Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Calgary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Calgary, 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 Calgary?
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.
Calgary
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and, located at the edge of the prairie and foothills, it is a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. If you're headed to Banff or Jasper, this is likely to be your first stop. It's also Canada's fourth largest city and worth a few days visit. Calgary's economy is diverse, but includes energy, financial services, film and television, transportation, technology, manufacturing, and much more.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Calgary $156
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $156. 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 Calgary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.00Calgary $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Calgary $148
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Calgary
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Calgary? 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 Calgary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Calgary $13
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Private Transfer from Calgary Airport to Sunshine Village : $60
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Calgary Airport (YYC) - Calgary Downtown: $61
- Private Transfer from Calgary Airport to Calgary Hotels: $64
- Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $67
- Calgary Int Airport (YYC) to Fernie - Arrival Private Transfer: $77
- Private Transfer from Fernie to Calgary International Airport: $77
- Calgary Downtown Transfers: $88
- Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Airport (YYC) - Calgary Downtown: $91
- Transfer in private minivan from Calgary Downtown - Calgary Airport (YYC): $91
- Private Transfer from Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Business Car: $108
- Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Business Car: $108
- Private Transfer: Calgary Airport to Downtown: $111
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Calgary?
Prices for flights to both Calgary 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 $6.30Calgary $31
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 Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
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Bread, Chips, Cheese$8.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.
- Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.53Calgary $16
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary
Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Stampede Admission (for 2)$22
Tours and Activities in Calgary
Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
- Bow River Trail Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.11
- Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.20
- Bow River Trail: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.20
- 3-Hour Tips Based Walking Tour of Calgary: $5.47
- 3-hour Tips-Based City Walking Tour: $6.58
- Explore the Stampede City with Walking Tours in Calgary: $6.69
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Discover Calgary with 3 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $13
- Rocky Mountains: Smartphone Driving and Walking Audio Tours: $15
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Calgary with Holly Jolly Hunt: $21
- Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.34Calgary $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary
Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $83
- Calgary Brewery Tour: $89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Calgary, we can see that Calgary 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 Calgary 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 Calgary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calgary 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 Calgary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Calgary?
Calgary has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Calgary, 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.
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.