Which place is cheaper, Kyoto 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 Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
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.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Kyoto $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $118. 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 Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Kyoto $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Kyoto? 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 Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Kyoto $7.82
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kyoto Station: $71
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $82
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $107
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $113
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $131
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $142
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $248
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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 $12Kyoto $43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
- Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $95
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
- Cooking Class Garden House: $335
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Sushi & Tempura Cooking Class: $48
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Sushi Cooking Class (Making three types of sushi): $48
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $54
- 1 hour Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki cooking class in Kyoto: $61
- Kyoto Ramen Spoon Painting & Michelin Cooking Class : $61
- Dinner with Maiko: $62
- Private Guided Traditional Buddhist Cooking in Japan: $69
- Kyoto Udon and Tempura Cooking Class with Professional Chefs: $72
- Kyoto Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class: $75
- Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $75
- Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries: $76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30
- Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
- Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
- Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
- Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
- Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
- Vientiane Half Day City Tour: $80
- Vientiane : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $88
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $89
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kyoto KITSUNE Nightclub Admission Ticket For Foreign: $3.42
- Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour: $3.57
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour: $7.99
- Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
- Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Kyoto Tower Entry Ticket: $12
- Kyoto K Drama GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $15
- Kyoto Sightseeing Pass E ticket: $15
- Kyoto Arashiyama Easy Walk Tour : $18
- Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: 3-Hour Guided Tour: $20
- Kyoto Railway Museum Advance Tickets: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Kyoto $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $41
- Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $101
- Kyoto Sake Brewery & Tasting Walking Tour: $102
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $162
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour with Lunch: $227
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Kyoto?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
Kyoto 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 Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Kyoto in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Kyoto. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Kyoto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°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 Kyoto. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto 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, most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Kyoto can be very cold during winter. Vientiane is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Kyoto in the Spring?
Both Kyoto 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 spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.