Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Vientiane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Moscow and Vientiane. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Moscow or Vientiane?
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $63Vientiane $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, while the average daily cost in Vientiane is $15. 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 Moscow and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $40Vientiane $6.00
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $80Vientiane $12
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Moscow or Vientiane? 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.18Vientiane $2.08
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tangkerang Labuai: $40
- Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tengkerang Tengah: $40
- Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kota Baru: $43
- Private Transfer from Wonorejo to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Harjosari: $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Kampung Dalam: $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Simpang Tiga: $43
- Private Transfer from Simpang Tiga to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Cinta Raja: $43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Moscow 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 dayMoscow $14Vientiane $6.30
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$6.00
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.27
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Breakfast for 2$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Vientiane $3.53
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$13
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Kremlin Entry (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Moscow
For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Explore Vientiane and Local Villages Biking Tour: $184
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $61
- Full Day Private Tour in Vientiane with Pickup: $142
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Private Tour: Full-day Cycling The City Streets Vientiane with Buddha Park: $174
- Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
- Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
- Private Tour: Vientiane City Tour Full Day with Buddha Park: $145
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.94Vientiane $2.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Moscow and Vientiane, we can see that Moscow is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Moscow is in Europe and Vientiane is in Asia, 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 Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Moscow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moscow than you might in Vientiane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Vientiane?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Moscow and Vientiane, 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 Moscow or Vientiane?
Moscow has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vientiane experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Moscow or Vientiane in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Vientiane. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
Moscow is much colder than Vientiane in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
It's quite rainy in Vientiane. Moscow usually gets less rain in July than Vientiane. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Vientiane in the Autumn?
Both Vientiane and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Moscow is much colder than Vientiane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Vientiane averages at about 28°C (83°F).
In October, Moscow usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Vientiane in the Winter?
Both Vientiane and Moscow during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
The weather in Moscow can be very cold. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Moscow usually gets more rain in January than Vientiane. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Vientiane in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Vientiane. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. Moscow is much colder than Vientiane in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Moscow
| Moscow | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.