Which place is cheaper, Geneva 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 Geneva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Geneva, 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 Geneva?
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.
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesGeneva Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $23Geneva $281
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $23, while the average daily cost in Geneva is $281. 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 Geneva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.31Geneva $164
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Geneva $328
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Geneva
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Geneva? 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 Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $1.97Geneva $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Transfer from Geneva to Chamonix: $18
- Geneva Airport (GVA) Private Transfer to Geneva/Lausanne/Chamonix: $48
- VIP Transfer: $81
- Airport Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Business Car: $81
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Arrival Private Transfer: $90
- Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $90
- Departure Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Business Car: $96
- Arrival Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Business Car: $96
- Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Business Car: $96
- Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $99
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels: $101
- Airport Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Luxury Van: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Geneva?
Prices for flights to both Geneva 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 $12Geneva $103
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $219
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $221
- Food tour with EAT and CHILL TOUR Geneva & Lausanne: $246
- Geneva Food tour : Cheeses, wine, chocolate & fun: $250
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.74Geneva $34
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: $6.99
- Laos’ Leaders and Legends: A Self-Guided tour of Vientiane: $7.99
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $8.50
- 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
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Geneva Self Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $5.79
- Geneva Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
- Jet d’Eau de Genève guided tour of the city icon: $6.32
- Geneva Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.94
- From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Geneva Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h10 and 24 Audio Comments: $7.45
- Highlights of Dark History Quest Experience: $7.69
- Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.83
- Geneva Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.26
- TOP Geneva : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $12
- The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $12
- Unusual Audio Tour of Geneva: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.08Geneva $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:
- Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $259
- Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
- Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $537
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Geneva, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Geneva?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Geneva, 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 Geneva?
Geneva 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 Geneva in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Geneva. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Vientiane is a little warmer than Geneva in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 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 Geneva. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Geneva 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Geneva in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Geneva. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Geneva averages at about 14°C (56°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 Geneva. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Geneva. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Geneva 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Geneva in the Winter?
Both Geneva 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 Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Geneva can be very cold. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Geneva. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Geneva 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Geneva in the Spring?
Both Geneva 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. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Geneva in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Geneva. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Geneva 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Geneva and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Geneva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.