Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Osaka, 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Osaka $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Osaka $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Osaka? 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 Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Osaka $14
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:
- 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
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Osaka Itami Airport to/from Osaka City: Shared Transfer: $23
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City: $25
- Private Transfer by Sedan from Itama Airport ITM to Osaka City : $58
- Kuchu Teien Observatory Ticket with Private Transfer: $62
- Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka city hotels: $66
- Osaka Int Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Private Transfer from Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka Cruise Port: $66
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Kyoto City: $66
- Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $68
- Osaka to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
- TeamLab Botanical Garden Ticket and Private Transfer: $71
- Private Transfer from Osaka Port to Osaka Kansai Int Airport: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $6.32Osaka $25
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 Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Osaka $20
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Osaka Castle: Museum and Tower Entry Ticket: $3.79
- Table Tennis Experience with Local Players: $4.42
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.42
- Ryurei Teicha: Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony) Experience in Osaka: $5.05
- Osaka Sakishima Observatory Advance Ticket: $5.68
- Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount: $7.58
- Tsutenkaku Entry Ticket: $7.67
- Umeda Sky Building E-Ticket: $9.47
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory E-Ticket: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory Entry Ticket: $12
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum:Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Experience: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
- Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
Osaka 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 Osaka in the Summer?
Both Osaka 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, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
In July, Vientiane is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Osaka. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun.
Osaka 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 Osaka. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Osaka. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Vientiane is a little warmer than Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Osaka. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Osaka in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Osaka. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Osaka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Osaka. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka 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, most visitors come to Osaka for the activities around the city during these months.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Osaka. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.