MigrantoCost of living in Laos
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries
Monthly cost in Laos
Spending runs from LAK 1,010,000 a month in the poorest fifth to LAK 5,540,000 in the richest
Per person, whole country
LAK 2,110,000
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
LAK 1,010,000richest 20%
LAK 5,540,000
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Key facts
The cost of living in Laos in numbers
Among the cheapest countries in the world
Cheaper than 93% of countries. A basket that costs LAK 22,000,000 at world-middle prices costs LAK 13,500,000 here.
The cheapest of its neighbours
No neighbouring country is cheaper. The same basket costs LAK 13,500,000 here against LAK 14,400,000 in Vietnam, the closest on price.
Typical spending takes 51% of the average wage
A typical person spends LAK 2,110,000 a month while the average take-home wage is LAK 4,170,000, so 49% of an average wage sits above what a typical person spends.
How living costs in Laos compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in Laos against other countries
Cheaper than 93% of countries
Where Laos sits when every country is lined up from cheapest to most expensive
Pakistanmost expensive
Bermuda
middle
A basket of goods and services that costs LAK 22,000,000 at world-middle prices costs LAK 13,500,000 here.
Data source: household consumption 2016 (World Bank), International Comparison Program 2021 (World Bank), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
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What it costs to live in Laos
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Cost of living in Laos
LAK 1,010,000/mo
vs LAK 17,600,000 in your country
Take-home
LAK 2,660,000
vs LAK 26,400,000 in your country
Potential savings
LAK 1,650,000
more than in your country
Standard of living
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Laos?
A typical person in Laos spends about LAK 2,110,000 a month — around LAK 25,300,000 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
What is the standard of living in Laos?
By spending, Laos ranks #152 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about LAK 2,110,000 a month, the poorest 20% about LAK 1,010,000 and the richest 20% about LAK 5,540,000. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in Laos in US dollars?
The cost of living in Laos is about $96 a month, or roughly $1,152 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Laos?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about LAK 1,010,000 a month per person, a typical one around LAK 2,110,000, and a comfortable life around LAK 2,720,000. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
Is the average salary in Laos enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about LAK 2,110,000 a month, while the average take-home pay in Laos is about LAK 4,170,000. For more on incomes, see salaries in Laos.
Is Laos an expensive country to live in?
No. Laos is more expensive than 18% of countries worldwide and ranks 24th of 27 in Asia by cost of living.
What currency is used in Laos?
Laos uses the Laotian Kip (LAK). Amounts on this page are shown in it; the currency switcher converts them.
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Living in Laos
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