Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Auckland?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Auckland, 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 Auckland?
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.
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Auckland $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $139. 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 Auckland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Auckland $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Auckland $176
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Auckland
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Auckland? 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 Auckland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Auckland $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.24
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
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.51
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $27
- Auckland:City Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $27
- Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $39
- Cheap airport transfer: $53
- Auckland:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Minivan: $53
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland Port: $55
- Private Transfer from Auckland Port to Auckland Airport (AKL): $55
- Auckland Airport Private Transfers in a Luxury Minibus: $57
- Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Auckland Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Auckland: $68
- Auckland Airport Taxi: Private Transfer One Direction: $71
- Private Transfer From Auckland CBD Hotels To Cruise Ship: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Auckland?
Prices for flights to both Auckland 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 $6.32Auckland $27
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
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $89
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $90
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Auckland $27
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: $62
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$120
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore Auckland's Sailing Spirit: In-App Audio Tour: $5.32
- Auckland Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Tree Heart Park Adventure Clue Trail Family Package: $15
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $17
- Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Entry Ticket: $17
- Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
- Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket : $24
- Sky Tower General Admission Ticket: $24
- Hologate Virtual Reality Gaming Experience: $29
- The Lagoon Lights Family Experience at Tree Heart Park: $30
- Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Ticket: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Auckland $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $92
- Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $106
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $131
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $148
- Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $148
- From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $151
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $169
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $172
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $178
- Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $196
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Auckland, we can see that Auckland 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 Auckland is in Pacific, 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Auckland?
Auckland has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Auckland, 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 Auckland?
Auckland 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 Auckland in the Summer?
Both Auckland and Vientiane during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.
In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin January. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVientiane 30°C (85°F)Auckland 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Auckland in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Aucklandin April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVientiane 28°C (83°F)Auckland 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Auckland in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Auckland. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Vientiane is much warmer than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin July. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Auckland. Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVientiane 24°C (75°F)Auckland 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Auckland in the Spring?
Both Auckland and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aucklandin October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVientiane 31°C (88°F)Auckland 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Auckland and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Auckland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.