A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vientiane vs. Vienna for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vientiane or Vienna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Vienna, 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 Vienna?

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.

Vienna

Vienna is the largest city and capital of Austria. It has a population of over 1.7 million and is a cultural, political and economic center for the country. The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and some complain that it feels more like a museum than a real city. Outside of the historical center though, is a young and vibrant city with a huge music scene, many street performers, and eclectic and fun restaurants and nightclubs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Vienna or Vientiane?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Vienna is $206. 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 Vienna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vientiane $8.45
    Vienna $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vientiane $17
    Vienna $220
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Vienna

Looking for a hotel in Vientiane or Vienna? 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.

Hotels in Vientiane


Hotels in Vienna


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 Vienna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vientiane $2.01
    Vienna $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:


  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vienna

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Vienna:


  • Bus to Airport
    $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vienna

Also for Vienna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bratislava - Vienna Airport: Direct & Reliable Bus Transfer: $10
  • Bratislava Bus Transfer to and from Vienna Airport: $22
  • Vienna VIE Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $27
  • Transfer from Vienna Airport (VIE) to Vienna City Center: $48
  • Transfer from Vienna airport to Bratislava: $57
  • Vienna Airport (VIE) Private Transfer to Vienna City/Hotels: $62
  • Departure Private Transfer Vienna to Vienna Airport VIE by Sedan: $65
  • Arrival Private Transfer Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Sedan: $65
  • Private Transfer from Vienna Airport to Vienna City Hotel: $71
  • Vienna Airport Transfers From Vienna City With Private Driver: $71
  • Private transfer from Vienna to the airport : $72
  • Schwechat Airport Private Transfer to Vienna City: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Vienna?

Prices for flights to both Vienna 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vientiane $12
    Vienna $68

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 Vienna

For Vienna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Skip the Line: Austrian Dinner Show Ticket in Vienna: $102
  • Burlesque Spectacular Dinner Show: $119
  • Strauss Dinner Show: $119
  • Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $126
  • Schnitzel and Strudel: Shared Cooking Class : $144
  • Nuit des Lumières - The Candlelight Dinner Concert in Vienna: $155
  • Authentic Vienna Food Tour inc. lunch, street food, 3 drinks: $171
  • Exclusive Evening at Schönbrunn Palace: After-Hours Audiotour, Dinner, Concert: $171
  • Nabiel's Vienna Cooking Class: $180
  • Classic Food Tour of Vienna: $180
  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $188

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vientiane $3.80
    Vienna $45

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 Vienna

For Vienna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Vienna's Hidden Gems: A Self-Guided Imperial Adventure: $3.59
  • Self Guided Tours Vienna With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.59
  • Vienna Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.80
  • Entrance tickets for the KunstHausWien. Museum Hundertwasser: $4.81
  • Vienna Self Guided Walking Tour, Royal traditions & Cafe Culture: $5.78
  • Krems an der Donau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Vienna Prater Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Vienna (City Center) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Vienna: $7.20
  • Vienna Interactive City Tour: $8.42
  • Vienna Food Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Vienna Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vientiane $2.12
    Vienna $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna

Also in Vienna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $14
  • Friday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Vienna, Austria: $28
  • Saturday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Vienna, Austria: $28
  • Local Pub Crawl Vienna: $30
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace with optional Palace Ticket: $54
  • Small-group Vienna Wine Tour: $143
  • Austrian Wine Tasting: $144
  • Countryside Half Day Wine Tour near Vienna: $144
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $162
  • Wachau Valley Wine Tasting Bike Tour from Vienna: $162
  • In Vienna Veritas - An Exclusive historical Wine tasting tour: $167
  • Austrian Private Wine Tasting Evening: $180


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Vienna, we can see that Vienna 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 Vienna 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 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 Vienna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vienna 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 Vienna Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane and Vienna, 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 Vienna?

Vienna 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 Vienna in the Summer?

Both Vienna 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. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Vienna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Vienna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Vientiane often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually gets more rain in July than Vienna. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vientiane 30°C (85°F) 
    Vienna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Vienna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Vienna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, many travelers come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during autumn. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Vienna. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vientiane 28°C (83°F) 
    Vienna 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Vienna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Vienna. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vienna can get quite cold in the winter. Vientiane is much warmer than Vienna in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°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 Vienna. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun.

Vientiane usually gets less rain in January than Vienna. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vientiane 24°C (75°F) 
    Vienna 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Vientiane or Vienna in the Spring?

Both Vienna 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 Vienna for the natural beauty during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Vienna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Vienna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Vienna during spring. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Vienna. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vientiane 31°C (88°F) 
    Vienna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Vienna and Vientiane

Vientiane Vienna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 255 mm (10 in) 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 273 mm (10.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 295 mm (11.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)