Which place is cheaper, Houston or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Houston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Houston, 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 Houston?
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.
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Houston $262
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.00Houston $142
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Houston
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Houston? 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 Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Houston $72
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 Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
- Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $54
- Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
- Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
- Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston City Center to George Bush Airport: $88
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Business Car: $106
- Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Houston?
Prices for flights to both Houston 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 $6.30Houston $35
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 Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Montrose Food Tour: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.53Houston $14
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 Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.31
- Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
- Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
- Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $12
- Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $14
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $17
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Family Guy Experience - Houston: $25
- Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.34Houston $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
- Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Houston, we can see that Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Houston?
Houston has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Houston, 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 Houston?
Houston 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 Houston in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Houston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).
Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Houston. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Houston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or Houston in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Houston. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In October, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
It's quite rainy in Houston. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Houston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or Houston in the Winter?
Both Houston 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 Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Vientiane is much warmer than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Houston. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Houston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or Houston in the Spring?
Both Houston 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 Houston this time of year.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Houston. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Houston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Houston and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Houston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
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.