MigrantoCost of living in Laos
Average monthly spending, by standard of living and against other countries
Monthly cost
LAK 2,110,000
what a typical person spends
Spending by standard of living
LAK 1,010,000richest 20%
LAK 5,540,000
Living in Laos costs little day to day, with cheap local food and low rents keeping the basics within reach. Being landlocked nudges up the price of anything brought in from outside, so imported goods cost more than you might expect. The gap between a comfortable life and a frugal one is middling — real, but bridgeable.
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What it costs to live in Laos
Tell us what you earn and spend today — we'll estimate what the same lifestyle would cost in Laos and how much you could have left each month
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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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How living costs in Laos compare
Laos falls toward the cheaper end of Asia and undercuts most of the world on cost. Low local wages and inexpensive home-grown food set the baseline, even as the cost of hauling goods in and out keeps imported things pricier.
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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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 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.
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Living in Laos
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