Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Nagano?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Nagano, 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 Nagano?
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.
Nagano
Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.
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 Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Nagano $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $90. 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 Nagano in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Nagano $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Nagano $122
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Nagano
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Nagano? 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 Nagano Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Nagano $9.79
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
- 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
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano
Also for Nagano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $685
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Nagano?
Prices for flights to both Nagano 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 $6.32Nagano $22
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Nagano $8.16
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Explore Vientiane and Local Villages Biking Tour: $184
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $62
- Full Day Private Tour in Vientiane with Pickup: $142
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Private Tour: Full-day Cycling The City Streets Vientiane with Buddha Park: $174
- 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
- Private Tour: Vientiane City Tour Full Day with Buddha Park: $145
Tours and Activities in Nagano
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.
- Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $47
- Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
- Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $85
- Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $98
- Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $177
- Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodge): $221
- Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $537
- 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $782
- Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,334
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Nagano -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Nagano?
Nagano has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Nagano, 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 Nagano?
Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Nagano. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In the summer, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nagano. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Nagano. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Nagano 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Nagano in the Autumn?
Both Nagano and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Nagano. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Nagano 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Nagano in the Winter?
Both Nagano and Vientiane during the winter 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 Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Nagano can be very cold during winter. Vientiane is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.
Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Nagano 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Nagano in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nagano 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 Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Nagano. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Nagano 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Nagano and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Nagano | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 446 mm (17.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 275 mm (10.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 222 mm (8.8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 227 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 339 mm (13.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 440 mm (17.3 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.