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 Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Zagreb is $100. 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 $8.47
    Zagreb $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $17
    Zagreb $108
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 $2.01
    Zagreb $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $4.16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:

  • Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
  • Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Bus transfer from/to Rijeka: $7.72
  • From Plitvice Lakes Round-Trip Comfort Bus Transfer: $17
  • Direct bus Transfer from/to Split: $25
  • Zagreb to Zagreb Airport (ZAG) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb - Zagreb Airport: $42
  • Private Transfer from Zagreb City to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $47
  • Zagreb Airport: One-Way Private transfer To/From Airport: $53
  • Zagreb Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer from Zagreb Airport to Zagreb city center or hotels: $63
  • Zagreb Airport Transfers : Zagreb Airport ZAG to Zagreb City in Business Car: $65
  • Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $68
  • CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer from Zagreb Airport ZAG /Zagreb City: $69

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 $12
    Zagreb $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane

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

  • Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $95
  • Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $110

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: $101
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $102
  • Zagreb Food Tour: Bite into Traditional Dishes and Flavors: $136
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour: $149
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $193
  • Zagreb Hike & Taste - Nature Park. Medieval castle. Local Dinner: $203

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.81
    Zagreb $13

Tours and Activities in Vientiane

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

  • Laos’ Leaders and Legends: A Self-Guided tour of Vientiane: $7.99
  • Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
  • From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $50
  • Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
  • Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
  • Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
  • Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
  • Vientiane Cuisine and Culture The Hungry Tuk Tuk Private Tour: $80
  • Vientiane : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $85
  • Vientiane Private Full-Day Tour with Buddha Park and Lunch : $85
  • Vientiane Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $86
  • Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $89

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

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

  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum Ticket: $6.78
  • Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $7.91
  • Zagreb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Experience Museum of Hangovers in Zagreb: $13
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
  • VR 3D Immersive Film Experience - Voucher: $14
  • Zagreb Time Travel – Discover Zagreb with a fun interactive tablet city tour!: $17
  • Small Group Walking Tour City Center and WW2 Tunnels: $23
  • Explore A Guided Walking Tour of the City Centre: $23
  • Group walking tour of Zagreb (funicular included): $23
  • Guided City Tour with WWII Tunnels: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.12
    Zagreb $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

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

  • Pub Crawl, 1-Hour of Unlimited Drinks, & Club Entry: $31
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $34
  • Taste Zagreb Heritage Wine Tasting with Traditional Lunch: $102
  • Private Zagreb Walking Tour and Wine Tasting From Zagreb: $108
  • Hrastje Plešivičko Wine Tasting Day Trip: $158
  • From Samobor Highlights & Wine Tasting in Plešivica: $186
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $208
  • Fairytale Castle & Wine Tasting & Lunch: $223
  • Castle & Wine Tasting - Private Day Trip from Zagreb: $252


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)