang is in Asia and Auckland is in Pacific, 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 Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland than you might in Luang Prabang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luang Prabang Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Auckland?
Auckland has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Auckland, 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.
When is the best time to visit Luang Prabang or Auckland?
Auckland has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luang Prabang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Auckland in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Auckland 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Auckland in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Auckland. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Auckland 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Auckland in the Winter?
Both Auckland and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Auckland 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Auckland in the Spring?
Both Auckland and Luang Prabang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Aucklandin October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Auckland 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Auckland and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Auckland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
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.