Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Varanasi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Varanasi and Vientiane can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.
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 Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $30, 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 Varanasi and Vientiane in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Varanasi 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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Varanasi 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.
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varanasi and Vientiane, we can see that Varanasi is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Varanasi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varanasi 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 Varanasi Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Varanasi has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi 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.