Which place is cheaper, Washington or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Vientiane or Washington?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Washington, 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 Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
-
Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesWashington Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $23Washington $226
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $23, while the average daily cost in Washington is $226. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.15Washington $113
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $16Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Washington? 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 Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $1.93Washington $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$4.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
-
Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to/from IAD or DCA Airport: $40
- Private Arrival Transfer from Washington Reagan Airport DCA: $48
- Private Departure Transfer to Washington Reagan Airport DCA: $48
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Airport Transfer from Ronald Reagan Airport DCA - Washington DC: $75
- Washington to Washington Airport (DCA) Departure Private Transfer: $76
- Private Airport Transfer from Ronald Reagan DCA to Washington DC: $79
- Washington DC to Reagan National Airport (DCA) Private Transfer: $79
- Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
- Washington DC: One Way Airport Transfer Service: $80
- Transfer Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington City Center: $84
- Transfer Washington City Center to Dulles Airport (IAD): $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $12Washington $66
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
Typical Food Prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
-
Water$2.00
-
Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: City Cruises Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $59
- Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $71
- DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $73
- Donuts, Lights & History: DC’s Holiday Walking Food Tour: $75
- Washington D.C : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $93
- Washington D.C: Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
- Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
- Washington DC: Food Tour with 6+ Locals Favorites Bites: $99
- Washington, DC: Downtown DC Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC Christmas Eve Plated Dinner Cruise: $141
- City Cruises DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch/Dinner Cruise: $146
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.67Washington $23
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- 1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide: $200
- 1-Day Vientiane City Adventure: Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $110
- Explore Vientiane with Lao Art Museum Tour: $61
- From Plain of Jars Tour & Homestay: $1,650
- From Vang Vieng 2-Day Tour with Blue Lagoon: $443
- From Vang Vieng Tour with Cave Kayak & Zipline: $113
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $99
- Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour | Laos: $168
- Lao Art Museum Vientiane Admission & Cultural Experience: $10
- Lao Arts Museum & City Highlights Tour with Lunch: $122
- Lao Country Club Golf Experience in Vientiane: $80
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- Discover A Self-Guided Tour: $1.12
- National Mall Democracy Quest Experience in Washington DC: $4.83
- Capitol Hill Stroll Walking Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
- The Pentagon 9/11 Memorial: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington Self Guided Walking Tour Landmarks with Audio and Quiz: $7.98
- The Assassination of President Garfield: A Washington DC Tour: $7.99
- The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
- Georgetown's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $9.75
- Bureaucracy: Pillars of Policy in D.C Self-Guided Walking tour: $9.99
- Form Follows Function: An Audio Tour of D.C.'s Federal Buildings: $9.99
- Private Guided Tidal Basin Walking Tour in DC: $9.99
- National Mall Washington DC Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.04Washington $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Astounding Bar Crawl: Wildin' Out Washington DC: $15
- DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
- Washington, DC: History Tour Pub Crawl: $49
- DIY Candle Making Class at a Local Brewery in Washington D.C.: $55
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- All Inclusive DC Signature Brewery Tour: $120
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Washington?
Washington has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Washington, 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 Washington?
Washington 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 Washington in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Washington. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Vientiane is a little warmer than Washington in the summer. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Washington. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.
Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Washington. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or Washington in the Autumn?
Both Washington 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 hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
In the autumn, Vientiane is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vientiane in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Washington averages at about 60°F (15°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Washington during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Washington. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or Washington in the Winter?
Both Washington 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, many travelers come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Washington. In January, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 24°C (75°F), and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Washington. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Washington. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Vientiane or Washington in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Washington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Washington in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. Vientiane is much warmer than Washington in the spring. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Washington during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Washington. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.