Cost Of Living For a Student in Laos 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Laos

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Laos?

Students in Laos spend around 2.4M LAK per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 360,000 LAK or as high as 16M LAK. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Laos?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Laos typically spend from 11% to 22% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 16% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 570,000 LAK with expenditure ranging from 85,000 LAK to 3.8M LAK. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Laos ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 95,000 LAK with 14,000 LAK and 630,000 LAK being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 25,000 LAK to 1.1M LAK in a month on commuting with 170,000 LAK being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 3% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 9%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Laos is 480,000 LAK. The cost of groceries can range between 71,000 LAK to 3.2M LAK. Students spend on average about 24% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 28% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Laos allocate 7% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 21,000 LAK to 950,000 LAK with 140,000 LAK being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 18,000 LAK to 790,000 LAK with 120,000 LAK being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 1% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 2% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 18% of the monthly expenditure of students with 11% and 23% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 450,000 LAK per month with 68,000 LAK being the minimum spent amount and 3M LAK being the maximum.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

• 50% for needs and financial obligations

  This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

• 30% for wants and discretionary spending

  This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

• 20% for savings and emergency fund

  This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

Affordable living in Laos

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Laos?

Around 41% of surveyed students think that living in Laos is affordable with proper budgeting while 59% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Laos

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked students how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options51%

Few low-cost options49%

Based on the survey, 51% of the students living in Laos have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 49% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Students

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked students of Laos whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes37%

No63%

Based on the survey, 63% of the students living in Laos said that they don't have an emergency fund while 37% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Laos

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy36%

We asked student guardians and parents in Laos whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 64% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 36% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.

Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether students of Laos have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 67% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 33% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance67%

Easily manages finances33%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Laos

Rent Cost in Laos

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

380,000 LAK

570,000 LAK

1.5M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$18

$27

$73

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

570,000 LAK

910,000 LAK

2.3M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$27

$44

$110

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

760,000 LAK

1.1M LAK

3M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$36

$55

$150

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

910,000 LAK

1.5M LAK

4.2M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$44

$73

$200

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

1.8M LAK

4.6M LAK

9.1M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$88

$220

$440

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1.5M LAK

2.3M LAK

6.5M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$73

$110

$310

House monthly rent cost

1.8M LAK

4.6M LAK

9.1M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$88

$220

$440

Villa monthly rent cost

2.3M LAK

5.7M LAK

9.1M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$110

$270

$440

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Laos ranges between 380,000 LAK and 1.5M LAK, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 570,000 LAK to 2.3M LAK. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 760,000 LAK and 3M LAK per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 910,000 LAK to 4.2M LAK. The average rent of a townhouse in Laos is around 2.3M LAK while house rental costs can be as high as 4.6M LAK per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 2.3M LAK to 9.1M LAK per month.

Apartment and house prices in Laos

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

76M LAK

110M LAK

230M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3,600

$5,500

$11,000

1-bedroom apartment price

91M LAK

150M LAK

570M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4,400

$7,300

$27,000

2-bedroom apartment price

150M LAK

460M LAK

910M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$7,300

$22,000

$44,000

3-bedroom apartment price

510M LAK

760M LAK

2,300M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$24,000

$36,000

$110,000

Townhouse price

650M LAK

1,500M LAK

5,700M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$31,000

$73,000

$270,000

House price

760M LAK

4,600M LAK

6,500M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$36,000

$220,000

$310,000

Villa price

910M LAK

5,100M LAK

7,600M LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$44,000

$240,000

$360,000

The average price of a studio apartment in Laos can range from 76M LAK to 230M LAK depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 91M LAK to 570M LAK. A villa can cost you 5,100M LAK on average with prices ranging from 910M LAK to 7,600M LAK.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Laos can be x67 to x180 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x67 multiples of the average monthly salary in Laos.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Laos is around 27%. This means that people pay 27% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 17% to 37% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Laos

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Laos

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

14,000 LAK

95,000 LAK

630,000 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.68

$4.6

$30

Internet and cable cost

23,000 LAK

46,000 LAK

61,000 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.1

$2.2

$2.9

Mobile phone bill and charges

18,000 LAK

30,000 LAK

91,000 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.88

$1.5

$4.4

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 95,000 LAK. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 23,000 LAK to 61,000 LAK with 46,000 LAK being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 30,000 LAK but can range between 18,000 LAK and 91,000 LAK depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Laos is around 7%. This means that people pay 7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 4% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Laos

Prices and cost of goods and services in Laos

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

4,600 LAK

9,100 LAK

15,000 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.22

$0.44

$0.73

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Laos is approximatly 9,100 LAK with meal cost ranging from 4,600 LAK to 15,000 LAK. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

15,000 LAK

23,000 LAK

46,000 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.73

$1.1

$2.2

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 15,000 LAK and 46,000 LAK with 23,000 LAK being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Laos.

Fine dining meal for one price

30,000 LAK

46,000 LAK

180,000 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.5

$2.2

$8.8

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 30,000 LAK to 180,000 LAK with the average cost being 46,000 LAK for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Laos.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

3,800 LAK

6,100 LAK

9,100 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.18

$0.29

$0.44

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Laos is around 6,100 LAK. Price ranges between 3,800 LAK and 9,100 LAK depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

3,000 LAK

3,700 LAK

4,600 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.15

$0.18

$0.22

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Laos is 3,700 LAK. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 4,600 LAK and the minimum being 3,000 LAK depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

2,300 LAK

3,000 LAK

4,600 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.11

$0.15

$0.22

A dozen eggs costs around 3,000 LAK on average with 2,300 LAK and 4,600 LAK being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

5,200 LAK

6,700 LAK

9,500 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.25

$0.32

$0.46

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Laos is between 5,200 LAK and 9,500 LAK depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 6,700 LAK.

Pack of beef price

6,100 LAK

9,100 LAK

18,000 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.29

$0.44

$0.88

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 9,100 LAK. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

2,500 LAK

3,400 LAK

4,800 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.12

$0.16

$0.23

A bag of rice in Laos costs around 3,400 LAK on average with prices rangeing between 2,500 LAK and 4,800 LAK depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

910 LAK

1,200 LAK

2,300 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.04

$0.06

$0.11

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 910 LAK to 2,300 LAK. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1,600 LAK

2,100 LAK

3,500 LAK

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.08

$0.10

$0.17

A bag of apples costs 2,100 LAK on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Laos is around 28%. This means that students spend 28% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 34% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students