Which place is cheaper, Brussels or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Brussels?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Brussels, 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 Brussels?
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.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Brussels $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Brussels is $147. 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 Brussels in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.00Brussels $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Brussels $156
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Brussels
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Brussels? 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 Brussels Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Brussels $18
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:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
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Subway Pass$4.82
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Atomium train ticket (2)$8.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- Brussels Airport: Transfer to/from Gent Sint Pieters Station: $11
- Airport Transfer to/from Lille City Center: $16
- Brussels to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Airport Arrivals Private Transfer to the City: $60
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Brussels from/to airport: $60
- Arrival Transfer from Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Sedan: $64
- Arrival Private Transfer Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Luxury Car or Van: $68
- VIP Transfer between City/ Airport and Ghent: $70
- Airport transfers from Brussels to Zaventem Brussels airport by luxury car: $74
- Brussels City all area to Brussels Airport BRU - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $75
- Brussels City all area to Brussels Airport BRU - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $75
- Private Departure Transfer from Brussels City to Brussels Airport by luxury car: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Brussels?
Prices for flights to both Brussels 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 $6.30Brussels $41
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 Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
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Ice Cream & Macaroons$4.93
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Dessert (Turkish Delights)$5.09
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Cheese$6.00
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Olives and Snacks$7.48
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Waffle$3.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $43
- City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $61
- Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
- Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $130
- Secret Food Tours Brussels: $138
- Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.53Brussels $25
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $61
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
- 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
Tours and Activities in Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Brussels - by Legends: $3.26
- Free Tour of Brussels in Italian (with booking fee): $3.26
- BELvue Belgium History Museum Entry Ticket: $5.38
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.00
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.27
- Museum Halle Gate Entry Ticket: $7.53
- Brussels’ Noble Beginnings: An Upper Town Audio Tour: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.34Brussels $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$11
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Beer$6.43
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $17
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Brussels, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels 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 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Brussels?
Brussels has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Brussels, 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 Brussels?
Brussels 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 Brussels in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Brussels. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Vientiane is much warmer than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Brussels during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Brussels. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Brussels 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Brussels in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Brussels. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Brussels. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Brussels 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Brussels in the Winter?
Both Brussels and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Brussels can be very cold. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Brussels. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Brussels 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Brussels in the Spring?
Both Brussels and Vientiane during the spring 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 activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Brussels. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Brussels 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Brussels and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Brussels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (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.