Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vientiane or Katoomba?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?
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.
Katoomba
Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Blue Mountains are located just west of Sydney in the highlands of New South Wales, Australia.
This area can be generally expensive, but is on par with other destinations in Australia and around Sydney. Plenty of luxury places can be found here that cost more than average, but plenty of cheaper places to stay can be found here, too. Expect to pay for various activities such as tours and entrance fees, too.
The landscape is sprawling with majestic scenery over a rugged terrain of steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and villages. Whether you come to hike, climb, bike, or drive to the scenic viewpoints, a curtain of tranquility falls upon the mountains in a blue haze from which they get their name.
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 in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Katoomba $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $134. 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 Katoomba in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Katoomba $77
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Katoomba $154
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Katoomba
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Katoomba? 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 Katoomba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Katoomba $50
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Katoomba?
Prices for flights to both Katoomba 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 dayVientiane $6.32Katoomba $17
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Katoomba $53
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 Katoomba
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:
- Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $32
- Blue Mountains BarNSW Local Produce Tasting Experience: $37
- Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
- Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
- Half-Day Abseiling Adventure in Blue Mountains National Park: $83
- Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $97
- Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $98
- Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $107
- Small-Group Blue Mountains Tour with Bush Walks and Featherdale Wildlife Park: $116
- 4Hrs at Wolgan Valley Birdwatching Experience: $129
- Truffle Hunt and Taste Experience in Oberon, NSW Australia: $146
- Private Blue Mountains Rainforest and Waterfalls SUV Tour: $165
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Katoomba -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 Katoomba is in Pacific, 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Katoomba?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?
Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?
Both Katoomba and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Vientiane is a little warmer than Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Katoomba. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Katoombain January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVientiane 30°C (85°F)Katoomba 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Katoomba in the Autumn?
Both Katoomba 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. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Katoombain April. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Katoombain April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVientiane 28°C (83°F)Katoomba 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Katoomba in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Katoomba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Katoombain July. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Katoombain July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVientiane 24°C (75°F)Katoomba 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Katoomba in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Katoomba. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katoombain October. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVientiane 31°C (88°F)Katoomba 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Katoomba and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Katoomba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.