Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Reykjavik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?
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.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Reykjavik $246
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $246. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.00Reykjavik $139
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Reykjavik $278
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Reykjavik? 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 Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Reykjavik $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.23
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Bláfjöll - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Skálafell to Reykjavik Airport (RKV) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Skálafell - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels: Economy Bus Transfer: $27
- Keflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $27
- Iceland: Airport Transfer Between Reykjavík Center and Keflavík : $28
- Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavík and Reykjavik Center: $28
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $29
- Keflavík Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $29
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
- Iceland Airport Transfer from Reykjavík Hotels to KEF Airport: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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 $6.30Reykjavik $30
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
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner (Fish Market)$178
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Exclusive dinner with a local family - Visit a Reykjavík home: $98
- Icelandic Food Tour: $124
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $128
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
- Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $145
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $209
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.53Reykjavik $72
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 Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Museum$11
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Wine and Spa$29
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.07
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
- Explore Reykjavik's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
- Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
- Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $18
- Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
- Was James Bond Icelandic? Ticket with One Hour Lecture: $23
- Private audio guide of the island for self-exploration tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.34Reykjavik $28
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
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Beer$8.79
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
- Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Reykjavik?
Vientiane has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?
Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik in the Summer?
Both Reykjavik 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 hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
Vientiane is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Reykjavik. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Reykjavik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Reykjavik in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Reykjavik. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°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 Reykjavik. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Reykjavik in the Spring?
Both Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.