Which place is cheaper, Osaka 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 Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Osaka, 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesOsaka Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Osaka $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $103. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.53Osaka $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Osaka $88
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Osaka? 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 Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.04Osaka $13
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$2.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $70
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kansai Airport (KIX) to Kyoto hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $281
- Kansai Airport Osaka City Private Taxi Transfers: $262
- Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $257
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $255
- Private Transfer from Osaka to Wakayama,Shirahama&Kushimoto Area: $255
- Private Transfer from Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX: $254
- Private Transfer from Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Maizuru Port: $245
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private Transfer To/From Kyoto City Hotels: $230
- Private Transfer from Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Maizuru Port: $223
- Private Transfer from Osaka City Hotels to Maizuru Cruise Port: $223
- Private Departure Transfer : Osaka City to Kansai International Airport: $221
- Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $219
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $9.14Osaka $42
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
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Prabang Plates 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka Cooking Class 17 Tastes Takoyaki Making: $21
- Osaka Umeda: PICCADILLY DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $32
- Welcome to Osaka Matrix and Local food tour with Ninja Guide: $36
- Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon: $38
- 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $41
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $41
- (1 Group Only) Osaka Dotonbori Food Tour Wagyu & Ramen Takoyaki: $45
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $48
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $48
- Deep Osaka Night Walking Tour with Optional Dinner: $51
- Osaka 2 Hour Local Street Food Tour in Dotonbori and Namba: $57
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $57
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.63Osaka $19
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- 1 Day Kayaking Adventure and Whiskey Village Tour: $248
- 1 Day Mekong Pak Ou Caves Kuang Si Waterfalls Local Villages Tour: $80
- 6Days 5Nigths Luang Prabang city tour & Mekong River Cruise: $800
- Best of Luang Prabang City Day Tour - Secrets of LPQ World Heritage: $82
- 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
- Discover Luang Prabang Heritage City Tour and Kuang Si Waterfalls: $127
- Experience Lao Authentic Cuisine at the Former Royal Palace: $55
- Explore Pak Ou Caves by Kayak with Optional Sunset River Cruise: $196
- From Field to Table Half Day Rice Experience in Luang Prabang: $194
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$29
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bus Tour: $59
- 1-Day Kimono/Yukata Experience in Osaka – Enjoy Day & Night: $35
- 10 Hours Private City Tour in Osaka - Chartered Tour: $174
- 2 Hours Private Guided Walking Tour in Osaka: $26
- 2-Day Bus Tour to Shirakawago & Hida No Sato Winter Illumination: $223
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $32
- 3-Hour Osaka Bike Tour/Customizable: $205
- 30-Minute Osaka Micro Pig Interaction Experience at Buta Goya: $16
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $70
- 4/5/6 Hours Private Osaka Tour Designed for Cruise Passengers: $153
- 5-Hour Osaka Bike Tour to the Neighborhood of Osaka Castle: $84
- 6 Hours Osaka Tour with National Licensed Guide: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.76Osaka $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $33
- Osaka Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting: $41
- 3Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Bar Hopping Nightlife Guided Tour in Namba: $46
- Off The Beaten Path Osaka Local Bar Crawl: $51
- Osaka Winery Tour with Wine Tasting & Vineyard Walk: $83
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Osaka, we can see that Osaka is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
Osaka 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 Osaka in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Osaka. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Osaka. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Luang Prabang is a little warmer than Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in October than Osaka. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Osaka in the Winter?
Both Osaka 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 visitors come to Osaka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Osaka. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka 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, most visitors come to Osaka for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in April than Osaka. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.