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Cost of Living in Vientiane

Vientiane, Viangchan, Laos · Population 948,487 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Laos average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₭10,848,368 ($505)
Couple, monthly₭19,466,655 ($905)
Family of four, monthly₭25,379,841 ($1,180)

Estimated Prices in Vientiane

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₭109,005 ($5.07)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₭436,020 ($20.28)per meal
Cappuccino₭32,702 ($1.52)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₭2,470,780 ($115)per month
Monthly public transport pass₭399,685 ($18.59)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₭1,053,715 ($49.01)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₭305,214 ($14.20)per month
Fitness club membership₭305,214 ($14.20)per month
Cinema ticket₭79,937 ($3.72)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₭5,148,216 ($239)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₭3,581,368 ($167)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₭10,744,103 ($500)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Vientiane is ₭7,267,000 ($338) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₭10,848,368 ($505) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₭14,102,878 ($656) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₭3,581,368 ($167)) represents about 33% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Vientiane

Vientiane vs SavannakhetVientiane vs PakxéVientiane vs SalavanVientiane vs XaiVientiane vs XaignabouliVientiane vs Thakhèk

Nearby Cities

Phôn-Hông

62 km away · Viangchan

Vangviang

107 km away · Viangchan

Anouvông

113 km away · Xaisômboun

Pakxan

118 km away · Bolikhamxai

Xiangkhoang

169 km away · Xiangkhouang

Xaignabouli

172 km away · Xaignabouli

Phônsavan

174 km away · Xiangkhouang

Louangphabang

219 km away · Louangphabang

Other Major Cities in Laos

Savannakhet

Savannakhét · pop. 124,000

₭8,170,000 ($380) / mo

Pakxé

Champasak · pop. 119,848

₭8,170,000 ($380) / mo

Salavan

Salavan · pop. 100,900

₭8,170,000 ($380) / mo

Xai

Oudômxai · pop. 79,500

₭8,170,000 ($380) / mo

Xaignabouli

Xaignabouli · pop. 75,700

₭8,170,000 ($380) / mo

Thakhèk

Khammouan · pop. 70,000

₭8,170,000 ($380) / mo

Champasak

Champasak · pop. 62,728

₭8,170,000 ($380) / mo

Xam Nua

Houaphan · pop. 56,900

₭8,170,000 ($380) / mo

Living in Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital and one of the key cities in Laos. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₭10,848,368 ($505), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₭3,581,368 ($167) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₭25,379,841 ($1,180) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₭19,466,655 ($905) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Vientiane is ₭7,267,000 ($338). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₭14,102,878 ($656) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vientiane expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₭10,848,368 ($505) per month in Vientiane including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Laos.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Vientiane?
A net salary of around ₭14,102,878 ($656) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Vientiane with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Vientiane is ₭7,267,000 ($338).
How much is rent in Vientiane?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₭5,148,216 ($239) per month in the city centre and ₭3,581,368 ($167) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₭10,744,103 ($500).
Is Vientiane cheaper than Laos on average?
No — Vientiane is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Laos average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Vientiane?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₭2,470,780 ($115) in Vientiane. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₭109,005 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around ₭32,702 ($2).
How do transport costs in Vientiane compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Vientiane is estimated at ₭399,685 ($19). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Vientiane are estimates based on Laos national averages adjusted for city size (population 948,487) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.