Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vientiane or San Diego?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or San Diego, 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 San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.00San Diego $115
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or San Diego? 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 San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08San Diego $24
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
- 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 San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
- Private Departure Transfer to San Diego Airport SAN: $50
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer from San Diego Airport SAN: $56
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
- San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
- Private Transfer from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Port : $74
- Private Transfer from San Diego Port to San Diego city hotels: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 $6.30San Diego $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
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
-
Mexican Lunch for Two$27
-
Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.53San Diego $48
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 San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
San Diego Zoo$15
-
Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA: $4.49
- Waterfront Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.31
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Historical Walking Tour of San Diego: $10
- Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour: $12
- San Diego Natural History Museum Ticket: $12
- Haunted Historic Whaley House - Self-Guided Tour: $14
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Private Walking Tour and Gaslamp Adventure in San Diego: $20
- Explore Balboa in a Private Tour of San Diego Hidden Gems: $20
- San Diego's Historic Treasures and Old Town Tour: $20
- San Diego Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.34San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or San Diego?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
San Diego 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 San Diego in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as San Diego. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.
Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego 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, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vientiane usually receives more rain than San Diego. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or San Diego in the Winter?
Both San Diego 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Vientiane is much warmer than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than San Diego. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Vientiane usually receives more rain than San Diego. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Vientiane
| Vientiane | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 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.