Cost of living in Laos

The cost of living in Laos is fairly affordable for most expats. Prices in Laos are generally lower than in Thailand and roughly on par with, or in some cases slightly higher than, those in nearby Cambodia and Vietnam. How much you spend comes down to your lifestyle. Many Laotians work in agriculture and earn modest incomes, so the typical expat lifestyle is comparatively lavish by local standards.

Laos is a landlocked and largely unindustrialised country, so you’ll pay a premium for imported and luxury goods. Although local produce and basic amenities are cheap, you may be surprised at the cost of internet access, some imported foods, domestic flights, and high-quality accommodation.

Cost of accommodation in Laos

The cost of accommodation in Laos is largely affordable, in part because the country is so sparsely populated. Expect to pay more in popular destinations such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang, especially in the city centres.

Standards are inconsistent, but you can find housing with decent amenities and reliable utilities if you search carefully. We recommend hiring a real estate agent who is familiar with the local accommodation market and has experience working with expats.

Renting Expat Accommodation in Laos

Cost of transport in Laos

Buses are the cheapest and most widely used form of transport in Laos. The roads are rough, so trips tend to be long and uncomfortable. Travelling by boat on the country’s many waterways is also a common and cheap, if somewhat adventurous, mode of transport.

Taxis and tuk-tuks are abundant and fairly affordable, while costly domestic air travel is available for longer hauls. The Boten to Vientiane railway is a more cost-effective alternative to flying, although tickets can be hard to come by at short notice.

Driving in Laos can be risky and expensive, and many expats choose to hire a personal driver. If you do decide to drive, you should have a four-wheel drive vehicle and comprehensive insurance.

Getting Around in Laos

Cost of groceries in Laos

In Laos, basic grocery staples such as fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and milk are widely accessible and largely inexpensive. Shopping for fresh produce at local markets is a good way to cut down on grocery costs. Imported goods are a different story; you’ll only find them at certain supermarkets, usually at eye-watering prices.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Laos

Entertainment and eating out in Laos need not cost much. Plenty of outdoor activities are free or close to it. You can go hiking, cycling, rock climbing, or swimming at next to no cost. You can also visit the country’s many temples, waterfalls, river viewpoints, and elephant sanctuaries for very little. Art and music lovers can pick up tickets to films, concerts, plays, and cultural festivals at a low cost.

Lao cuisine has Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences. Its three signature dishes are sticky rice, larb (a spicy meat salad), and green papaya salad. These authentic, affordable Lao foods are readily available at markets and restaurants across the country. In Vientiane and Luang Prabang, upmarket French and European restaurants cater to tourists, although eating at one can be pricey.

Cost of education in Laos

Public education in Laos is free, but the standard may be lower than what most expats are willing to accept. Lessons are taught in Lao, so private or international schooling is all but a necessity for most families.

International schools in Vientiane offer a higher standard of education, but at elevated costs. If you are relocating for work, it’s a good idea to try to negotiate educational costs into your contract.

Education and Schools in Laos

Cost of healthcare in Laos

Public healthcare in Laos is significantly underdeveloped. The government plans to introduce universal healthcare, but quality facilities and care are generally scarce. You should take out private health insurance that covers medical evacuation to a nearby country, such as Thailand.

Try to ensure that your employer includes private health insurance in your package, as costs can be high.

Healthcare in Laos