Laos: cost of living

How many people in the Lao PDR live in poverty?

15.0% of people in the Lao PDR lived below the national poverty line in 2024, down from 18.3% in 2018, according to the World Bank. On the international line of USD 3.00 a day at 2021 prices, the poverty rate was 7.1% in 2024.

The Lao Statistics Bureau has published its report on the seventh Lao Expenditure and Consumption Survey (LECS7), for 2024/2025. The Gini index of inequality fell from 38.8 in 2018 to 34.7 in 2024.

Official sources: World Bank · poverty rate · Gini index

What is the inflation rate in Laos?

In 2025, consumer price inflation in Laos was 7.7%, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.1% (2009) to 31.2% (2023). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.2%, and Laos placed 2nd highest of 24. Of 165 countries with 2025 data, 26th highest.

What is household spending per person in Laos?

$1,555: that is household consumption per person in Laos for 2016, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was $2,992, and Laos placed 20th highest of 23. World rank, highest first: 113th of 160.

What share of people in Laos live in extreme poverty?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2024, is 7.1%. In 2012 the figure was 21.7%.

What is the poverty rate in Laos?

The World Bank puts the share of people below the national poverty line in Laos at 15.0% in 2024. World rank, highest first: 22nd of 31.

How unequal are incomes in Laos?

According to the World Bank, the Gini index in Laos was 34.7 in 2024. In 2012 the figure was 36.0.

How many people in Laos face food insecurity?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 34.4%. The peak was 36.3% in 2022 and the low 29.4% in 2019. It is 3rd highest of 17 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 15.4%. Worldwide: 43rd of 135.