The cost of living in Laos is generally low compared to Western standards. Essentials such as food, housing, and transportation are affordable, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and retirees.

Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to April. During the rainy season, heavy downpours are common, often resulting in lush landscapes. The dry season features warm temperatures and lower humidity, with cooler temperatures in the mountainous regions.

The educational system in Laos is structured to provide basic education to all citizens, although it faces challenges such as limited resources and accessibility, especially in rural areas. Education is compulsory for five years of primary education, starting at the age of six. After completing primary school, students can continue to lower secondary school for four years, followed by three years of upper secondary school. The school year in Laos typically starts in September and ends in May. The Lao education system is divided into four levels: pre-primary, primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Pre-primary education is not compulsory and includes kindergarten for children aged three to five. Primary education, which is compulsory, is from Grade 1 to Grade 5, where students learn basic literacy and numeracy. Secondary education is divided into lower secondary (Grade 6 to Grade 9) and upper secondary (Grade 10 to Grade 12). Students who complete lower secondary education can either enter the workforce, attend vocational schools, or continue to upper secondary education, which prepares them for university entrance. The quality of education varies significantly, with urban areas having better-equipped schools and more qualified teachers compared to rural areas. The government of Laos has been working with various international organizations to improve the education system, focusing on increasing access to education and improving educational outcomes.

The healthcare system in Laos is a mix of public and private facilities, with the public sector providing basic healthcare services to the majority of the population. The quality of healthcare in Laos varies significantly, with urban areas having better facilities and more skilled healthcare professionals than rural areas. Public healthcare is often underfunded and understaffed, leading to challenges in accessing quality care, especially for complex medical conditions. Private healthcare is available and generally offers higher quality services, but at a cost that is unaffordable for many Laotians. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare, but many opt for private healthcare or travel to neighboring countries for more advanced medical treatments. The cost of healthcare is relatively low compared to Western standards, but payment is usually expected upfront.