Which place is cheaper, Sydney 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 Sydney?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Sydney, 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 Sydney?
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.
Sydney
Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesSydney Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Sydney $207
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Sydney is $207. 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 Sydney in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Sydney $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Sydney $206
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Sydney
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Sydney? 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 Sydney Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Sydney $15
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:
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:
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Taxi Ride$13
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Taxi to Airport$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:
- Transfer Between Airport & Hotels or Cruise Terminal: $13
- Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD shared ride seat in vehicle shuttle transfer: $13
- Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport: Shared Transfer to Sydney CBD: $22
- Shuttle Transfer from Cruise Ship Terminal at Circular Quay to Sydney Airport: $24
- Sydney Arrival Transfer: Airport to City or Overseas Passenger Terminal: $25
- Shuttle Transfer from Sydney Airport to Cruise Ship Terminal at Circular Quay: $25
- Transfer from White Bay Cruise Terminal to Sydney Airport: $27
- Sydney Airport to White Bay Port transfer: $27
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Port to Sydney Airport: $36
- Sydney Airport Vip Transfer to city: $36
- SYD Airport to Sydney City Centre Private Transfer: $37
- Airport Shuttle Transfer to and from CBD Hotels: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Sydney?
Prices for flights to both Sydney 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 $12Sydney $77
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
Typical Food Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:
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Tea$2.62
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Lunch Special$9.81
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Food/Drink Coogie Beach$9.81
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Meat Pies$3.27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.
- Vivid Festival of Light Harbor Cruise with Dinner: $36
- City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
- Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $50
- Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $50
- Foraging Food Tour Sydney Native Aussie Food: $53
- Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $54
- Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
- Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
- Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $60
- Kids Cooking Classes: $64
- Tall Ship Harbour Twilight Dinner Cruise: $72
- Sydney Harbour: Latin Fiesta Dinner Cruise: $73
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Sydney $31
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney
Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Theatre Show$29
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Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)$30
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Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)$125
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Powerhouse Museum$9.85
Tours and Activities in Sydney
Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Haunted Sydney Self-Guided Audio Ghost Tour: $5.00
- Sydney Cockatoo Island Escape: Convict Adventure Game: $7.16
- Sydney Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.16
- Sydney Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.35
- Self Guided Electric Bike Tour of Sydney Beaches: $10
- Sydney Half Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private : $14
- Experience Sydney Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Tickets & Tours at Art Gallery of New South Wales: $17
- Aboriginal Art Exhibition Ticket, Art Gallery of NSW: $17
- Razor Gangs True Crime Tour: $17
- Allianz Stadium Guided Tour: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Sydney $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:
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Wine$10
Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:
- Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $32
- Private Wine Tasting at The Rocks: $46
- Sydney Cellar Door - Old Vine Expressions Wine Tasting: $47
- From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $89
- Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $104
- Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
- Shared Sydney City Walking Tour and Wine Tasting: $124
- From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $145
- From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $145
- From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $149
- Small Group Hunter Valley Wine Tour + Lunch, Gin & Choc ex Sydney: $151
- From All Inclusive Boutique Hunter Valley Wine Tour: $155
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Sydney, we can see that Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Sydney?
Sydney has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Sydney, 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 Sydney?
Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.
In July, Vientiane is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin January. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 30°C (85°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.
Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Sydneyin January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVientiane 30°C (85°F)Sydney 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Sydney in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Sydney. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Vientiane is much warmer than Sydney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Sydneyin April. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sydney. Vientiane usually gets less rain in October than Sydneyin April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVientiane 28°C (83°F)Sydney 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Sydney in the Winter?
Both Sydney and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Vientiane is much warmer than Sydney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vientiane in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Sydney averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Sydney. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Sydney during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Sydneyin July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVientiane 24°C (75°F)Sydney 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Sydney in the Spring?
Both Sydney and Vientiane during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Vientiane can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Sydneyin October. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 31°C (88°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sydneyin October. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sydneyin October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVientiane 31°C (88°F)Sydney 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Sydney and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Sydney | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 81 mm (3.2 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.