Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
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.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Rio de Janeiro $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $115. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Rio de Janeiro $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Rio de Janeiro $128
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Rio de Janeiro $7.65
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:
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- TRANSFER VAN Rio de Janeiro x Búzios/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio: $282
- Private Transfer From Rio De Janeiro to Buzios: $249
- Private Bilingual Transfer Angra dos Reis, Búzios or Paraty: $242
- TRANSFER - CLUB MED Rio: $225
- Private transfer Rio de Janeiro x Nova Friburgo: $222
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- TRANSFER 4 Passengers: Búzios/Angra dos Reis/Arraial do Cabo/Cabo Frio.: $200
- Transfers Rio X Buzios : $184
- Private Rio de Janeiro Layover Transfer & Tour from Airport: $180
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro cruise port to Rio de Janeiro city: $172
- Rio to Buzios Private Transfer - by Alan Denis: $170
- Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Port to Rio de Janeiro hotels: $166
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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 $9.25Rio de Janeiro $34
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 Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.56
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Corn on the Cob$0.75
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Hamburger$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
- Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
- Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
- Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
- Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Rio de Janeiro $21
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries : $30
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day Tour from Rio de Janeiro, Corcovado and Arraial do Cabo: $180
- A Day in Arraial do Cabo Guided Tour: $77
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- One Day Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $165
- Samba Backstage Tour: Go Behind-the-Scenes of Carnival: $159
- 1 Day Discovery Tour NO Rio DE Janeiro: $192
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $115
- 10 Hours Private City Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Chartered Tour: $300
- 2 Days Tour in City Tour Express and Arraial do Cabo: $168
- 2 Days in Rio: Cultural & Ecologic Tours: $290
- 3 Hour Rocinha Favela Walking Tour with a Local Guide : $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro is in South 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 Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Rio de Janeiro. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Luang Prabang during the winter 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 Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.