Which place is cheaper, Rome 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 Rome?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Rome, 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 Rome?
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.
Rome
Rome is the kind of city that refuses to stay in the past, even though history is everywhere you look. Ancient ruins rise beside buzzing cafes, scooters zip past Renaissance palaces, and quiet cobblestone lanes suddenly open onto grand piazzas filled with fountains, churches, and street performers. It is a city of layers: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, neighborhood trattorias, stylish boutiques, and late-night gelato walks all woven together into one unforgettable experience. Whether you come for the art, the food, the history, or the simple pleasure of wandering without a plan, Rome has a way of making every day feel like a discovery.
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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesRome Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $17Rome $236
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $17, while the average daily cost in Rome is $236. 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 Rome in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.38Rome $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Rome $206
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Rome
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Rome? 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 Rome Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $1.98Rome $24
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$2.21
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 Rome
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:
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Metro Ride (for Two)$2.28
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Train to the Airport$17
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Taxi to Airport$51
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Bicycle Rental (Full Day)$11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
- Transfer from Rome to the Beverello pier (Naples): $297
- Civitavecchia DA transfer and vice versa: $296
- Transfer from Rome FIUMICINO AIRPORT to Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $293
- Transfer from Civitavecchia 4 people: $293
- Transfer from Fiumicino/Ciampino/Rome to Civitavecchia Port: $293
- Private Express Tour of Roman Catacombs with Transfer: $292
- Transfers from Civitavecchia to Fiumicino/Rome: $288
- Transfers from Fiumicino/Rome to Civitavecchia: $287
- Catacombs in Rome Tour with Private Transfer: $282
- Private Transfer Civitavecchia Port to/from Rome City & Airport: $282
- Private transfer from Rome to Civitavecchia Port - Round trip: $278
- Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Chianciano - Arrival Private Transfer: $276
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Rome?
Prices for flights to both Rome 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 $8.89Rome $95
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
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals 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
- Home-cooked dinner & Baci ceremony with Villagers in Ban Nasang: $52
Typical Food Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$16
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4 Ice Cream Sandwiches$3.41
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Cafe e doce$4.56
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Pizza (Fast Food)$3.02
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Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$36
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Cheese and bread$11
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Espresso$2.28
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Dinner$66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.
- Rome Cooking: Pasta & Tiramisu Making, Free-Flowing Fine Wine: $39
- Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine: $41
- Rome Food Tour for Breakfast Lovers: $41
- Rome Food Tour: Tastings in the Jewish Ghetto & Campo de' Fiori: $42
- Milan Street Food Tour and City Guided Sightseeing: $45
- Rome Early Morning Breakfast and Sightseeing Food Tour: $46
- Fettuccine Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $47
- Gnocchi Cooking Class in Rome - Piazza Navona: $47
- Pasta Cooking Class in Rome - Fettuccine Class in Piazza Navona: $47
- Rome Street Food Tour: Eat Like a Local: $50
- Cooking Class in the Heart of Pizza and Tiramisu Making: $51
- Rome Street Food Tour Eat Like a Local: $52
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.56Rome $41
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
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- 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
- Natural Soap Making Experience - Luang Prabang: $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
- Morning Alms Giving Ceremony and Local Market Experience: $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome
Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)$79
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Coliseum Tickets (for Two)$38
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Roma Pass$34
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Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)$23
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Segway Tour$86
Tours and Activities in Rome
Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- " Private pantheon tour: Explore Rome's Divine masterpiece": $104
- 1 Day Rome Tour from Civitavecchia for Cruise Passengers: $91
- 1 Hour Pantheon Tour: A Time Travel Experience in Rome + Ebook: $111
- 1,5 H Ancient Rome Tour on a Golf Cart: $81
- 1,5H Gianicolo and Trastevere Tour on a Golf Cart: $88
- 1,5H Historical City Center Tour on a Golf Cart at Rome: $81
- 1-hour Private Photography Experience in Rome: $117
- 1h Colosseum Guided Tour + Roman Forum access: $69
- 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour in Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto: $41
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Rome's Enchanting Jewish Ghetto: $84
- 2.5 Hours Private Tour in Rome on a Vintage Fiat 500 open cabrio: $187
- 2h30 Tour of Rome Cathedral and Holy Stairs: $111
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.71Rome $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:
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Bottle of Wine$7.41
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Pint of Beer$7.23
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Beer$11
Sample the Local Flavors in Rome
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:
- Rome Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $22
- Cabaret and Burlesque Show: $35
- Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $40
- Winery Tour, Wine Tasting near Rome with Optional Lunch: $46
- Frascati Wine Tasting Experience with Food Pairing: $53
- Experience Rome Exclusive Wine Tasting in City Center: $56
- Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $57
- Dolce Vita Burlesque show: $59
- Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $65
- Rome Nightlife Party Tour Monti Bar Crawl and Local Drinks: $67
- Rome Night Tipsy Tour & Bar Crawl with Forbidden History: $69
- Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $76
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Rome?
Rome has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Rome, 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 Rome?
Rome 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 Rome in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Rome. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Luang Prabang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Rome 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rome in the Autumn?
Both Rome 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 Rome in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Rome in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Rome. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Rome 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rome in the Winter?
Both Rome 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 Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Rome averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Rome 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Rome in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Rome. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rome because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Rome. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Rome 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Rome and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Rome | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.