Laos or officially known as the “Lao People’s Democratic Republic” is one of the most beautiful countries in South Asia. Laos is the only land-locked country in Southeast Asia and is popularly known as the “Land of a Million Elephants”.

The country is famous for its natural beauty and scenery and traditional villages. The country is currently considered one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.

If you are considering moving to Laos, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of the world.

Quick Laos Facts:

Population: 7.529 million (2022 est)
Official Language:Lao or Laotian is the official language of Laos. Laotian is one of the Tai languages spoken in Southeast Asian countries. There are around 80 languages spoken in Laos including Teochew, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
GDP Per Capita:$2,054.43 USD
Parks: Laos has over 40 national parks covering 14% of the country.
Currency: Lao Kip (KIP-₭ or ₭N or LAK). As of 2024, £1 = ₭28,893.89, $1 USD = ₭22,083.80, $1 CAD = ₭16,138.73, $1 AUD = ₭14,840.42

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Laos

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from a variety of cities around the world, and shipping it to the five largest locations in Laos:

Origin City	Destination	20FT	40FT
Beijing	Vientiane	$3,200 - $3,300	$5,700 - $5,900
	Savannakhet	$3,250 - $3,350	$5,800 - $6,000
	Pakse	$3,230 - $3,330	$5,750 - $5,950
	Thakhek	$3,270 - $3,370	$5,800 - $6,000
	Luang Prabang	$3,220 - $3,320	$5,750 - $5,950
Berlin	Vientiane	$3,700 - $3,800	$6,400 - $6,600
	Savannakhet	$3,750 - $3,850	$6,500 - $6,700
	Pakse	$3,730 - $3,830	$6,450 - $6,650
	Thakhek	$3,770 - $3,870	$6,500 - $6,700
	Luang Prabang	$3,720 - $3,820	$6,450 - $6,650
Chicago	Vientiane	$4,000 - $4,100	$6,900 - $7,100
	Savannakhet	$4,050 - $4,150	$7,000 - $7,200
	Pakse	$4,030 - $4,130	$6,950 - $7,150
	Thakhek	$4,070 - $4,170	$7,000 - $7,200
	Luang Prabang	$4,020 - $4,120	$6,950 - $7,150
Chongqing	Vientiane	$3,300 - $3,400	$5,800 - $6,000
	Savannakhet	$3,350 - $3,450	$5,900 - $6,100
	Pakse	$3,330 - $3,430	$5,850 - $6,050
	Thakhek	$3,370 - $3,470	$5,900 - $6,100
	Luang Prabang	$3,320 - $3,420	$5,850 - $6,050
Delhi	Vientiane	$3,600 - $3,700	$6,400 - $6,600
	Savannakhet	$3,650 - $3,750	$6,500 - $6,700
	Pakse	$3,630 - $3,730	$6,450 - $6,650
	Thakhek	$3,670 - $3,770	$6,500 - $6,700
	Luang Prabang	$3,620 - $3,720	$6,450 - $6,650
Dubai	Vientiane	$3,100 - $3,200	$5,500 - $5,700
	Savannakhet	$3,150 - $3,250	$5,600 - $5,800
	Pakse	$3,130 - $3,230	$5,550 - $5,750
	Thakhek	$3,170 - $3,270	$5,600 - $5,800
	Luang Prabang	$3,120 - $3,220	$5,550 - $5,750
Houston	Vientiane	$4,100 - $4,200	$7,000 - $7,200
	Savannakhet	$4,150 - $4,250	$7,100 - $7,300
	Pakse	$4,130 - $4,230	$7,050 - $7,250
	Thakhek	$4,170 - $4,270	$7,100 - $7,300
	Luang Prabang	$4,120 - $4,220	$7,050 - $7,250
Los Angeles	Vientiane	$4,050 - $4,150	$7,000 - $7,200
	Savannakhet	$4,100 - $4,200	$7,100 - $7,300
	Pakse	$4,080 - $4,180	$7,050 - $7,250
	Thakhek	$4,120 - $4,220	$7,100 - $7,300
	Luang Prabang	$4,070 - $4,170	$7,050 - $7,250
Madrid	Vientiane	$3,700 - $3,800	$6,400 - $6,600
	Savannakhet	$3,750 - $3,850	$6,500 - $6,700
	Pakse	$3,730 - $3,830	$6,450 - $6,650
	Thakhek	$3,770 - $3,870	$6,500 - $6,700
	Luang Prabang	$3,720 - $3,820	$6,450 - $6,650
New York City	Vientiane	$4,000 - $4,100	$6,900 - $7,100
	Savannakhet	$4,050 - $4,150	$7,000 - $7,200
	Pakse	$4,030 - $4,130	$6,950 - $7,150
	Thakhek	$4,070 - $4,170	$7,000 - $7,200
	Luang Prabang	$4,020 - $4,120	$6,950 - $7,150
Paris	Vientiane	$3,750 - $3,850	$6,500 - $6,700
	Savannakhet	$3,800 - $3,900	$6,600 - $6,800
	Pakse	$3,780 - $3,880	$6,550 - $6,750
	Thakhek	$3,820 - $3,920	$6,600 - $6,800
	Luang Prabang	$3,770 - $3,870	$6,550 - $6,750
Phoenix	Vientiane	$4,050 - $4,150	$7,000 - $7,200
	Savannakhet	$4,100 - $4,200	$7,100 - $7,300
	Pakse	$4,080 - $4,180	$7,050 - $7,250
	Thakhek	$4,120 - $4,220	$7,100 - $7,300
	Luang Prabang	$4,070 - $4,170	$7,050 - $7,250
Rome	Vientiane	$3,700 - $3,800	$6,400 - $6,600
	Savannakhet	$3,750 - $3,850	$6,500 - $6,700
	Pakse	$3,730 - $3,830	$6,450 - $6,650
	Thakhek	$3,770 - $3,870	$6,500 - $6,700
	Luang Prabang	$3,720 - $3,820	$6,450 - $6,650
Shanghai	Vientiane	$3,300 - $3,400	$5,800 - $6,000
	Savannakhet	$3,350 - $3,450	$5,900 - $6,100
	Pakse	$3,330 - $3,430	$5,850 - $6,050
	Thakhek	$3,370 - $3,470	$5,900 - $6,100
	Luang Prabang	$3,320 - $3,420	$5,850 - $6,050
Sydney	Vientiane	$3,750 - $3,850	$6,500 - $6,700
	Savannakhet	$3,800 - $3,900	$6,600 - $6,800
	Pakse	$3,780 - $3,880	$6,550 - $6,750
	Thakhek	$3,820 - $3,920	$6,600 - $6,800
	Luang Prabang	$3,770 - $3,870	$6,550 - $6,750
Toronto	Vientiane	$4,000 - $4,100	$6,900 - $7,100
	Savannakhet	$4,050 - $4,150	$7,000 - $7,200
	Pakse	$4,030 - $4,130	$6,950 - $7,150
	Thakhek	$4,070 - $4,170	$7,000 - $7,200
	Luang Prabang	$4,020 - $4,120	$6,950 - $7,150
Vancouver	Vientiane	$4,050 - $4,150	$7,000 - $7,200
	Savannakhet	$4,100 - $4,200	$7,100 - $7,300
	Pakse	$4,080 - $4,180	$7,050 - $7,250
	Thakhek	$4,120 - $4,220	$7,100 - $7,300
	Luang Prabang	$4,070 - $4,170	$7,050 - $7,250
Vienna	Vientiane	$3,700 - $3,800	$6,400 - $6,600
	Savannakhet	$3,750 - $3,850	$6,500 - $6,700
	Pakse	$3,730 - $3,830	$6,450 - $6,650
	Thakhek	$3,770 - $3,870	$6,500 - $6,700
	Luang Prabang	$3,720 - $3,820	$6,450 - $6,650

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (October 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, Flexport, or Maersk;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. Laos Housing Costs

Housing costs in Laos are cheaper than most developed countries. Apartments and houses are affordable and well built. Foreigners are not allowed by buy land or property which is why most expats rent apartments and houses.

Monthly rental prices in Laos

1 bedroom apartment in City Centre: K7,524,234.80
1 bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: K3,313,355.89
3-bedroom apartment in City Centre: K15,048,469.60
3-bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: K8,360,260.89
Price per square metre to buy in City Centre: K24,850,169.14
Price per square metre to buy outside City:K8,283,389.71

Laos Housing Cost Comparison

This is how rents in Laos compare with other countries around the globe.

United Kingdom is 72.73% more expensive
United States is 85.34% more expensive
Australia is 65.25% more expensive
Singapore is 74.47% more expensive
France is 60.42% more expensive
UAE is 62.54% more expensive
Spain is 42.53% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs

Share an apartment or house. Sharing an apartment or house is the best option to save on housing costs. Try to get a room or flatmate through Erasmusu, Laos Room Mates, Coliving in Laos, FlatMate, and Lucky Backpackers.
Different areas – different prices. Like all countries housing prices differ from city to city and between different regions of Laos. Some of the most affordable and best places for expats in Laos are Chanthabury, Xaysetha, Sisattanak, and Saysetta. Have a look at the following sites for information on different areas in Laos: Living Cost, Filipino Wealth and Nomadlist.

3. Laos Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Restaurants in cities in Laos offer continental dishes and also traditional foods. Street food is very popular with locals and foreigners alike. Groceries in supermarkets in cities usually cost more than rural areas but the selection of foods on offer is greater.

Inexpensive Restaurant: K28,424.89 – K63,602.61
Domestic beer: K16,720.52 – K25,080.78
Coke/Pepsi: K10,627.45 – K25,080.78
1L of milk: K25,080.78 – K57,983.73
Loaf of Bread: K13,319.96 – K36,862.44
12 Eggs: K20,064.63 – K60,193.88
1kg Chicken Fillets: K41,801.30 – K91,117.29
1kg Beef: K132,534.24 – K250,807.83
1kg Apples: K74,550.51 – K83,602.61
1kg White Rice: K16,720.52 – K33,441.04

Source: Numbeo

This is how food prices and restaurants compare with major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 69.18% more expensive and groceries are 7.82% cheaper than Laos.
New York restaurants are 77.60% more expensive and groceries are 44.97% more expensive than Laos.
Los Angeles restaurants are 74.33% more expensive and groceries are 26.10% more expensive than Laos.
Toronto restaurants are 69.95% cheaper and groceries are 16.11% more expensive than Laos.
Sydney restaurants are 65,76% more expensive and groceries are 18.30% more expensive than Laos.
Paris restaurants are 65.36% more expensive and groceries are 15.84% more expensive than Laos.
Dubai restaurants are 60.02% more expensive and groceries are 24.89% cheaper than Laos.

Source: NUMBEO

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Restaurants, Food, and Groceries

Know your supermarkets: Laos has a good selection of supermarkets. Have a look at Supermarket in Laos for an excellent overview of all on offer. Local markets are also great to visit and this is where you’ll get excellent fresh produce at good prices. Try Talat Sao Morning Market, Vientiane Night Market, and Luang Prabang for the full Laos market experience.
Find Cheap Eats:Restaurants often put up notices advertising special prices on certain days or they advertise in local papers or online. Ask some locals for advice on the best places to ear. Go for cheap eats at places like Ban Vilaylac, Luang Prabang Night Market, and Wat Sene. Have a look at the following websites for inspiration on where to eat cheaply in Laos: Trip Advisor, Rough Guides and Travel Fish.

4. Laos Alcohol Costs

Drinking is a popular pastime in Laos. The relaxed, outdoor lifestyle lends itself to sitting, having a cocktail and watching the world go by.

Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: K16,720 – K25,080
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub:K33,299 – K66,882
Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: K14,429 – K20,064
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket:K27,749 – K50,161
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: K100,323 – K414,169

Source: Numbeo

How to drink for less in Laos

Specific shops and retailers as well as supermarkets, bars, clubs and restaurants often have specials on alcohol. Keep an eye on the local papers and flyers for announcements.
Almost all bars, pubs, and restaurants have happy hours. They also offer drinks at a discount during a specific time of the day, especially after work hours. Search for cheaper drinks in Night Life, Plastic Drinks in Laos, Mini Marts, Trip Advisor and 5/6PM RoofTop Bars.

5. Laos Transportation Fares

Laos’ has a reasonable highway system but the local and rural roads are not well maintained and best avoided. Buses and trucks are popular ways of travelling within the country. If you want to go from one side of the country to the other, taking a local fly is definitely the best option. Tuk Tuks and motorbikes are used as public transport in the towns. There’s also a small railway system in Laos but it has a very limited timetable and often doesn’t run at all.

Here are some example ticket costs.

One-way ticket (Local transport) – K10,032 – K13,253
Monthly Pass, (Regular Price) – K99,400
Taxi start (normal tariff) – K33,441 – K82,833
Taxi 1km (normal tariff) – K19,395 – K33,441

How to save money on public transport

As railways and flights are expensive, the best way to travel is by road
Tuk Tuks and minibuses are cheaper than travelling by bus.
Share a minivan
Hire a bike or rent a bicycle for short distances

6. Cost of Internet in Laos

Around 3.55 million people out of the total population of 7.33 million in Laos use the internet. Internet users in Laos have increased by 468,000 due to Covid between 2020-21. However, internet in Laos is expensive and inhabitants in remote or semi-remote parts of the country can’t access the internet.

UNITEL– 140,000KIP/Mo for 30 Mbps
Spectra Lite– 141,097KIP /Mo for 50 Mbps

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Laos is blessed with a wonderful, warm but sometimes wet, climate. The average temperature in the height of summer is 28°C with 12 hours of sunshine a day. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 20°C. The wettest month is October when an average of 234mm of rain falls.

Here are a few clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: K331,335 – K2,783,213
Summer Dress: K579,837 – K1,113,285
Running Shoes (Trainers): K1,669,928 – K2,485,016
Business Shoes: K662,671 – K834,964
Gym membership: K248,501 – K836,026
Movie (cinema) ticket: K82,833 – K117,043

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Laos

Although Laos’ major routes have improved over the last decade, you still need a 4×4 or car with a high wheelbase to get around most of the roads in the country. Traffic jams are rare as there are relatively few vehicles in the country. The standard of driving is poor, with absolutely no respect for the rules of the road.

You need to have an International Driving Licence to drive in Laos initially which can be exchanged for a Lao licence which is valid for 12 months. You can then take a driving test which will give a Lao licence with a five year validity.

Have a look at the information on The International Drivers Association for detailed information on owning and driving a car in Laos.

Here are some sample costs of owning and operating a car in Laos:

Volkswagen Golf: K58,52,09,450 – K98,64,95,930
1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):K16,218 – K20,064
Other fees (if any):Laos has hiked the registration tax recently which comes to around K100,000 to K500,000 depending upon the engine type. If you want to take a test and get a Laos driving licence you’ll be charged K200,000.

Source: Hikersbay, LaotianTimes, Expat

Ways to save money driving in Laos

Car sharing or pooling is a good option for saving money. Try UN Car Sharing App, and Ride-Hailing-LOCA for carpooling in Laos.
Taxis can save you money, especially in towns where you’d have to pay for parking. Try Uberand Lyft.

Need your car/vehicle moved to Laos? Then read our guide to Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping

9. Taxes in Laos

Non-residents in Laos are liable to pay a 3% tax on their Laos income. Learn more about income tax in the country at DFDL. Similarly, if you want to buy property in Laos you’ll pay 2% of the total value of the property. Refer MultiLaw to know more about property laws in Laos.

At the beginning 2022 VAT was reduced from 10% to 7%. Learn more about how VAT is applied to different commodities and services in Laos through Taxsummaries.

10. Flight Costs from Laos

If you do make the move to Laos, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of late 2022:

London: K10,950,193
Paris: K10,582,424
New York: K13,515,921
Los Angeles: K11,538,956
Dubai: K8,727,438
Sydney: K16,291,661
Melbourne: K17,111,664
Cape Town: K17,649,077
Hong Kong: K2,721,989

Other Laos Relocation Tips

The above costs and pricing will have given you a good idea of the cost of living in Laos. However, the following extra tips may make your move go smoothly.

11. Relocating to Laos Alone

Moving to a different country is potentially stressful and moving alone is truly daunting. However, the friendly people and atmosphere in Laos will make the transition a lot easier. Below are some tips to help you settle down easily in Laos.

Meetups:Connect with groups in Meetup to participate in a wide range of activities in Laos.
Attend local events: Laotians enjoy life. They are social and celebrate life through different social, cultural, religious and traditional events. They enjoy introducing foreigners to their way of life and are happy to include in festivals such as Lao New Year or Pi Mai Lao, Lao Handicraft Festival, Fire Boat Festival, Lao Food Festival, Luang Prabang Film Festival, and many more.

12. Moving to Laos with a Family

Laotians are family-oriented people. So, moving to Laos with a family will not be a problem for you as long as you immerse yourself in the Laotian way of life..

New parents (or parents to be):Join different family groups like Mom’s Club and World Moms Network to meet up with other parents or parents to be.
Live in a family-friendly area:There are a lot of family-friendly areas in Laos. Explore neighbourhoods like Sikhottabong District and Chao Anou area to stay safely and happily with your family in Laos. Have a look at the following websites for suggestions: Filipino Wealth and com.
Find things to do with the kids:Laos has lots for children to do. Have a look at the following website for inspiration – WanderLog, Laos with Kids, Triphobo, Fun Things for Kids, and Laos-Adventure.

13. Moving to Laos for Work

Moving to a new country for work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.

Seventy per cent of Laos’ population is employed in forestry and agriculture, mainly rice. Due to Laos’ poor economic state, changes of direct employment in the country are low. There main opportunities for expats are in teaching and IT. If you’re considering moving to Laos for work consider the following things,

Here are tips to consider when moving for work:

Salary:Salaries are low but so is the cost of living. To learn more about salaries in various occupations go to Glassdoor and Paylab.
How to find work: If you want a job lined up before you move to Laos, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: MoveToAsia, LinkedIn, Job and Work Asia and Internations. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Laos from Australia

There are over 10,000 Australians living in Laos. If you are moving to Laos from Australia, consider the following.

Size comparison:Australia is 33 times bigger than Laos. Similarly, Australia’s population is 25,890,773 whereas Laos has a population of 7,513,724 Laotians.
Join expat groups:Meetup, Internations, and Facebook offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Laos.

15. Moving to Laos from Canada

There are a fair number of Canadians living in Laos. If you’re moving to Laos and want to connect with fellow Canadians, consider the following.

Size:Canada is 42 times bigger than Laos and its population is 38,654,738, whereas the population of Laos is 7,513,724.
Expat groups:Connecting with fellow Canadians might help you in Laos. Link up through sites such as Meetup and Internations.

16. Moving to Laos from the United Kingdom

There are a small number of Brits living and working in Laos, if you would like to join them, have a look at the tips below:

Size: The UK and Laos are almost identical in size but their population size differs considerably. The population of the UK is 68,692,129 and Laos is 7,513,724.
Expat groups:If you want to connect with others from the UK then go to Meetup, and Internations.

Hopefully, the above tips and costs are helpful for you. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Laos you can start by comparing moving quotes here.