Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Vientiane?
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 Vientiane or Anchorage?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Anchorage, 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: Vientiane or Anchorage?
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.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesAnchorage Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $23Anchorage $228
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $23, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $228. 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 Vientiane and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.17Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $16Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Anchorage? 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 and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $1.94Anchorage $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Private transfer from Vientiane to Vang vieng: $120
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- One Way Private Transfer: $10
- ANC Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $79
- Anchorage to Whittier Direct Transfer Tour: $80
- Anchorage to Seward Direct Transfer Tour: $89
- Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer with Exit Glacier: $190
- Anchorage to Whittier: Cruise Transfer with Wildlife Tour: $199
- Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $227
- Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $227
- Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $247
- Dog Sled Ride in Willow with Transfers: $289
- Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Vientiane 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 dayVientiane $12Anchorage $87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $70
- Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
- Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
- Small-Group Street Food Tour with Tastings: $91
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
- Cooking Class Garden House: $335
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- Anchorage Sightseeing and Food Tour - Available All Year Long!: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.68Anchorage $30
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- The Avenue of a Million Elephants: A Vientiane Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $8.50
- Vientiane Lao Art Museum Admission Ticket: $10
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $12
- Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
- Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
- Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
- Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
- Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
- Explore Vientiane with Lao Art Museum Tour: $61
- Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $75
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- Anchorage Self-Guided Tour: Discover Glaciers & Alaska's Frontier: $4.56
- Podcast Tour Anchorage Mud, Concrete, and Wild Air: $5.48
- Self Guided Driving Audio Tour: Anchorage to Seward: $17
- Parks Hwy: Anchorage to Denali Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour: $20
- Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Anchorage to Homer: $20
- Seward Hwy Scenic Drive: Anchorage-Seward Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
- Self-Guided Anchorage to Denali Driving Audio Tour: $20
- Anchorage–Homer Sterling Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $20
- Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
- Anchorage Trolley's 1-Hour City Tour: $25
- Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Alaska Bundle: $40
- Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage, Seward, Homer & Denali Audio Tour: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.05Anchorage $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $110
- Girdwood Views and Brews with Aerial Tram and Brewery: $209
- Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting: $315
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vientiane is in Asia and Anchorage is in North 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 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage 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 Vientiane Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Anchorage?
Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Anchorage, 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 Vientiane or Anchorage?
Anchorage 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 Vientiane or Anchorage in the Summer?
Both Anchorage and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Vientiane is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
It's quite sunny in Anchorage. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or Anchorage in the Autumn?
Both Anchorage and Vientiane during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Anchorage can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or Anchorage in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Anchorage can be very cold during winter. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or Anchorage in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Anchorage. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the natural beauty.
The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
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.