Which place is cheaper, Sapporo 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 Sapporo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?
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.
Sapporo
Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesSapporo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Sapporo $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $132. 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 Sapporo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Sapporo $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Sapporo $130
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Sapporo
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Sapporo? 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 and Sapporo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Sapporo $16
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 Sapporo
Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93
- Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $113
- Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
- Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
- Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $237
- Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $274
- New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Sapporo?
Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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 $12Sapporo $54
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 Sapporo
For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
- Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $97
- Hands-on Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Noriko: $108
- Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Sapporo $17
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: $354
- 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 Sapporo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.
- JR Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $4.33
- Historical Village of Hokkaido Entry Ticket: $6.76
- Sapporo TV Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
- JR Tower Observation Deck T38 Ticket in Hokkaido: $9.00
- Sapporo Highlights: Golden Route Morning Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Sapporo Highlights: Golden Route Morning Walking Tour: $31
- Hokkaido Shrine Tour with Rituals, History & Sweets: $43
- Beer Museum Tour with Tasting of Local Brews: $49
- Tour of the Historic Red Brick Government Office: $50
- Sapporo Afternoon Walking Tour 2h 30mins: $55
- Sapporo Walking Tour: $61
- Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Sapporo $8.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:
- Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $174
- 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Sapporo?
Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?
Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Sapporo. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Sapporo. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun.
Vientiane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Sapporo. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Sapporo 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Sapporo in the Autumn?
Both Sapporo 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, many visitors come to Sapporo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Vientiane is much warmer than Sapporo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Sapporo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Sapporo in the Winter?
Both Sapporo 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, most visitors come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Sapporo can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Sapporo averages at about -5°C (24°F).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun.
Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Sapporo. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Sapporo -5°C (24°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Sapporo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the activities around the city.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Sapporo 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Sapporo and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Sapporo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.