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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Savannakhet
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Cost of Living in Savannakhet

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Savannakhet helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Details Cost
Apartment Rentals 1-bedroom apartment in city center $200 - $300 per month
1-bedroom apartment outside city center $150 - $250 per month
Apartment Purchases Price per square meter in city center $800 - $1,200
Price per square meter outside city center $500 - $800
Transportation One-way local transport ticket $0.50 - $1.00
Monthly local transport pass $20 - $30
Gasoline (1 liter) $0.80 - $1.00
Taxi starting tariff $1.00 - $2.00
Groceries Milk (1 liter) $1.00 - $1.50
Bread (500g) $1.00 - $1.50
Rice (1kg) $0.80 - $1.20
Chicken breasts (1kg) $3.50 - $5.00
Restaurants Meal at an inexpensive restaurant $2.00 - $4.00
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant $15 - $25
Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught) $1.00 - $1.50
Utilities Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment $50 - $100 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) $20 - $30 per month
Mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) $0.10 - $0.20 per minute
Private School Tuition Preschool (or Kindergarten) $1,500 - $3,000 per year
Elementary School $3,000 - $6,000 per year
Middle School $4,000 - $8,000 per year
High School $5,000 - $10,000 per year
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within Savannakhet, as well as the current economic situation. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Can I live in Savannakhet on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Savannakhet for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants or go out for drinks as often as you'd like. But overall, the in Savannakhet is quite low, so you should be able to manage just fine.In terms of housing, you'll want to look for a place in an affordable neighborhood. Some of the more budget-friendly areas include Ban Thahea, Ban Phonxay, and Ban Nongboua. These neighborhoods offer a mix of local and expat communities, and you can find decent apartments or houses for rent at reasonable prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Ban Thongkang and Ban Sivilay, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using local transportation options like tuk-tuks, buses, or even renting a motorbike. Owning a car in Savannakhet can be quite expensive, so it's best to avoid that if you're trying to stick to a budget.As for groceries and other daily expenses, you'll find that local markets and street food vendors offer affordable and delicious options. You can also find some Western products at supermarkets like Daoheuang Market, but they might be a bit more expensive than what you're used to.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Savannakhet. You can visit local attractions like Wat Xayaphoum Temple, the Dinosaur Museum, or the Mekong River promenade without breaking the bank. There are also plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and biking that you can enjoy for free.Overall, living in Savannakhet on a $1,500 a month budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of luxury and convenience. But in exchange, you'll get to experience the rich culture and beautiful landscapes of Laos, which I think is well worth it," commented an expat living in Savannakhet.

Can I live in Savannakhet on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Savannakhet for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose a neighborhood that's affordable but still offers a decent quality of life. I'd recommend looking into areas like Ban Thahea, Ban Phonxay, or Ban Nongboua. These neighborhoods are not too far from the city center, and you can find decent housing options at reasonable prices. I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Ban Phonsavang or Ban Sivilay, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.In terms of housing, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or house than you're used to. While you can find modern, furnished apartments in Savannakhet, they can be quite expensive. Instead, consider renting a more modest, unfurnished place and buying your own furniture and appliances. This way, you can still have the modern amenities you're used to, but at a lower cost.When it comes to transportation, owning a car in Savannakhet can be quite expensive due to import taxes and high fuel prices. Instead, consider using a motorbike or bicycle for your daily commute, as they are much more affordable options. Public transportation is also available, but it might not be as reliable or comfortable as you're used to.Eating out can be quite affordable in Savannakhet, especially if you stick to local Lao cuisine. However, if you prefer Western or international food, you might find that it's more expensive than you're used to. To save money, consider cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.Finally, while there are some modern amenities available in Savannakhet, such as shopping malls, movie theaters, and gyms, they might not be as plentiful or as high-quality as you're used to. You might have to adjust your expectations and find alternative ways to enjoy your leisure time, such as exploring the beautiful natural surroundings or engaging in local cultural activities.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Savannakhet is possible, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, downsizing your living space, and being mindful of your spending on transportation, food, and leisure activities, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this fascinating city," said one expat living in Savannakhet.

Can I live in Savannakhet on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Savannakhet for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can save some money while still enjoying a good quality of life.One of the first things you'll want to consider is housing. There are a few neighborhoods that are more affordable, like Ban Thahea and Ban Phonxay. These areas have a mix of local and expat residents, and you can find a decent house or apartment for around $300 to $500 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out Ban Sivilay or Ban Thongkang. These neighborhoods are more expensive, with rents ranging from $800 to $1,500 a month, so they might not be the best fit for your budget.When it comes to food, you'll find that eating out at local restaurants is quite affordable, with meals costing around $2 to $5. If you prefer Western food, there are a few options available, but they tend to be more expensive, with meals costing around $10 to $15. To save money, you can always cook at home, as groceries are relatively cheap, especially if you shop at local markets.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Taxis and tuk-tuks are affordable, but if you really want to cut costs, you can rent a motorbike for around $50 to $100 a month. This will give you the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.As for entertainment, there are plenty of things to do in Savannakhet that won't break the bank. You can visit the beautiful temples, stroll along the Mekong River, or explore the local markets. There are also a few bars and clubs where you can enjoy a night out, but keep in mind that these can be more expensive, especially if you're used to Western prices.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that the internet connection is not as fast or reliable as you're used to, and you may need to adjust to the slower pace of life in Laos. Additionally, while there are some Western amenities available, they might not be as readily accessible as in your home country. However, I've found that these are small sacrifices to make in exchange for the unique experience of living in Savannakhet.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Savannakhet on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite comfortable. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and taking advantage of the many low-cost activities available, you can enjoy a great quality of life while still staying within your budget," commented an expat living in Savannakhet.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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