Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Laos Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Laos Property Pack
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about current rental prices in Laos, from studio apartments to family homes across Vientiane and beyond.
We update this blog post regularly to make sure you always have access to the freshest rental data for Laos in 2026.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Laos.
Insights
- Electricity costs in Laos jumped significantly in 2025, making energy-efficient AC units and backup generators the top rent-boosting amenities for landlords targeting expats in Vientiane.
- The gap between local-market rents and expat-oriented serviced apartments in Laos can reach 3x or more, with premium units in Sisattanak fetching $1,400+ per month versus $400 for basic 1-beds.
- Vacancy rates in central Vientiane districts like Chanthaboury sit around 5% in January 2026, while newer peripheral developments can see 10% or higher vacancy.
- Furnished apartments in Laos command a 30% to 50% rent premium over unfurnished units, making furnishing one of the highest-ROI investments for landlords in Vientiane.
- Peak rental demand in Vientiane hits between February and April, and again from August to October, aligning with job transitions and the regional business cycle.
- Rent per square meter in Laos averages $7 to $12 for typical units, but jumps to $20+ in premium serviced buildings near embassies in Sisattanak.
- Year-over-year rent growth in Laos for 2026 is estimated at 3% to 8%, with furnished expat stock seeing the biggest increases due to rising utility and replacement costs.
- Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng see tourism-driven rental demand spikes from November to February, creating short-term furnished rental opportunities distinct from Vientiane's long-term market.
What are typical rents in Laos as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Laos as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average monthly rent for a studio in Laos is around $350 (about 7,350,000 LAK or 320 EUR), though this figure reflects Vientiane where most rental activity happens.
The realistic low-to-high range for most studios in Laos runs from $250 to $600 per month (5,250,000 to 12,600,000 LAK, or 230 to 550 EUR), with basic local-market units at the bottom and newer serviced studios at the top.
The main factors that cause studio rents to vary within Laos include whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished, the building's age and amenities, proximity to central Vientiane districts, and whether services like cleaning or Wi-Fi are included.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Laos as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Laos is around $575 (about 12,075,000 LAK or 525 EUR) for a mid-range unit in Vientiane.
The realistic low-to-high range for most 1-bedroom apartments in Laos runs from $400 to $1,400 per month (8,400,000 to 29,400,000 LAK, or 365 to 1,280 EUR), depending on whether you're looking at basic local stock or premium expat-grade serviced units.
In Laos, the cheapest 1-bedroom rents tend to be in outer districts like Sikhottabong and Xaythany, while the highest 1-bedroom rents concentrate in Sisattanak and Chanthaboury where embassies and international amenities cluster.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Laos as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Laos is around $875 (about 18,375,000 LAK or 800 EUR) for a decent mid-range unit in Vientiane.
The realistic low-to-high range for most 2-bedroom apartments in Laos runs from $650 to $1,600 per month (13,650,000 to 33,600,000 LAK, or 595 to 1,465 EUR), with basic unfurnished units at the low end and premium serviced 2-beds at the top.
In Laos, the cheapest 2-bedroom rents are typically found in Xaythany and outer parts of Sikhottabong, while the most expensive 2-bedroom units sit in Sisattanak's embassy area and central Chanthaboury.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Laos.
What's the average rent per square meter in Laos as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average rent per square meter in Laos is around $9.50 per month (about 200,000 LAK or 8.70 EUR per square meter) for typical Vientiane rentals.
The realistic low-to-high rent per square meter range across different neighborhoods in Laos runs from $7 to $20+ per month (147,000 to 420,000+ LAK, or 6.40 to 18.30+ EUR), with local-market units at the bottom and premium central serviced buildings at the top.
Compared to other cities in the region, the rent per square meter in Laos is considerably lower than Bangkok or Hanoi, making Vientiane one of the more affordable capital cities for renters in mainland Southeast Asia.
In Laos, property characteristics that typically push rent per square meter above average include modern AC systems, backup generators, security features, central locations in Sisattanak or Chanthaboury, and bundled services like cleaning and Wi-Fi.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Laos in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated year-over-year rent change in Laos is around +3% to +8% for like-for-like units in Vientiane, with furnished expat-oriented stock seeing the biggest increases.
The main factors driving rent changes in Laos this year include rising electricity costs that push landlord expenses higher, general inflation in the broader economy, and steady demand from the expat and NGO community in Vientiane.
This year's rent change in Laos represents a more moderate increase compared to 2024 and 2025, when inflation-driven jumps were sharper and less predictable for landlords and tenants alike.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Laos in 2026?
As of early 2026, the projected rent growth for Laos is estimated at +4% to +9% for the year in Vientiane, with a possible upside of +10%+ in the most sought-after expat pockets.
The key economic factors likely to influence rent growth in Laos over the coming year include tourism recovery supporting household formation, stable GDP growth improving local purchasing power, and continued electricity cost pressures that landlords may pass on to tenants.
In Laos, the neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth in 2026 are Sisattanak, Chanthaboury, and the That Luang area of Saysettha, where expat demand is highest and supply of quality units remains limited.
The main risks that could cause rent growth in Laos to differ from projections include a sudden oversupply of new apartment buildings, economic shocks affecting the expat community, or further sharp utility cost increases that tenants refuse to absorb.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Laos. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Laos as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Laos as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Laos are Sisattanak (averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month or 21,000,000 to 29,400,000 LAK or 915 to 1,280 EUR), Chanthaboury ($800 to $1,200 or 16,800,000 to 25,200,000 LAK or 730 to 1,100 EUR), and Saysettha including the That Luang area ($750 to $1,100 or 15,750,000 to 23,100,000 LAK or 685 to 1,005 EUR).
These neighborhoods in Laos command premium rents because they offer proximity to embassies, international organizations, high-quality housing stock, reliable utilities, and easy access to restaurants, supermarkets, and healthcare that expats value.
The tenant profile that typically rents in these high-rent neighborhoods in Laos includes expat professionals, diplomatic staff, NGO workers, and business executives who prioritize convenience, security, and move-in-ready furnished accommodations.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Laos.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Laos right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Laos are Chanthaboury for its walkable central location, Sisattanak for its cafes and office proximity, and parts of Sikhottabong that offer better value while staying close to the city core.
Young professionals in Laos typically pay monthly rents ranging from $400 to $750 (8,400,000 to 15,750,000 LAK, or 365 to 685 EUR) for a decent 1-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods.
The specific amenities and lifestyle features that attract young professionals to these neighborhoods in Laos include reliable internet, proximity to coworking spaces and restaurants, reasonable commute times, and a social atmosphere with other young renters and expats.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Laos.
Where do families prefer to rent in Laos right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Laos are Sisattanak for its established residential feel and embassy proximity, Saysettha (including the That Luang area) for its newer housing and more space, and Xaythany for its larger house options at more affordable prices per square meter.
Families in Laos typically pay monthly rents ranging from $800 to $1,500 (16,800,000 to 31,500,000 LAK, or 730 to 1,370 EUR) for 2-3 bedroom apartments or houses in these neighborhoods.
The specific features that make these neighborhoods attractive to families in Laos include quieter streets, larger living spaces, gated compounds with security, proximity to parks, and access to international schools and healthcare facilities.
The top-rated educational options near these family-friendly neighborhoods in Laos include Vientiane International School in Sisattanak, Lao-American College, and several well-regarded local schools in the Saysettha and Xaythany areas.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Laos in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top areas near universities that rent fastest in Laos are Xaythany (near the National University of Laos), parts of Sikhottabong along major roads, and central Chanthaboury where transport links are best.
Properties in these high-demand areas in Laos stay listed for an average of 15 to 30 days, compared to 35 to 60 days for similar properties in less connected locations.
The typical rent premium for properties within walking distance of universities or major roads in Laos is around $50 to $100 per month (1,050,000 to 2,100,000 LAK, or 45 to 90 EUR) above comparable units further out.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Laos right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Laos are Sisattanak (especially the embassy-heavy pockets), Chanthaboury for its central convenience, and Saysettha including the That Luang area and villages like Phonesavanh Neua.
Expats in Laos typically pay monthly rents ranging from $800 to $1,600 (16,800,000 to 33,600,000 LAK, or 730 to 1,465 EUR) for furnished serviced apartments in these neighborhoods.
The specific features that make these neighborhoods attractive to expats in Laos include furnished and serviced accommodations, security guards and gated compounds, backup power generators, reliable water pressure, and proximity to international restaurants, supermarkets, and healthcare.
The nationalities and expat communities most represented in these neighborhoods in Laos include diplomats and aid workers from Western countries, business professionals from China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Korea, and staff from international organizations and NGOs.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Laos.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Laos right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Laos?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Laos are local professionals (the largest group, very price-sensitive), expat workers and NGO/diplomatic staff (smaller but paying higher rents), and tourism-linked longer-stay renters in places like Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.
In Laos, local professionals represent roughly 60% to 70% of total rental demand, expat and international workers account for about 20% to 30%, and tourism-linked renters make up the remaining 5% to 10%.
In Laos, local professionals typically seek unfurnished or partially furnished 1-2 bedroom apartments at value prices, expats look for furnished 1-3 bedroom serviced units with amenities, and tourism-linked renters prefer furnished studios or small apartments in tourist hubs.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Laos.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Laos?
In Laos, about 60% of local tenants prefer unfurnished or partially furnished rentals to keep costs down, while roughly 80% of expat tenants strongly prefer furnished units for convenience.
The typical rent premium for furnished apartments compared to unfurnished in Laos is around $150 to $350 per month (3,150,000 to 7,350,000 LAK, or 135 to 320 EUR), representing a 30% to 50% increase over bare units.
The tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals in Laos include expats on shorter assignments, diplomatic and NGO staff, business travelers, and anyone wanting a move-in-ready solution without the hassle of buying furniture locally.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Laos?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Laos are quality air-conditioning with energy-efficient systems, backup power generators, security and gated compound access, parking and easy road access, and bundled services like cleaning and Wi-Fi.
In Laos, these amenities typically command the following rent premiums: quality AC adds $50 to $100 per month (1,050,000 to 2,100,000 LAK, or 45 to 90 EUR), backup power adds $75 to $150 (1,575,000 to 3,150,000 LAK, or 70 to 135 EUR), security adds $50 to $100 (1,050,000 to 2,100,000 LAK, or 45 to 90 EUR), parking adds $30 to $75 (630,000 to 1,575,000 LAK, or 25 to 70 EUR), and bundled services add $100 to $200 (2,100,000 to 4,200,000 LAK, or 90 to 185 EUR).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Laos, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Laos?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Laos are installing efficient AC units, upgrading electrical wiring and adding surge protection, refreshing kitchens and bathrooms, furnishing to a clean neutral standard, and adding security features like gates and cameras.
In Laos, these renovations typically cost and yield: AC installation costs $300 to $600 (6,300,000 to 12,600,000 LAK, or 275 to 550 EUR) and adds $50 to $100 monthly rent; kitchen/bathroom refresh costs $500 to $1,500 (10,500,000 to 31,500,000 LAK, or 460 to 1,370 EUR) and adds $75 to $150 monthly; full furnishing costs $2,000 to $5,000 (42,000,000 to 105,000,000 LAK, or 1,830 to 4,575 EUR) and adds $150 to $350 monthly.
In Laos, renovations that tend to have poor ROI and should be avoided include luxury finishes that exceed what the local market will pay for, swimming pools in non-premium locations, and overly personalized designs that limit tenant appeal.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Laos versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How strong is rental demand in Laos as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Laos as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Laos is around 5% to 9% in Vientiane, with lower vacancy in central expat-heavy districts and higher vacancy in newer peripheral developments.
The realistic range of vacancy rates across different neighborhoods in Laos runs from about 3% to 5% in premium areas like Sisattanak and Chanthaboury, up to 10% to 15% in some newer outer suburb developments with copy-paste supply.
The current vacancy rate in Laos is roughly in line with historical averages, reflecting a market that has stabilized after the economic uncertainty of previous years.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Laos.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Laos as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average number of days rentals stay listed in Laos is around 25 to 45 days for typical Vientiane units, though this varies significantly by price point and location.
The realistic range of days on market across different property types in Laos runs from about 15 to 35 days for well-priced standard units, 30 to 60 days for premium expat-ready units with a smaller tenant pool, and 60+ days for overpriced or remote properties.
The current days-on-market figure in Laos is similar to one year ago, suggesting that demand and supply have remained relatively balanced as the market stabilized into 2026.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Laos?
The peak months for tenant demand in Laos are February to April (post-holiday moves and job transitions) and August to October (education and business cycle bump), following typical Southeast Asian leasing patterns.
The specific factors that drive seasonal demand patterns in Laos include new job starts and contract renewals in early spring, the academic calendar for families with school-age children, and the regional business cycle that sees increased activity in the third quarter.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Laos are typically May to July (hot season lull) and December (holiday slowdown), when fewer tenants are actively searching and landlords may need to offer more flexible terms.
Buying real estate in Laos can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will my monthly costs be in Laos as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Laos as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical annual property-related tax for landlords in Laos is a land tax that varies by location and size, generally running from $50 to $300 per year (1,050,000 to 6,300,000 LAK, or 45 to 275 EUR) for a standard residential property.
The realistic low-to-high range of annual land taxes in Laos runs from about $30 to $500+ per year (630,000 to 10,500,000+ LAK, or 25 to 460+ EUR), depending on whether the property is in central Vientiane or outer areas and the size of the land parcel.
In Laos, property taxes are calculated based on land location categories and land area, with rates set by local authorities, so landlords should confirm exact amounts with the district or provincial land office.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Laos, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Laos right now?
The estimated realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Laos is around $400 to $900 per year (8,400,000 to 18,900,000 LAK, or 365 to 820 EUR) for an apartment, or $800 to $1,800 per year (16,800,000 to 37,800,000 LAK, or 730 to 1,645 EUR) for a house.
The realistic low-to-high range of annual maintenance costs in Laos runs from about 0.5% of property value per year for newer apartments in good condition, up to 2% or more for older houses with gardens, pools, or heavy AC usage.
Landlords in Laos typically set aside around 5% to 10% of rental income for maintenance, which covers regular repairs, AC servicing, and unexpected issues that arise during the year.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Laos right now?
The utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants in Laos are water and sometimes Wi-Fi in serviced or furnished rentals, while electricity is almost always the tenant's responsibility due to heavy AC usage and progressive tariffs.
In Laos, the typical monthly cost for landlord-paid utilities is around $10 to $25 (210,000 to 525,000 LAK, or 9 to 23 EUR) for water and $20 to $40 (420,000 to 840,000 LAK, or 18 to 37 EUR) for Wi-Fi, while electricity ranges from $25 to $100+ (525,000 to 2,100,000+ LAK, or 23 to 90+ EUR) depending on AC usage.
The common practice in Laos is for tenants to pay electricity directly because tariffs are progressive (the more you use, the higher the rate), while landlords may bundle water and internet into the rent for premium serviced apartments.
How is rental income taxed in Laos as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Laos is typically taxed at a flat rate of 10% for individuals, making the tax treatment relatively straightforward compared to many other countries.
The main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Laos are generally limited, though documented property-related expenses and maintenance costs may be considered, and landlords should keep proper records to support any claims.
A common tax mistake landlords in Laos should avoid is failing to properly register rental income or assuming that informal rental agreements mean no tax obligation, as authorities do enforce compliance on documented rental activities.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Laos.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Laos compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Laos, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Lao Statistics Bureau (LAOSIS) - CPI | It's the official statistics portal for Lao PDR's macro indicators, including CPI. | We used it to anchor the inflation backdrop that feeds into rent resets and landlord costs. We also used it to sanity-check that our rent change estimates are consistent with the broader price environment. |
| Lao Statistics Bureau - Major Indicators | It's another official LSB view that cross-checks CPI levels and timing. | We used it as a second official confirmation of the latest CPI readings available going into 2026. We used it to reduce reliance on any single CPI webpage layout. |
| Bank of the Lao PDR - Inflation | It's the central bank's official inflation publication page. | We used it to corroborate the inflation trend that affects rent negotiations and utilities passthrough. We also used it to time-stamp what "latest official data" looks like just before January 2026. |
| World Bank - Lao Economic Monitor (Dec 2025) | The World Bank is a top-tier international institution with transparent reporting. | We used it to frame 2026 macro conditions (growth, inflation direction) that typically drive rental demand. We used it to support our 2026 rent-growth outlook scenario. |
| IMF - 2025 Article IV Mission | The IMF is a primary-source institution for macro projections and risks. | We used it to triangulate the 2026 inflation direction and domestic-demand narrative. We used it to justify why rent growth in 2026 is more likely to be "moderate" than "flat." |
| Asian Development Bank - Lao PDR Economy | The ADB is a major multilateral publisher of Asia-Pacific economic forecasts. | We used it as an independent cross-check on 2026 growth/inflation expectations. We used it to avoid overfitting our outlook to one institution's view. |
| RentsBuy | It's a large, actively updated Laos-focused property portal with granular location tags. | We used it to observe current asking rents and to identify which districts and neighborhood names show up repeatedly. We used it to build our "typical rent" ranges for Vientiane by unit type. |
| RentLaos | It's a long-running Laos rental site that is especially clear about serviced-apartment pricing. | We used it as an "upper-mid to premium" benchmark so our typical-rent estimates don't accidentally describe only budget stock. We used it to calibrate furnished/serviced premiums. |
| AsiaVillas | It's a recognized regional aggregator that publishes a simple median rent metric alongside listings. | We used it as a third-party "sanity check" on the overall monthly rent level shown in listings. We used its rent-per-area metric to cross-check our per-square-meter estimate. |
| ImmoLaos | It's an established agency-style portal focused on Vientiane's higher-quality stock. | We used it to validate that the market has a meaningful premium segment (expats/FDI-linked demand). We used it to support neighborhood narratives around embassy and central districts. |
| LaoProperties | It's linked to the Real Estate Association of Laos (REAL), which increases credibility versus anonymous classifieds. | We used it as an additional cross-check on how listings are geographically labeled in Vientiane. We used it to reduce the risk of using only one portal's naming conventions. |
| PwC Tax Summaries - Rental Income | It's a major audit/tax firm's continuously maintained country tax summary with citations to local law. | We used it to anchor a clear, reader-friendly statement on how rental income is taxed. We used it to keep the tax section practical without turning it into legal advice. |
| PwC Tax Summaries - Property/Land Tax | It's a reputable secondary source that summarizes land/property tax mechanics consistently across countries. | We used it to explain what kind of property tax exists (land tax by location and size). We used it to set a realistic expectation that taxes exist but are typically not the biggest monthly cost item. |
| Land Tax Document (Flegt Laos) | It's a primary legal/administrative document hosted on a Laos-focused policy site. | We used it to support that land-related taxes/fees are a formal, administered system (not an informal "rule of thumb"). We used it to reinforce that rates vary by location/size and need local confirmation. |
| KPL (Lao News Agency) - Electricity | KPL is a state-aligned publisher that reports government policy decisions directly. | We used it to justify why utilities (especially electricity) were a key 2025-2026 landlord/tenant cost discussion. We used it to support our utility-budget assumptions. |
| World Bank/ESMAP - Electricity Pricing | ESMAP is a World Bank program and publishes methodology-heavy energy sector work. | We used it to explain how residential tariffs work (progressive/tiered) in plain English. We used it to help readers budget utilities without pretending there is one flat kWh price. |
| GlobalPetrolPrices - Laos Electricity | It's a transparent international comparison dataset that clearly states timing and units. | We used it as a numeric cross-check for "order of magnitude" electricity cost per kWh. We used it to keep our monthly-utilities estimate grounded in a real published figure. |
| Lao Tourism Development Department | It's an official tourism statistics report that helps identify high-demand months in key cities. | We used it as a proxy for seasonal demand pressure in tourist-heavy rental markets like Luang Prabang. We used it to support the "peak months" section (especially for furnished/short-stay style rentals). |
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