A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vientiane vs. Oslo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vientiane or Oslo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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.

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo or Vientiane?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $23, while the average daily cost in Oslo is $161. 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 Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $8.12
    Oslo $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $16
    Oslo $158
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Oslo? 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.

Hotels in Vientiane


Hotels in Oslo


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 Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $1.93
    Oslo $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $3.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    $7.74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Private Transfer from Oslo hotels to Oslo Cruise Port: $71
  • Private Direct Transfer From Oslo to Drammen: $90
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Airport (OSL) to Oslo Cruise Port: $95
  • Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) to Oslo - Arrival Private Transfer: $137
  • Airport & City Transfers in Trondheim: $142
  • Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • Airport Transfer: Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $151
  • Oslo Private Airport/Hotel Transfer Service || English Speaking: $153
  • Private Transfer From Oslo To Drammen With a 2 Hour Stop: $154
  • Oslo Private Transfer from Oslo OSL Airport to City centre: $158
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Airport to Oslo City Centre: $177

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo 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 day
    Vientiane $12
    Oslo $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.

  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $70
  • Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
  • Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
  • Small-Group Street Food Tour with Tastings: $91
  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
  • Cooking Class Garden House: $335

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.

  • Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a sailing ship: $82
  • Oslo fjord 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $164
  • Oslo Guided Food Tour with 5 Food Tastings and a Secret Dish: $166
  • Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk: $192
  • Oslo Food Walking Tour with Fjord Cruise and Open Fire Cooking: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.66
    Oslo $16

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:

  • Laos’ Leaders and Legends: A Self-Guided tour of Vientiane: $7.99
  • The Avenue of a Million Elephants: A Vientiane Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $8.50
  • Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $12
  • Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
  • Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
  • Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
  • Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
  • Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
  • Explore Vientiane with Lao Art Museum Tour: $61
  • Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
  • Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $75

Tours and Activities in Oslo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Tours in Oslo with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.55
  • Downtown Self-Guided Highlights and History Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Oslo with Audio Guide: $5.93
  • Free Tour of Oslo in Spanish : Local History and Culture: $5.93
  • Oslo Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
  • Oslo Self Guided Tour of Sealed Books Saunas and a Chosen King: $6.99
  • Oslo Viking Quest: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.47
  • Oslo Walking Tour 3:00 am and 22 audio reviews: $7.57
  • Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • Classic A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Central Station to Akershus Castle: $9.99
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Oslo's Waterfront: $9.99
  • Oslo Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.04
    Oslo $9.76

Sample the Local Flavors in Oslo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oslo:

  • Pub Crawl in Oslo with Local Guide: $38


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Oslo, we can see that Oslo 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 Oslo is in Europe, 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo 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 Oslo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

Oslo 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 Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo 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, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

Vientiane is much warmer than Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Oslo. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Oslo. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Oslo. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Oslo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Oslo. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Oslo. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months.

It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Vientiane

Vientiane Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)