Country profile

Laos: Costs, Safety, Relocation and Quality of Life

Laos is best read in the Nomadino comparison through the lens of everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses as well as safety, stability and risk exposure. The current data points to a mixed overall picture; its strongest main categories are Costs and Safety & Risk, while Dining & Going Out, Vacation Costs and Food & Basic Goods stand out at topic level. Before making a decision, check social freedom, participation and openness as well as infrastructure, mobility and digital usability more closely, because the largest deductions come from Basic Infrastructure & Logistics, Bitcoin & Crypto and Society & Freedom.

Overall rating 53.75 points
Global rank Rank 161 globally
Continental rank Rank 34 in Asia

View main country ranking

Decision areas

The following entry points link directly to detailed articles that are especially relevant for relocation, longer stays, daily life and travel planning.

Key questions about Laos

Why is Laos especially relevant in this comparison?

The profile is shaped mainly by everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses as well as safety, stability and risk exposure; its strongest main categories are Costs and Safety & Risk.

Which topics stand out positively for Laos?

Dining & Going Out, Vacation Costs and Food & Basic Goods show the strongest topic-level results.

What should be checked before making a decision?

social freedom, participation and openness as well as infrastructure, mobility and digital usability deserve closer attention; the largest deductions come from Basic Infrastructure & Logistics, Bitcoin & Crypto and Society & Freedom.

How important is lower-cost living and longer stays for Laos?

The detailed articles below help check whether the rating fits residence, work, costs, healthcare, safety or travel.

Strengths and weaknesses

This section only shows categories, topic areas and indicators where Laos ranks in the top three or bottom three globally or continentally and shares the same score with no more than two other countries. Global ranks take priority over continental ranks.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Comparisons and related countries

Laos is especially useful to compare with United States, Portugal and Spain, because those countries sit closer to its overall rating profile. Denmark and Germany work as contrast comparisons when everyday costs, housing and recurring expenses as well as safety, stability and risk exposure need to be weighed against different priorities; social freedom, participation and openness as well as infrastructure, mobility and digital usability still deserve closer attention.

Static comparisons

  • Laos vs. Portugal
    Portugal performs about 45 points better on Society & Participation than Laos.
  • Laos vs. Spain
    Spain performs about 44 points better on Society & Participation than Laos.
  • Laos vs. Germany
    Germany performs about 48 points better on Society & Participation than Laos.
  • Laos vs. Denmark
    Denmark performs about 55 points better on Society & Participation than Laos.
  • Laos vs. United States
    Laos performs about 48 points better on Costs than United States.

All ratings and indicators for Laos

58 topic areas and 342 indicators are linked directly in the static HTML. Categories and topic areas are collapsed to keep the country profile easy to scan.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Safety & Risk ShowHide

Safety & Crime

6 indicators

68
/ 100
ShowHide
Homicide Rate
Rank 103 globally 89
Petty Crime Index
Rank 106 globally 58
Women's Safety
Rank 110 globally 59
Organized Crime
Rank 187 globally 38
Kidnapping Risk
Rank 132 globally 74
BAC Limit (โ€ฐ)
Rank 1 globally 100
83
/ 100
ShowHide
Active Conflicts & War Risk
Rank 128 globally 88
Political Violence
Rank 159 globally 70
Geopolitical Risk
Rank 114 globally 86
Terrorism Risk
Rank 1 globally 100

Natural Hazards

8 indicators

64
/ 100
ShowHide
Flood Risk
Rank 204 globally 30
Storm Risk
Rank 59 globally 88
Earthquake Risk
Rank 100 globally 70
Drought Risk
Rank 23 globally 85
Wildfire Risk
Rank 194 globally 20
Landslide Risk
Rank 178 globally 37
Tsunami Risk
Rank 1 globally 100
Volcano Risk
Rank 105 globally 98

Privacy & Surveillance

6 indicators

28
/ 100
ShowHide
State Surveillance
Rank 202 globally 24
Internet Censorship
Rank 206 globally 22
Internet Freedom
Rank 201 globally 29
Data Protection Laws
Rank 163 globally 34
VPN Access
Rank 204 globally 28
Cybercrime Risk
Rank 178 globally 49
38
/ 100
ShowHide
Rule of Law
Rank 181 globally 37
Property Rights Security
Rank 182 globally 37
Corruption Perception
Rank 166 globally 32
Police Effectiveness
Rank 146 globally 50
Expropriation Risk
Rank 154 globally 42
Extradition Risk
Rank 168 globally 36

Long-Term Stability

4 indicators

51
/ 100
ShowHide
Political Stability
Rank 112 globally 62
Economic Resilience
Rank 189 globally 48
Government Efficiency
Rank 176 globally 43
Climate Vulnerability
Rank 150 globally 50
โค๏ธ Health ShowHide

Healthcare & Access

12 indicators

48
/ 100
ShowHide
Healthcare Quality
Rank 162 globally 49
Universal Healthcare Coverage
Rank 178 globally 51
Emergency Care
Rank 161 globally 46
Medicine Access
Rank 170 globally 51
Hospital Infections & Patient Safety
Rank 165 globally 47
Health Insurance for Foreigners
Rank 153 globally 57
Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure
Rank 183 globally 44
Doctor Density
Rank 182 globally 12
Hospital Beds
Rank 144 globally 31
Healthcare Coverage (%)
Rank 167 globally 78
Specialist Visit Cost
Rank 18 globally 83
English-Speaking Doctors
Rank 172 globally 34

Environmental Health

6 indicators

50
/ 100
ShowHide
Fine Particulate Matter Exposure (PM2.5)
Rank 141 globally 62
Noise Pollution
Rank 103 globally 55
UV Radiation
Rank 103 globally 26
Tap Water Safety
Rank 194 globally 44
Sanitation
Rank 107 globally 74
Waste Management
Rank 180 globally 15
57
/ 100
ShowHide
Life Expectancy
Rank 167 globally 55
Infectious Diseases
Rank 162 globally 60
Obesity Rate
Rank 24 globally 89
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Rank 176 globally 25
Mental Health
Rank 107 globally 64
Suicide Rate
Rank 60 globally 72
Maternal Mortality
Rank 164 globally 42
Vaccination Rate
Rank 203 globally 67
Alcohol & Tobacco Consumption
Rank 212 globally 37
Drug and Substance-Use Burden
Rank 52 globally 84
๐Ÿ’ธ Finance & Taxes ShowHide

Taxes & Finance

10 indicators

79
/ 100
ShowHide
Effective Income Tax Rate (%)
Rank 55 globally 91
Top Income Tax Rate
Rank 75 globally 66
Social Security Burden
Rank 72 globally 83
VAT / GST Rate
Rank 55 globally 68
Capital Gains Tax
Rank 109 globally 96
Dividend Tax Rate
Rank 91 globally 79
Inheritance / Estate Tax
Rank 1 globally 100
Territorial Tax System
Rank 30 globally 85
Tax Filing Effort (hours/year)
Rank 204 globally 36
Double Taxation Agreements
Rank 140 globally 16
44
/ 100
ShowHide
Capital Flow Freedom
Rank 197 globally 52
Capital Market Depth
Rank 175 globally 52
Business Credit Access
Rank 189 globally 43
Investor Protection
Rank 179 globally 35
Foreign Investment Openness
Rank 195 globally 35
Currency Convertibility & Transferability
Rank 210 globally 47
Venture Capital & Startup Financing
Rank 181 globally 39
Alternative Financing Access
Rank 171 globally 41

Banking & Fintech

8 indicators

55
/ 100
ShowHide
Expat Banking Ease
Rank 199 globally 21
Banking Stability
Rank 175 globally 60
SWIFT / Wire Access
Rank 202 globally 66
Fintech Development
Rank 154 globally 41
ATM Availability
Rank 146 globally 65
Banking Secrecy Index
Rank 27 globally 55
Automatic Tax Information Exchange
Rank 15 globally 93
Cash Transaction Limit
Rank 1 globally 100

Bitcoin & Crypto

6 indicators

24
/ 100
ShowHide
Crypto Adoption
Rank 169 globally 20
Crypto Regulation
Rank 177 globally 27
Legal Status
Rank 186 globally 26
Bitcoin Merchant Acceptance
Rank 177 globally 8
Crypto Tax Rate
Rank 132 globally 58
Bitcoin Cash Access
Rank 175 globally 6

Real Estate & Property

4 indicators

59
/ 100
ShowHide
Foreigner Ownership Rights
Rank 186 globally 15
Transaction Costs
Rank 53 globally 80
Affordability
Rank 34 globally 80
Gross Rental Yield
Rank 50 globally 74
42
/ 100
ShowHide
Corporate Tax Rate
Rank 60 globally 50
Cost to Start a Business
Rank 103 globally 66
Labor Market Flexibility
Rank 210 globally 41
Days to Register a Company
Rank 228 globally 1

Macroeconomics

9 indicators

50
/ 100
ShowHide
GDP per Capita (PPP, USD)
Rank 160 globally 46
Inflation Rate (CPI, %)
Rank 212 globally 23
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Rank 179 globally 39
GDP Growth Rate (%)
Rank 62 globally 86
Economic Freedom Index
Rank 189 globally 47
Tax Burden (% of GDP)
Rank 160 globally 72
Central Bank Independence
Rank 208 globally 41
Foreign Exchange Reserves (months of imports)
Rank 168 globally 41
Current Account Balance (% of GDP)
Rank 62 globally 84
33
/ 100
ShowHide
Avg. Monthly Net Salary ($/month)
Rank 178 globally 15
Purchasing Power Index
Rank 169 globally 18
Unemployment Rate (%)
Rank 8 globally 97
Wage Growth Rate (%)
Rank 219 globally 32
Salary-to-Rent Ratio
Rank 169 globally 43
Minimum Wage (USD/month)
Rank 171 globally 19
๐Ÿ  Costs ShowHide

Housing & Utilities

5 indicators

82
/ 100
ShowHide
City Rent per Square Meter
Rank 39 globally 64
Rural Rent per Square Meter
Rank 21 globally 79
Electricity Cost
Rank 15 globally 96
Heating & Gas Cost
Rank 27 globally 99
Water & Sewage Cost
Rank 8 globally 99

Food & Basic Goods

7 indicators

90
/ 100
ShowHide
Milk Price per Liter
Rank 46 globally 76
Bread Price per 500 Grams
Rank 63 globally 81
Egg Price for 12 Eggs
Rank 21 globally 94
Chicken Fillet Price per Kilogram
Rank 3 globally 97
Beef Round Price per Kilogram
Rank 23 globally 86
Vegetable Basket Price per Kilogram
Rank 13 globally 98
Water Price per Liter in Supermarket
Rank 12 globally 95

Dining & Going Out

9 indicators

99
/ 100
ShowHide
Price of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
Rank 5 globally 96
Burger Menu Price
Rank 1 globally 100
Cappuccino (Cafรฉ)
Rank 1 globally 100
Local Beer (Restaurant)
Rank 1 globally 100
Local Beer Price in a Market
Rank 1 globally 100
Imported Beer Price in a Market
Rank 1 globally 100
Cocktail (Bar)
Rank 1 globally 100
Mid-Range Wine Bottle Price
Rank 7 globally 96
Soft Drink Price in a Market
Rank 1 globally 100

Mobility Costs

7 indicators

80
/ 100
ShowHide
Transit Cost
Rank 46 globally 96
Fuel Price ($/L)
Rank 80 globally 68
Car Rental ($/day)
Rank 18 globally 94
Car Insurance ($/yr)
Rank 21 globally 98
Car Purchase Index
Rank 153 globally 1
Driving License Cost ($)
Rank 18 globally 98
City Parking ($/hr)
Rank 17 globally 98
88
/ 100
ShowHide
Internet Cost
Rank 39 globally 81
Mobile Plan Cost
Rank 17 globally 92
Prepaid SIM & Data Package Cost
Rank 13 globally 98
eSIM & Travel Data Cost
Rank 19 globally 99
Coworking Day Pass Cost
Rank 25 globally 78

Personal Services

4 indicators

85
/ 100
ShowHide
Haircut Cost
Rank 15 globally 93
Fitness Club Monthly Fee
Rank 1 globally 100
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Cost
Rank 190 globally 51
Local Services Cost
Rank 15 globally 95
๐Ÿ—๏ธ Infrastructure ShowHide
23
/ 100
ShowHide
Logistics Performance
Rank 99 globally 31
Rail Network Density
Rank 81 globally 29
Airport Connectivity
Rank 168 globally 20
Port Connectivity
Rank 182 globally 1
47
/ 100
ShowHide
Road Quality
Rank 120 globally 44
Traffic Congestion
Rank 63 globally 62
Road Density
Rank 155 globally 51
Traffic Deaths
Rank 150 globally 58
EV Charging Infrastructure
Rank 175 globally 3

Electricity & Energy

6 indicators

79
/ 100
ShowHide
Power Outages
Rank 127 globally 82
Electrification Rate
Rank 171 globally 80
Energy Self-Sufficiency
Rank 81 globally 60
Renewable Energy Share
Rank 21 globally 85
CO2 Intensity
Rank 36 globally 71
Nuclear Exposure
Rank 1 globally 100
29
/ 100
ShowHide
Broadband Speed
Rank 135 globally 42
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions
Rank 172 globally 7
Mobile Speed
Rank 135 globally 47
5G Coverage
Rank 140 globally 5

Public Transport

4 indicators

27
/ 100
ShowHide
Transit Coverage
Rank 186 globally 22
Transit Punctuality
Rank 191 globally 42
Cycling Infrastructure
Rank 154 globally 8
Walkability Score
Rank 192 globally 38
๐ŸŒฟ Lifestyle ShowHide

Work-Life Balance

5 indicators

48
/ 100
ShowHide
Annual Working Hours
Rank 171 globally 40
Paid Vacation Days
Rank 129 globally 50
Happiness Index (UN)
Rank 168 globally 48
Burnout Risk
Rank 135 globally 45
Public Holidays
Rank 42 globally 56

Climate & Weather

6 indicators

66
/ 100
ShowHide
Temperature Comfort
Rank 138 globally 57
Sunshine Hours
Rank 149 globally 75
Humidity Comfort
Rank 165 globally 51
Rainy Days
Rank 181 globally 54
Extreme Heat Days
Rank 138 globally 89
Seasonal Variation
Rank 118 globally 75

Outdoor & Lifestyle

5 indicators

55
/ 100
ShowHide
Beach Quality
Rank 189 globally 0
Mountain Access
Rank 63 globally 56
Protected Land Area (%)
Rank 100 globally 63
Biodiversity Index
Rank 43 globally 79
Forest Cover
Rank 16 globally 95

Leisure & Recreation

4 indicators

45
/ 100
ShowHide
Sports & Fitness Facilities
Rank 163 globally 24
Urban Green Space Access
Rank 65 globally 71
Leisure Infrastructure
Rank 164 globally 26
Recovery Time
Rank 178 globally 58

Arts & Entertainment

6 indicators

26
/ 100
ShowHide
Museums per 100,000 People
Rank 158 globally 20
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Rank 85 globally 22
Music & Nightlife
Rank 174 globally 28
Cinema Density
Rank 138 globally 12
Cultural Freedom
Rank 188 globally 28
Football and Stadium Culture
Rank 203 globally 52
45
/ 100
ShowHide
Cuisine Diversity
Rank 101 globally 41
Restaurant Density
Rank 125 globally 42
Street Food Scene
Rank 82 globally 46
Local Market Quality
Rank 82 globally 54
Cafรฉ Culture
Rank 135 globally 33
Local Freshness
Rank 84 globally 58
Local Authenticity
Rank 87 globally 42

Family-Friendly

7 indicators

41
/ 100
ShowHide
Childcare Cost ($/month)
Rank 57 globally 96
Paid Parental Leave (weeks)
Rank 118 globally 27
Child Benefit ($/month)
Rank 120 globally 21
Child Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 152 globally 64
Child Safety Score
Rank 177 globally 42
Childcare Coverage (%)
Rank 147 globally 10
Playground Density
Rank 172 globally 28

Pet-Friendly

7 indicators

46
/ 100
ShowHide
Pet Entry Rules
Rank 132 globally 40
Veterinary Quality
Rank 178 globally 25
Vet Cost Affordability
Rank 11 globally 78
Pet Food Prices
Rank 13 globally 72
Animal Welfare Laws
Rank 186 globally 20
Pet-Friendly Housing
Rank 105 globally 50
Outdoor Pet Access
Rank 163 globally 35
โœˆ๏ธ Relocation & Residency ShowHide
52
/ 100
ShowHide
Residence Permit Ease
Rank 150 globally 61
E-Government
Rank 166 globally 52
Visa Processing Time
Rank 27 globally 70
Local Registration Requirements
Rank 191 globally 42
Foreign Document & Qualification Recognition
Rank 171 globally 44
Household Goods & Customs
Rank 157 globally 33
International Licence Compatibility
Rank 182 globally 41
52
/ 100
ShowHide
Visa-Free Tourist Stay Days
Rank 129 globally 35
Visa Application Ease
Rank 162 globally 51
Border Openness
Rank 147 globally 50
Travel & Entry Comfort
Rank 156 globally 43
Visa Income & Asset Requirements
Rank 28 globally 94
39
/ 100
ShowHide
Digital Nomad Visa
Rank 164 globally 32
Remote Work Legality
Rank 139 globally 50
Freelance Legal Framework
Rank 204 globally 39
Remote Job Market
Rank 170 globally 45
Coworking Density
Rank 126 globally 37
Nomad Community
Rank 148 globally 30
Avg. Remote Salary (USD)
Rank 172 globally 33
44
/ 100
ShowHide
Work Rights for Foreigners
Rank 161 globally 49
Work Permit Access for Foreigners
Rank 165 globally 52
Local Self-Employment and Freelancing Rights
Rank 207 globally 37
Employment Restrictions for Foreigners
Rank 181 globally 41
Professional Qualification Recognition
Rank 172 globally 42
Business Ownership by Foreigners
Rank 211 globally 33
46
/ 100
ShowHide
Time to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
Rank 124 globally 42
Family Reunification
Rank 155 globally 51
Naturalization Requirements
Rank 158 globally 50
Residence Status Stability
Rank 155 globally 53
Residence Status for Spouses and Children
Rank 158 globally 48
Passport Power (Henley Index)
Rank 206 globally 13
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Rank 57 globally 90
Citizenship by Investment
Rank 13 globally 0

Language & Integration

7 indicators

37
/ 100
ShowHide
English Proficiency (EF EPI)
Rank 196 globally 25
Local Language Barrier
Rank 195 globally 33
Integration Ease
Rank 172 globally 54
Cultural Etiquette Gap
Rank 184 globally 46
Expat Community Size
Rank 190 globally 24
Cultural Distance to West
Rank 190 globally 44
International Schools
Rank 181 globally 33
51
/ 100
ShowHide
Expat Welcome Culture
Rank 118 globally 57
Foreigner Discrimination
Rank 134 globally 41
Xenophobia Levels
Rank 110 globally 56
Racial Safety for Foreigners
Rank 120 globally 50
42
/ 100
ShowHide
Rental Access for Foreigners
Rank 167 globally 43
Tax Residency Clarity for Expats
Rank 166 globally 38
Local Contracts and Utilities Access
Rank 162 globally 44
Local Identity and Address Proof
Rank 180 globally 37
Everyday Accounts and Payments for Foreigners
Rank 166 globally 49
๐Ÿ–๏ธ Travel & Vacation ShowHide
40
/ 100
ShowHide
Hotel Quality
Rank 161 globally 42
Vacation Rental Quality
Rank 168 globally 41
Accommodation Availability
Rank 173 globally 34
Booking & Transparency
Rank 169 globally 43

Tourism Infrastructure

4 indicators

45
/ 100
ShowHide
Airport-to-Destination Transfer
Rank 160 globally 36
Digital Travel Services
Rank 161 globally 46
Traveler Payment Infrastructure
Rank 169 globally 52
Tourist Information Quality
Rank 184 globally 44
46
/ 100
ShowHide
Major Attractions Density
Rank 153 globally 37
Guided Tours & Bookable Experiences
Rank 176 globally 44
Tourist Outdoor Activities
Rank 120 globally 62
Nightlife & Entertainment for Visitors
Rank 156 globally 41
43
/ 100
ShowHide
Tourist Beach Quality
Rank 212 globally 22
Swimming & Water Sports
Rank 207 globally 33
National Parks & Nature Access
Rank 62 globally 75

Vacation Costs

5 indicators

96
/ 100
ShowHide
Hotel Cost
Rank 4 globally 98
Vacation Rental Cost
Rank 5 globally 99
Attraction Entry Cost
Rank 3 globally 99
Tour & Activity Cost
Rank 2 globally 99
Tourist Taxes & Fees
Rank 65 globally 84
72
/ 100
ShowHide
High-Season Overcrowding
Rank 151 globally 82
Off-Season Usability
Rank 158 globally 62
Seasonal Capacity Shortage
Rank 160 globally 57
Seasonal Price Surcharges
Rank 38 globally 87
๐ŸŒ Society & Participation ShowHide

Society & Freedom

4 indicators

24
/ 100
ShowHide
Press Freedom
Rank 211 globally 22
Democracy Index
Rank 218 globally 18
Personal Freedom
Rank 192 globally 45
Freedom of Political Expression
Rank 218 globally 8

Education & Knowledge

5 indicators

44
/ 100
ShowHide
Adult Literacy Rate
Rank 164 globally 87
PISA Score
Rank 188 globally 10
Tertiary Enrollment Rate
Rank 168 globally 20
Education Expenditure
Rank 193 globally 48
School Life Expectancy
Rank 186 globally 55
29
/ 100
ShowHide
Pension Replacement Rate (%)
Rank 160 globally 0
Unemployment Benefit Duration (months)
Rank 151 globally 0
Social Spending (% of GDP)
Rank 168 globally 17
Gini Index
Rank 79 globally 63
Poverty Rate (%)
Rank 115 globally 38
Housing Support Score
Rank 162 globally 25
Social Mobility Score
Rank 164 globally 33
Social Cohesion
Rank 160 globally 45
41
/ 100
ShowHide
Gender Equality
Rank 174 globally 45
Womenโ€™s Rights & Equality
Rank 172 globally 41
Anti-Discrimination Protection
Rank 171 globally 33
Minority Rights Protection
Rank 144 globally 39
Everyday Discrimination Risk
Rank 142 globally 41

LGBTQ+ Friendliness

5 indicators

31
/ 100
ShowHide
Same-Sex Legal Status
Rank 112 globally 37
LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination
Rank 159 globally 26
LGBTQ+ Social Acceptance
Rank 130 globally 37
LGBTQ+ Rights
Rank 148 globally 27
Pride Culture
Rank 139 globally 24
32
/ 100
ShowHide
Disability Support Score
Rank 180 globally 28
Public Accessibility
Rank 176 globally 33
Digital Accessibility
Rank 169 globally 33
Inclusion in Education and Work
Rank 172 globally 38

Religion & Worldviews

4 indicators

45
/ 100
ShowHide
Religious Freedom Index
Rank 174 globally 51
Secularization Score
Rank 163 globally 34
Religious Diversity Index
Rank 164 globally 28
Religious Influence in Public Life
Rank 168 globally 54

Demography

10 indicators

56
/ 100
ShowHide
Median Age
Rank 61 globally 78
Fertility Rate
Rank 59 globally 88
Population Growth
Rank 72 globally 50
Net Migration Rate
Rank 107 globally 47
Urbanization Rate
Rank 183 globally 27
Foreign Population Share
Rank 186 globally 25
Population Density
Rank 50 globally 71
Gender Ratio (F/100 M)
Rank 161 globally 47
Youth Gender Ratio (15-29)
Rank 53 globally 90
Single-Person Households
Rank 188 globally 12