Which place is cheaper, Quepos 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 Quepos?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Quepos, 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 Quepos?
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.
Quepos
Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.
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 Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesQuepos Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Quepos $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Quepos is $139. 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 Quepos in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Quepos $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Quepos $152
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Quepos
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Quepos? 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 Quepos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Quepos $9.55
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos
Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $229
- Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $220
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $203
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Manuel Antonio (One Way): $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Quepos?
Prices for flights to both Quepos 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 $9.25Quepos $51
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 Quepos
For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$15
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Seafood Dinner (for 1)$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit: $77
- Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
- Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
- Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Quepos $17
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 Quepos
For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 10 in 1 Tour! Zip Lines, Rappels, Tarzan Swing, Waterfalls & More: $158
- 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $28
- 2-Hour Kayak Tour in Quepos Mangroves – See Monkeys & Sloths: $65
- ATV Tour Half Day Trip From Manuel Antonio: $93
- All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio: $88
- All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch: $93
- All-Inclusive Full day Waterfall Adventure: $117
- All-Inclusive Jungle Night Tour: $59
- Canopy Tour From Manuel Antonio: $121
- Catamaran Adventure From Manuel Antonio: $121
- Catamaran Cruise from Manuel Antonio with Snorkeling: $98
- Chocolate Experience, Waterfall and Cultural Lunch in local home.: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Quepos $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Quepos, we can see that Quepos 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 Quepos is in Central America, 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 Quepos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quepos 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 Quepos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Quepos?
Luang Prabang has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Quepos, 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 Quepos?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Quepos in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Quepos. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Quepos 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 Quepos. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Quepos. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Quepos 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Quepos in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Quepos. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.
Also, December to April in Quepos is the dry season. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos. It's quite rainy in Quepos. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in October than Quepos. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Quepos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Quepos in the Winter?
Both Quepos 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. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Quepos. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is cooler than Quepos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Quepos averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Quepos in the Spring?
Both Quepos 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.
December to April is the dry season in Quepos. Also, May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season. It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in April than Quepos. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Quepos. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Quepos 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Quepos and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Quepos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.