A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vientiane vs. Cebu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vientiane or Cebu?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Cebu, 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 Cebu?

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.

Cebu

Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.

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 10-Day Tours in Philippines, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Cebu or Vientiane?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $65. 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 Cebu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $6.01
    Cebu $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $12
    Cebu $50
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Cebu

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Cebu? 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.

Hotels in Vientiane


Hotels in Cebu


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 Cebu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.08
    Cebu $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
  • Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
  • Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
  • Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:

  • Mactan Airport - Cebu City Sepoart (Transfer): $20
  • Cebu Seaport - Mactan Hotel (Any Hotel) - One Way Transfer: $22
  • Seamless Transfer from MactanCebu Airport to Your City Hotel: $23
  • Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $25
  • Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $25
  • Mactan Cebu Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
  • Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Mandaue city: $40
  • Cebu Departure Transfer from Lapu-Lapu city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
  • Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Lapu-Lapu city: $40
  • Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Cebu city: $40
  • Private Canyoneering in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer opt: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Cebu?

Prices for flights to both Cebu 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vientiane $6.32
    Cebu $21

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.

  • Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $67
  • Cebu City Historical Street and Food Tour: $69
  • Panoramic View of Cebu and Dinner with Night View: $89
  • Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $108
  • Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.54
    Cebu $17

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: $62
  • 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 Cebu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:

  • Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour: $20
  • Cebu City Tour: Temple of Leah and many more: $36
  • 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
  • Cebu City: Cebu Heritage & Uphill Tour on Two Wheels: $40
  • Cebu City Tour (Joiners Tour): $41
  • Guided Heritage City Tour: $44
  • Highlands Guided Tour w/ Hotel Pickup: $45
  • Cebu Highlands Tour(Cebu Taoist, Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden): $46
  • Land Tour | Bantayan Island - Sightseeing - Guided Tour: $46
  • Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $52
  • Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch: $55
  • Cebu City with Sirao Garden Half Day Tour: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.35
    Cebu $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:

  • Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Cebu, we can see that Cebu 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 Cebu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cebu 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 Cebu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Cebu?

Cebu has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Cebu, 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 Cebu?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Vientiane or Cebu in the Summer?

Both Cebu and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Cebu. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Vientiane is around the same temperature as Cebu in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Cebu 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Cebu in the Autumn?

Both Cebu 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.

Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Cebu. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Cebu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Cebu averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Cebu 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Cebu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Cebu. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Vientiane is generally cooler than Cebu. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Cebu 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Cebu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Cebu. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.

Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Cebu. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is around the same temperature as Cebu in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Cebu fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Cebu 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Cebu and Vientiane

Vientiane Cebu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)