Which place is cheaper, Sendai 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 Sendai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Sendai, 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 Sendai?
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.
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesSendai Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Sendai $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $133. 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 Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Sendai $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Sendai $122
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Sendai? 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 Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Sendai $18
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:
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88
- Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $103
- Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai 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 $12Sendai $58
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 Sendai
For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $135
- Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner: $143
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Sendai $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 Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $24
- Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
- Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120
- Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $151
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Sendai $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Sendai, we can see that Sendai 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai 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 Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Sendai?
Sendai has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Sendai, 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 Sendai?
Sendai 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 Sendai in the Summer?
Both Sendai and Vientiane during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.
In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In the summer, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun.
Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Sendai. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Sendai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Sendai. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Sendai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Sendai. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Sendai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sendai can get quite cold in the winter. Vientiane is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the winter, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Sendai. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Sendai in the Spring?
Both Sendai and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Sendai. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.