Town in Xiangkhouang, Laos
Cost of living in Phonsavan
How much a month costs in Phonsavan
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $337–583 (₭7.5M–13M).
Prices in Phonsavan
Typical 2026 ranges in LAK, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | LAK | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | ₭50,000–100,000 | $2.2–4.5 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | ₭200,000–400,000 | $9.0–17.9 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | ₭25,000–45,000 | $1.1–2.0 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | ₭60,000–130,000 | $2.7–5.8 |
| Cappuccino | ₭15,000–30,000 | $0.7–1.3 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | ₭15,000–30,000 | $0.7–1.3 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | ₭10,000–20,000 | $0.45–0.90 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | ₭30,000–60,000 | $1.3–2.7 |
| Work and life | ||
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | ₭100,000–200,000 | $4.5–9.0 |
Value for money: 99/100
A value score of 99/100 means Phonsavan gives more quality of life per dollar than 98% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 53/100. It's the 3rd most affordable of 8 places we cover in Laos.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Laos
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
| Place | Comfortable month | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Nong Khiaw | $269–449 | 100/100 |
| 4000 Islands | $314–538 | 99/100 |
| Phonsavan | $337–583 | 99/100 |
| Pakse | $359–628 | 98/100 |
| Thakhek | $359–628 | 98/100 |
| Vang Vieng | $404–673 | 95/100 |
| Luang Prabang | $538–897 | 91/100 |
| Vientiane | $538–987 | 90/100 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Phonsavan?
About $171–269 on a lean budget, $337–583 for a comfortable month and $718–1,260 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much does food cost in Phonsavan?
A local meal is ₭25,000–45,000 ($1.1–2.0); a mid-range restaurant is ₭60,000–130,000 ($2.7–5.8) per person.
Is Laos expensive?
Prices in Laos are about 23% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Phonsavan
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- MAG (Mines Advisory Group) Laos visitor centres
- Lao National Tourism
- Lao Airlines
- Unitel
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.