Which place is cheaper, Salzburg or Luang Prabang?
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 Luang Prabang or Salzburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Luang Prabang or Salzburg, 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: Luang Prabang or Salzburg?
Luang Prabang
Southeast Asia is a region full of mystical wonders and cultural charm, but nowhere is as charming as the city of Luang Prabang. As the former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang was reopened to tourism in 1989. With that move the city experienced an upswing in revenue and was able to restore and rebuild the beautiful colonial mansions to serve as guesthouses and hotels for the new swarm of tourists.
Salzburg
Most people know of Salzburg from its roll in the infamous movie "The Sound of Music." Every child who fell in love with this movie knows the gazebo scene in the rain, or could sing "My Favorite Things" as they skip down the Salzach River, but once you get past the obvious cliches, you can see that Salzburg is a city with a lot of depth and culture aside from the movie.
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 in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.
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Luang Prabang Prices
Laos PricesSalzburg Prices
Austria Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuang Prabang $18Salzburg $217
The average daily cost (per person) in Luang Prabang is $18, while the average daily cost in Salzburg is $217. 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 Luang Prabang and Salzburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuang Prabang $5.60Salzburg $107
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuang Prabang $11Salzburg $214
Compare Hotels in Luang Prabang and Salzburg
Looking for a hotel in Luang Prabang or Salzburg? 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: Luang Prabang Hotel Prices and Salzburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luang Prabang $2.07Salzburg $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luang Prabang
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Luang Prabang are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luang Prabang
Also for Luang Prabang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Luang Prabang Private Airport transfers: $9.00
- LPQ Airport: Private Transfer to/from Luang Prabang City: $20
- 2D Transfer to Huay Xai by Slow Boat: $60
- 2-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $165
- From 3-Day Oudomxay Town Trip with Transfers: $580
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:
- Hallstatt daytrip: Transfer to Hallstatt + Salzburg and back: $523
- Salzburg daytrip: Private transfer to Salzburg and back: $405
- Private Transfer From Salzburg To Innsbruck, English Speaking Driver : $287
- Private Transfer from Salzburg to Munich With 2h of Sightseeing: $275
- Private Transfer Salzburg → Munich, Hotel-to-Hotel, English-speaking driver: $275
- From Salzburg to Munich Airport- Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $275
- Private Salzburg transfer : $239
- Private Transfer From Salzburg To Kitzbuhel, English Speaking Driver : $201
- Private Transfer From Zell am See To Salzburg, English Speaking Driver: $201
- Salzburg Airport (SZG) to Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Arrival Transfer: $167
- Saalbach-Hinterglemm to Salzburg Airport (SZG)-Departure Transfer: $167
- Salzburg Train Station Arrival Transfer: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Luang Prabang or Salzburg?
Prices for flights to both Salzburg and Luang Prabang 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 dayLuang Prabang $9.25Salzburg $84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang
For Luang Prabang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Luang Prabang Local Market and Morning Food Tour with Drinks: $39
- Bamboo Weaving Workshop & Cooking Class: $44
- Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in: $44
- Luangprabang: Dinner with Lao Traditional Dance Performance: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Cooking Class at the Former Royal Palace: $45
- Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Laos: Prabang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $46
- Evening Bamboo weaving & Cooking classes join-in: $47
- Mekong Sunset Cruise & Lao Tasting Dinner: $49
- Evening Cooking Class & Local Baci Ceremony: $51
Typical Food Prices in Salzburg
Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:
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Lunch Salad$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.
- Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $69
- Salzburg Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Lesson: $69
- Apple Strudel & Prezel Cooking Class incl. Dinner & Music: $94
- Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $98
- Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concert with Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $98
- Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $102
- Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $129
- Sound of Music Tour with Edelweiss Cooking Class in Salzburg: $149
- Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $153
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luang Prabang $2.66Salzburg $35
Tours and Activities in Luang Prabang
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Luang Prabang.
- Shuttle Bus ticket to Kuang Si Waterfalls: $8.00
- Farm Tour and Buffalo Buffet Adventure: $9.00
- Audio-Guided City Tour in Electric Car: $14
- Laos Railway: Train Tickets Easily - Skip the Lines - No worries : $30
- Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong Village Half-Day Tour: $30
- Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour: $30
- UNESCO World Heritage City Highlights Tour: $35
- Unwind with a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River: $35
- Afternoon Kuang Si Waterfalls & Sunset Cruise: $35
- Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang: $35
- Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise: $41
- From Guided Mountain Bike Tour with Lunch: $42
Tours and Activities in Salzburg
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:
- 3-Night Salzburg Winter Package with City Highlights Tour: $263
- A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $12
- Amphibious Splash Tour on the water & on the land in Salzburg: $51
- Best of Salzburg 1-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour: $179
- Charming Sankt Gilgen Family Discovery Walking Tour: $178
- DomQuartier Salzburg Residence and Cathedral Private Tour: $249
- Eagle's Nest & WWII Bunkers & Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg: $298
- Eagle's Nest Hiking Tour: $238
- Eagle’s Nest E-Bike Tour in a Small Group: $226
- Explore Hitlers Mountain World War II Tour: $142
- From Munich: Salzburg Day Trip with Train Ticket: $226
- Full Day UNESCO Hallstatt, Austrian Lakes and Mountains Tour: $167
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuang Prabang $1.78Salzburg $31
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:
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Beer$4.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:
- Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $203
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luang Prabang and Salzburg, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. And not only is Luang Prabang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luang Prabang is in Asia and Salzburg 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 Luang Prabang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luang Prabang 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 Salzburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salzburg than you might in Luang Prabang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luang Prabang Expensive? and Is Salzburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luang Prabang or Salzburg?
Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Luang Prabang. When comparing the sizes of Luang Prabang and Salzburg, 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 Luang Prabang or Salzburg?
Salzburg has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luang Prabang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Salzburg in the Summer?
Both Salzburg and Luang Prabang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luang Prabang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.
In July, Luang Prabang is generally a little warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang usually gets more rain in July than Salzburg. Luang Prabang gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Salzburg 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Salzburg in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Luang Prabang and Salzburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luang Prabang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Luang Prabang is much warmer than Salzburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luang Prabang averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Luang Prabang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Luang Prabang gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuang Prabang 26°C (79°F)Salzburg 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Salzburg in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Luang Prabang as well as Salzburg. Luang Prabang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Salzburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Salzburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Luang Prabang is much warmer than Salzburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luang Prabang in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Salzburg averages at about -0°C (31°F).
Luang Prabang usually gets less rain in January than Salzburg. Luang Prabang gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuang Prabang 21°C (70°F)Salzburg -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Luang Prabang or Salzburg in the Spring?
Both Salzburg and Luang Prabang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luang Prabang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Salzburg for the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Luang Prabang is generally much warmer than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Luang Prabang average around 28°C (82°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite rainy in Luang Prabang. In April, Luang Prabang usually receives more rain than Salzburg. Luang Prabang gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuang Prabang 28°C (82°F)Salzburg 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Salzburg and Luang Prabang
| Luang Prabang | Salzburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 93 mm (3.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 64 mm (2.5 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.