Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Vientiane?
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 Vientiane or Gold Coast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?
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.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesGold Coast Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Gold Coast $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $119. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Gold Coast $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Gold Coast? 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Gold Coast $23
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 - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gold Coast Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $21
- Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport: Shared Transfer Sydney CBD: $22
- OOL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $42
- Private Transfer Gold Coast Airport OOL to City Centre/Brisbane: $48
- Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $50
- Mt Tamborine Shuttle Service - Gold Coast Return Transfer: $66
- Chill Out at Byron Bay Bus Transfer: $72
- Gold Coast to Byron Bay scenic One Way Transfer: $81
- Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $108
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Business Car: $113
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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
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Food Meals for one dayVientiane $12Gold Coast $47
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast
For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Brisbane/Sunset, Dinner, Stars/Premium Telescope: $79
- Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $79
- Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $87
- Gold Coast Private Sunset Sailing Charter w/ dinner & drinks: $310
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Gold Coast $19
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane Cultural Tour with Private Guide: $110
- 1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide: $200
- 1-Day Vientiane City Adventure: Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $110
- From Plain of Jars Tour & Homestay: $1,650
- From Vang Vieng 2-Day Tour with Blue Lagoon: $443
- From Vang Vieng Tour with Cave Kayak & Zipline: $113
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $99
- Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $90
- Lao Arts Museum & City Highlights Tour with Lunch: $122
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30
Tours and Activities in Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- Spring Brook National Park Self Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Spring Brook National Park Driving Tour with an APP: $15
- Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Midday River and Canal Cruise: $15
- Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Morning River and Canal Cruise: $21
- Surfers Paradise Sightseeing City Lights Cruise: $21
- SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket: $22
- SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket: $23
- Surfers Paradise: Cruise, HOTA Gallery Entry, & Dining Pass: $26
- Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise: $29
- Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Cruise: $30
- Surfers Paradise: IceBar Entry Ticket and Drink: $32
- Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Gold Coast $5.23
Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
- Granddad Jack's Distillery Gin Tasting & Talk: $43
- Queensland Distillery Tour: $76
- Craft Distillery and Brewery Tour on Gold Coast: $77
- Sirromet Wine Tasting and Blending Workshop for 2: $84
- Wine, Distillery & Rainforest Day Tour: $151
- Private Bespoke Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $161
- Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $165
- Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $167
- Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery: $198
- Gold Coast and Craft Brewery VIP Tour from Brisbane: $959
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast is in Pacific, 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 Gold Coast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Gold Coast?
Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?
Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Gold Coast. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin January. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin January. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Gold Coastin January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVientiane 30°C (85°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
Both Gold Coast and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Vientiane is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVientiane 28°C (83°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Gold Coast in the Winter?
Both Gold Coast and Vientiane during the winter 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.
In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.
In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Gold Coastin July. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Gold Coastin July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVientiane 24°C (75°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Gold Coast in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Gold Coastin October. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVientiane 31°C (88°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.