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Vientiane🇱🇦

Laos · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Timezone
Asia/Vientiane
Nomad community
Small

City metrics

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)$300/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)$220/mo
Rent 3BR (centre)$700/mo
Cost of living (national avg)28 (USA=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap meal$3.00
Mid-range meal for 2$9.00
Monthly groceries~$200

Infrastructure

Internet speed25 Mbps
Internet reliability5/100
Healthcare index45/100
Coworking spaces~3

Lifestyle

Safety index68/100
Air quality60 AQI — Moderate
Walkability50/100
Climate score70/100
English proficiencylow
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communitySmall
Visa easeeasy
Budget score9/100
Lifestyle score7/100
Overall nomad score
6/100
Source: NoodlePants composite (World Bank ICP, Ookla, OpenAQ) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

So, you’re eyeing Southeast Asia for your next digital nomad gig, but maybe Bangkok or Bali feel a bit… done? Vientiane, Laos, quietly offers genuine affordability. Think $300 for a 1-bedroom in the center, and you can eat out for $3 a meal. Groceries are around $200 a month. This makes it a budget hero if your income isn't stratospheric. Infrastructure-wise, you’re looking at 25 Mbps internet, which is decent enough for most remote work, though reliability is only moderate. The city suits independent, adaptable nomads who appreciate a slower pace and don't require bursting social scenes; the nomad community is small, and English proficiency is low. The main caveat? Healthcare is basic (index of 45), so proper travel insurance is non-negotiable. It's a place for intentional living, not constant excitement.

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Who this suits

Budget nomad

Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Vientiane.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Vientiane as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Vientiane averages around $300 per month. The national cost-of-living index for Laos sits at 28 (USA=100) — sourced from World Bank ICP. City-level detail is coming as we gather it; for now this is a national figure. Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is Vientiane safe for digital nomads?+

Vientiane scores 68/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most central neighbourhoods are fine with normal big-city awareness.

How fast is the internet in Vientiane?+

Headline average internet speed in Vientiane is around 25 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

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