Which place is cheaper, Melbourne 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 Melbourne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?
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.
Melbourne
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.
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 Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesMelbourne Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Melbourne $195
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Melbourne is $195. 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 Melbourne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Melbourne $119
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Melbourne $238
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Melbourne
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Melbourne? 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 Melbourne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Melbourne $20
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$2.31
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 Melbourne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:
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Airport Bus$10
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Tram Ride$2.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne
Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yarra Valley: Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast & CBD Transfers: $377
- Mornington Peninsula - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $202
- Ballarat - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $179
- Airport Private Van Transfer to City: $172
- Melbourne Private Transfer to Melbourne Airport MEL in Luxury Van: $167
- Melbourne Airport MEL Private Transfer to Melbourne by Luxury Van: $167
- Melbourne Airport to City Transfer by Luxury Car: $131
- CBD to Melbourne Airport Private Transfer - 11 traveler's: $129
- Private Airport Transfer from Melbourne Airport to City Center: $129
- Airport Transfers & Day Tours in a Chauffeur-Driven Luxury Van: $128
- Airport to City Private Transfers : $128
- Melbourne Airport to CBD Private Transfer - 11 traveler's: $126
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Melbourne?
Prices for flights to both Melbourne 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 $9.25Melbourne $53
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
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee$2.62
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Pizza$4.58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Melbourne Flavors: Queen Victoria Market Food Tour: $40
- Multicultural Markets Food Tour – Melbourne’s Global Tastes: $51
- Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
- Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour: $53
- Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $54
- Inner North Street Food Tour: $72
- Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $79
- Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $81
- Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $86
- Best of Little Italy Dinner Tour: $92
- Carlton a Little Italy Dinner Tour: $93
- Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Melbourne $27
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with Sunset Cruise: $196
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang Shared Group City Tour: $214
- Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day: $170
- Classic Tour in Luang Prabang: $90
- Classic tour in Luang Prabang (Private): $243
- Day Pass - Premium Wellness Experience at The Namkhan: $90
- Dine and Cruise on Mekong River: $66
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
- From 8-Day Laos Tour with Accommodation: $1,241
Tours and Activities in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- English Melbourne Walking Tour: $17
- Experience Yarra Valley: A Tailored private Wine Journey: $269
- MCG and Aussie Rules Football Tour: $57
- Melbourne Laneways and Galleries Impressionist Art Walking Tour: $84
- 1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne: $147
- 1.5Hr Yarra River Crown Flames and City Lights Cruise: $317
- 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour: $843
- 2-Hour Farm Experience in Gateway Yarra Valley: $67
- 3 Day Combo: Great Ocean Road, Penguin Parade and FREE City Tour: $225
- 3.5 Hours Group tour Melbourne trouble-makers tour: $44
- 4D3N Best Bits Victoria Sightseeing Tour: $992
- 5 Days 4 Nights: Melbourne Package tour: $1,323
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Melbourne $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:
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Bottle of Wine$5.07
Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne
Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Melbourne Christmas Bar Crawl: $15
- Melbourne Pub Crawl (Batmania Tours): $19
- Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $20
- Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $24
- Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $26
- MELBOURNE Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour: $26
- Melbourne Music Venue Pub Crawl with History + 2 Free Drinks: $26
- Laid back, Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer + Choc: $87
- New Chocolate and wine tasting tour in the Yarra Valley: $89
- Cruise Ship Friendly Yarra Valley Wine Tour with Port Pickup: $114
- Yarra Valley: Bus Wine Tour with Lunch and a Glass of Wine: $116
- Small Group Yarra Valley: Redwoods Forest & Premium Wine Tour : $124
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Melbourne?
Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?
Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Melbourne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luang Prabang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Melbourne 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 Melbournein January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Melbourne 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Melbourne in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Melbourne. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Melbournein April. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 26°C (79°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Melbourne 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Melbourne in the Winter?
Both Melbourne 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Melbourne in the winter. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F)in July.
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Melbournein July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Melbourne 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Melbourne in the Spring?
Both Melbourne 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luang Prabang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Melbourne averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Melbournein October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Melbourne 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Melbourne and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Melbourne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.