Which place is cheaper, Oslo 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 Oslo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Oslo, 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 Oslo?
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.
Oslo
Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.
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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesOslo Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Oslo $161
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Oslo is $161. 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 Oslo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.53Oslo $79
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Oslo $158
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Oslo
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Oslo? 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 Oslo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.04Oslo $23
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 Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- Luang Prabang Private Transfers: Hotel -Railway Station - Airport: $9.60
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay: $70
- Luang Prabang 2 Days Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- Luang Prang 1 Day with Laos Railway Private Transfer: $180
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:
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Tram Ticket$7.78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:
- Oslo Airport (OSL) to Oslo Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $268
- Arrival Transfer: Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo by Business Van: $267
- Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Bus: $260
- Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL: $260
- Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $192
- Private Oslo Airport and City Transfers: $175
- Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $175
- Oslo Private Transfer Between Gardermoen Airport and City: $156
- Private Transfer from Oslo City Centre to Oslo Airport: $152
- Oslo Private Airport/Hotel Transfer Service || English Speaking: $152
- Private Transfer From Oslo To Drammen With a 2 Hour Stop: $152
- Private Transfer from Olso Airport to Olso Hotels: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Oslo?
Prices for flights to both Oslo 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 $9.14Oslo $56
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
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates 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 Oslo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.
- Private Chef Forest Dinner: Authentic Norwegian Food Tour in Oslo: $126
- Oslo fjord 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $158
- Oslo Guided Food Tour with 5 Food Tastings and a Secret Dish: $163
- Skinnerbakken Oslo Cooking Experience: $169
- Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk: $186
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.63Oslo $16
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Luang Prabang to Train Station Shared Minivan Ticket Or Private: $5.00
- Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Waterfalls Shared Minivan Ticket: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Laos Buffalo Dairy Tours Interact, Learn and Taste Fresh Flavors: $14
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos–China Railway: Easy Train Tickets, No Queues, No Worries: $28
- Luang Prabang Half Day Tour with Mekong River Sunset Cruise: $29
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
Tours and Activities in Oslo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:
- 2-Hour Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise by Sailing Ship: $68
- 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour: $281
- A Refined Gastronomic Journey Oslo Signature Culinary Tour: $174
- A Self-Guided Tour of Oslo's Waterfront: $7.99
- Akerselva River Kayak/Packraft Tour: Urban Adventure in Oslo: $74
- BIKING OSLO PRIVATE EXPERIENCE Upto 8 Participants Max: $297
- Best of Oslo Guided Walking Tour: $37
- Best of Small Group Walking Tour (Max 10, 3 Hours): $68
- Central Oslo Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide: $16
- City Sightseeing Oslo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $45
- Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
- Family-friendly Fun Oslo Private Guided Tour with Kids: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.76Oslo $9.81
Sample the Local Flavors in Oslo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oslo:
- Three Hour Pub Crawl in Oslo with Local Guide: $37
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Oslo, we can see that Oslo 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 Oslo is in Europe, 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo 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 Oslo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Oslo?
Oslo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Oslo, 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 Oslo?
Oslo 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 Oslo in the Summer?
Both Oslo and Luang Prabang during the summer 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, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Oslo. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Oslo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Oslo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Oslo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Luang Prabang in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Oslo. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Oslo 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Oslo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Oslo. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 21°C (70°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Oslo -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Oslo in the Spring?
Both Oslo and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Oslo. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Oslo 6°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Oslo and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Oslo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.