Which place is cheaper, Vientiane or Bali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bali or Vientiane?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Vientiane can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Bali or Vientiane?
Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.
Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.
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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos.
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Bali Prices
Indonesia PricesVientiane Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBali $85Vientiane $24
The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $85, while the average daily cost in Vientiane is $24. 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 Bali and Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBali $40Vientiane $8.45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBali $80Vientiane $17
Compare Hotels in Bali and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Bali 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: Bali Hotel Prices and Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bali $8.68Vientiane $2.01
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$2.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Denpasar HTL-APT(DPS) : $8.88
- Nusa Dua Departure transfer to Bali Airport International (DPS): $13
- Private Arrival Transfer: Denpasar International Airport to Nusa Dua Area: $15
- Denpasar Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $25
- Bali DPS Airport Private Transfer from-to Uluwatu & South Kuta: $31
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel: $32
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bali Airport: $32
- Ride Bali ATV Adventure Ticket And Transfer: $34
- Bali Nusa Dua Combo Parasailing And Snorkeling Include Transfer: $35
- Bali Parasailing Adventure with Including Hotel Transfer: $45
- Traditional Balinese Massage with Hotel Transfer: $50
- LuxMe Bali Four Hands massage with Hotel Transfer: $58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane and Bali 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 dayBali $34Vientiane $12
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.19
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Lunch for Two$13
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Bali Cafe for Two$26
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Lunch for Two$7.75
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Lunch for 2$8.59
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Dinner for 2$9.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset jimbaran Beach: $36
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $40
- South Bali Beach Tour, Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Fire Dance & Seafood Barbeque Dinner: $50
- Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
- Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $65
- Bali Street Food Tour: $65
- Sidemen Cooking Class: $77
- Pure Bali Village Experience, Cooking & Jamu Class+VIP Transfer: $89
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
- Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $95
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
- Cooking Class Garden House: $335
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bali $10Vientiane $3.80
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$52
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Snorkelling Trip$12
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Cooking School$27
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- Kecak and Fire Dance Ticket at Uluwatu Temple: $14
- Best of Ubud Full Day Private Guided Tour: $14
- Tickets for the Kecak Dance Performance at Melasti Beach: $15
- Tickets for the Kecak Dance Performance at Uluwatu Temple: $17
- Uluwatu Kecak Tickets A Spectacular Show: $17
- Besakih Mother Temple Tukad Cepung East Bali Private Guided Tour: $23
- Alas Harum Bali Cretya Tegalalang Rice Terrace Ubud Swing Ticket: $25
- Private Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance Evening Tour in Jimbaran Bay: $27
- Bali Quad Bike ATV Rides in Uluwatu Experiences: $28
- Gunung Kawi Rice Terrace Swing And Waterfall Private Guided Tour : $28
- Uluwatu Temple Entry and Kecak Fire Dance Ticket: $29
- Uluwatu & Kecak Dance Tour: $29
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30
- Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
- Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
- Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
- Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
- Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
- Vientiane Half Day City Tour: $80
- Vientiane : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $88
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBali $3.07Vientiane $2.12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Vientiane, we can see that Bali is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Bali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bali 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 Bali Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bali or Vientiane?
Bali has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Vientiane?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Bali or Vientiane in the Summer?
Both Vientiane and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Bali is April to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Vientiane. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBali 27°C (81°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Bali or Vientiane in the Autumn?
Both Vientiane and Bali during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round.
October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Vientiane. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bali. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun.
Bali is around the same temperature as Vientiane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Vientiane fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBali 27°C (81°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Bali or Vientiane in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Vientiane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali. In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. Bali usually receives less sunshine than Vientiane during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Bali is around the same temperature as Vientiane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bali in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Vientiane averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBali 26°C (79°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Bali or Vientiane in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bali as well as Vientiane. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. Bali usually gets less rain in April than Vientiane. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the spring, Bali often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vientiane. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 230 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. In April, Bali is generally cooler than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBali 27°C (81°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Bali
| Bali | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 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.