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

Should you visit Vientiane or Zagreb?

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

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

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.

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

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 from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb or Vientiane?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Zagreb is $82. 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 Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $6.00
    Zagreb $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $12
    Zagreb $102
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb


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 Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.08
    Zagreb $9.69
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:

  • Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
  • 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
  • Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Bus transfer from/to Rijeka: $7.00
  • From Plitvice Lakes Round-Trip Comfort Bus Transfer: $16
  • Zagreb to Franjo Tudman Airport(ZAG) - Departure Private Transfer: $16
  • Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $20
  • Zagreb Airport: One-Way Private transfer To/From Airport: $20
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $32
  • Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb - Zagreb Airport: $40
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $43
  • Zagreb Airport(ZAG) to Moravske Toplice- Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from Zagreb Train or Bus Station to Zagreb City by car or van: $47
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zagreb Airport ZAG to Zagreb City by Business Car: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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 $6.30
    Zagreb $18

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

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

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $74
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Private Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Central Zagreb: $114
  • Zagreb Walking Food Tour - Sightseeing - Dolac market visit: $137
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $196
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $958

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.53
    Zagreb $13

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

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

  • Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
  • Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
  • From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $61
  • Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
  • Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
  • Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
  • Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
  • 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
  • Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum Ticket: $4.31
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.38
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $7.53
  • Zagreb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $9.69
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zagreb's Old Town: Walking In-App Audio Tour(ENG): $11
  • Small-Group Walking Highlights Tour: $16
  • Group walking tour of Zagreb (funicular included): $17
  • City Walking Tour with Funicular Ride & WW2 Tunnels: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.34
    Zagreb $9.49

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

Also in Zagreb, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
  • Private Zagreb Walking Tour and Wine Tasting From Zagreb: $103
  • Taste Zagreb Heritage Wine Tasting with Traditional Lunch: $179
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $199
  • Fairytale castle & delicious wine tasting and lunch: $202
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $208
  • Castles & Wine Tasting - Private Day Trip from Zagreb: $235


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


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

Zagreb 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 Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Zagreb. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Zagreb. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. Vientiane is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Vientiane during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Zagreb. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Vientiane

Vientiane Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)