Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Vilnius?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vilnius or Vientiane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Vientiane. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Vilnius or Vientiane?
Vilnius
Vilnius is the capital and largest city in the country of Lithuania. It has a population of more than 500,000 residents and is located in the valley between the Neris River and the Vilnia River in the southeastern part of the country. Visitors come to the city for its beautiful Old Town, impressive architecture, and fascinating culture. In 2009 it was named the European Capital of Culture along with the city of Linz, in Austria.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVilnius €94Vientiane €14
The average daily cost (per person) in Vilnius is €94, while the average daily cost in Vientiane is €14. 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 Vilnius and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVilnius €42Vientiane €5.57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVilnius €84Vientiane €11
Compare Hotels in Vilnius and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Vilnius or Vientiane? 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: Vilnius Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vilnius €8.30Vientiane €1.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vilnius
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:
- Airport Bus Transfer to/from Central Bus Station: $3.23
- Riga: Bus Transfer to/from Vilnius: $20
- Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Riga: $24
- Private Vilnius Airport Arrival Transfer: $27
- Vilnius Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Warsaw: $36
- Arrival Transfer from Vilnius VNO Airport to Vilnius by Minivan: $46
- Vilnius Airport Transfer: $52
- Vilnius Airport (VNO): Bus Transfer to/from Gdansk: $52
- Vilnius Private 1-Way Airport Transfer: $54
- Jewish Heritage Sites Private Tour with Transfer: $215
- Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfer: $215
- Transfer from Kaunas Airport to Vilnius: $215
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride€3.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Vilnius or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Vilnius 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 dayVilnius €40Vientiane €5.85
Typical Food Prices in Vilnius
Some typical examples of dining costs in Vilnius are as follows:
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Dinner for Two€13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vilnius
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vilnius.
- Private National Dinner with Folk Show: $60
- Dinner in local family: $74
- Flavors of Vilnius - Private Walking Food Tour: $191
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vilnius €9.72Vientiane €3.28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Vilnius
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Vilnius are as follows:
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Walking Tour€5.79
Tours and Activities in Vilnius
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vilnius are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.46
- Vilnius Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
- Secrets of Old Vilnius Smartphone App GPS Audio Walking Tour: $7.50
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Skip the Line: Europos Parkas, Open-Air Museum Ticket Vilnius, Lithuania: $12
- Vibrant Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
- Regular walking tour of Jewish Vilnius: $19
- Regular walking tour of Soviet Vilnius: $19
- Private Europos Parkas Tour with Entrance Ticket: $19
- Regular walking tour of Jewish Vilnius: $19
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVilnius €6.38Vientiane €2.17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Vilnius
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Vilnius from other travelers:
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Beer€4.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Vilnius
Also in Vilnius, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Beer degustation at Bear & Boar Brewery Taproom: $43
- Vilnius Private Pub & Bar Crawl Tour & Hidden Gems: $46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vilnius and Vientiane, we can see that Vilnius is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vilnius is in Europe and Vientiane is in Asia, 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 Vilnius would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vilnius 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 Vilnius Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Vientiane?
Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius and Vientiane, 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 Vilnius or Vientiane?
Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Vientiane in the Summer?
Both Vientiane and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Vilnius is generally much colder than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vilnius. Vilnius usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. In July, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVilnius 18°C (65°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Vilnius or Vientiane in the Autumn?
Both Vientiane and Vilnius during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
Vilnius is much colder than Vientiane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Vientiane fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Vientiane. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun.
Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Vientiane. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVilnius 8°C (46°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Vilnius or Vientiane in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Vientiane. The winter months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Vilnius can be very cold. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Vientiane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Vientiane averages at about 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Vientiane during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVilnius -5°C (23°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Vilnius or Vientiane in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Vientiane. The natural beauty are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. In April, Vilnius is generally much colder than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. In the spring, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Vientiane. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 230 hours of full sun.
Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Vientiane. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVilnius 7°C (45°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Vilnius
| Vilnius | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (26°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (33°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.