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Pakse, Laos
Capital City

Follows Laos Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$670
Retiree Score
70.0
Safety Index
74.2
Healthcare
23 facilities

The population of Pakse is a hefty 119,848, making it the largest city in southern Laos. However, don't be fooled - this former French outpost is no picturesque tropical paradise. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city's hospitals and international airport both recent constructions. And the climate is a sweaty, monsoon-soaked affair, with temperatures soaring before the rainy season hits.

Still, there's an allure to Pakse's bustling Laotian-Chinese culture, especially for those interested in the region's complex history. Visitors to the surrounding Champasak Province have surged from 113,684 in 2006 to 493,180 in 2013, so there's clearly appeal. But be prepared for an authentic, gritty Southeast Asian experience - this city is better suited to intrepid expats than those seeking a pampered life abroad.

Can I afford Pakse?

$

Pakse

You could save

2,330/mo

Savings Rate78%

Monthly Costs

Rent $250
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$420

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
78/100
Retiree Score
(i)
70/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Laos Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
74
Safety
23
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) *$2
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) *$2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$8
Meal (Mid-range) *$12
Cappuccino *$2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) *$58
Mobile Plan (mo) *$10
Gym (mo) *$16
Cinema Ticket *$5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $150
1BR Outside (mo) *$294
3BR Center (mo) $300
3BR Outside (mo) *$518

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Pakse Town Centre, Champasak Road
Best For
NGO workers, coffee industry professionals, budget expats

Expat Life Notes

Pakse is the main city in southern Laos, a gateway to the Bolaven Plateau coffee region and Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands). A tiny community of expat coffee industry workers and NGO staff exists. French colonial influence is visible in architecture.

Pros

  • ✓ Gateway to Bolaven Plateau
  • ✓ Mekong riverside
  • ✓ Affordable

Cons

  • ✗ Very limited English
  • ✗ Basic infrastructure
  • ✗ Small city amenities

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
2313 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Pakse

Click any question to expand the answer.

Pakse has a population of approximately 119,848 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $625 per month in Pakse, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $250/month.

The nearest airport to Pakse is PKZ, approximately 2km away.

Pakse is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 74.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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