Which place is cheaper, New Orleans or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vientiane or New Orleans?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or New Orleans, 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 New Orleans?
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.
New Orleans
New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.
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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15New Orleans $239
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in New Orleans is $239. 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 New Orleans in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.00New Orleans $125
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12New Orleans $250
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and New Orleans
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or New Orleans? 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 New Orleans Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08New Orleans $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$4.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
- 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
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans
Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer in (Rover RSD) New Orleans MSY/Home/Hotel/Work : $47
- Private Transfer from Louis Armstrong Airport: $50
- 1-Way Private Airport Transfer: $50
- Private Airport Transfer From New Orleans: $60
- Private Departure Transfer to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport MSY: $67
- Private Arrival Transfer from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport: $67
- Private Transfer in a Luxury Sedan from Louis Armstrong Airport: $69
- New Orleans hotels to NOLA Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $74
- New Orleans Port to New Orleans Airport Departure Transfer: $75
- New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Arrival Private Transfer : $75
- New Orleans to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
- Cruise Port to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or New Orleans?
Prices for flights to both New Orleans 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 $6.30New Orleans $45
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 New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
- New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
- Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
- Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
- Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
- French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
- The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
- Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
- Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
- French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
- New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
- Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.53New Orleans $55
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: $61
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)$75
-
Riverboat Cruise$70
-
French Quarter City Tour$100
Tours and Activities in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self-Guided Walking Tour French Quarter In New Orleans: $6.75
- Ghosts of Self-Guided Haunted Audio/App Walking Tour: $6.75
- Struttin' Down Royal Street Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
- Struttin' Down Royal Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Stories of Faith and Courage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in New Orleans in 6 Languages: $9.00
- Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in New Orleans in 6 Languages: $9.00
- Secret Historical Garden District Audio Tour: $9.99
- New Orleans Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in New Orleans by 3Quest Challenge: $10
- Discover Tremé's Soul: A Self-Guided Audio Experience: $11
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.34New Orleans $60
Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:
- Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
- Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
- Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
- New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
- Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
- Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
- New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
- Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26
- Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
- New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
- True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans 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 New Orleans Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or New Orleans?
New Orleans has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and New Orleans, 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 New Orleans?
New Orleans 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 New Orleans in the Summer?
Both New Orleans and Vientiane during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New Orleans for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Vientiane is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun.
New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than New Orleans. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)New Orleans 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or New Orleans in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and New Orleans. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to New Orleans in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In the autumn, Vientiane is a little warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vientiane usually receives more rain than New Orleans. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)New Orleans 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or New Orleans in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as New Orleans. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to New Orleans for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than New Orleans. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in New Orleans. Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than New Orleans. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)New Orleans 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or New Orleans in the Spring?
Both New Orleans and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the activities around the city.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in New Orleans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)New Orleans 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for New Orleans and Vientiane
| Vientiane | New Orleans | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 5 inches (126 mm) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (140 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 5.7 inches (146 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.