Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Tokyo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $15Tokyo $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Tokyo $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Tokyo $17
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:
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- 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 Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $17
- Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Narita Int Airport(NRT): $33
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND) to Tokyo Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Cruise Port to Tokyo City Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo city hotels to Tokyo Cruise Port: $38
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Haneda Airport (HND): $44
- Tokyo to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) - Departure Private Transfer: $51
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tokyo - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Yokohama Port: $59
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tachikawa City - Arrival Private Transfer : $66
- Private Transfer from Nagasaki hotels to Nagasaki Cruise Port: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $6.32Tokyo $37
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 Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.22
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
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Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
- Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
- Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Tokyo $68
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
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.16
- Asakusa Walking Tour with an Experienced Japanese Comedian: $3.25
- Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.79
- Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.55
- 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.05
- Akihabara Walking Tour with Otaku and Photography: $6.31
- Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.32
- Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.32
- Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.32
- Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.32
- Asakusa（Tokyo）: Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
- Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Tokyo $33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $78
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $133
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Tokyo. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In the summer, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tokyo. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Tokyo. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Tokyo in the Autumn?
Both Tokyo 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Vientiane is much warmer than Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Tokyo in the Winter?
Both Tokyo 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Tokyo. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Tokyo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.