Funding a Gap Year
Southeast Asia gap year budget calculator
Tell our Gap Year AI how long you'll spend in Southeast Asia and get an itemized budget — flights from the US, hostels, street food, buses, visas and vaccines.
Describe your gap year
Southeast Asia it is! Roughly how long are you going for, and do you have particular countries in mind?
Common questions
How much does a gap year in Southeast Asia cost?
Most gap years in Southeast Asia from the US come to $6,000–$11,000 for three months including round-trip flights. Hostels from $8–$20 a night and street food keep daily costs low; flights, insurance and vaccines are the big fixed costs.
Which Southeast Asian countries are cheapest?
Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are usually the cheapest day to day. Thailand and Bali are a little pricier in the tourist hubs, and Singapore is by far the most expensive.
Do US citizens need visas for Southeast Asia?
US passport holders get visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to most of the region, but Vietnam and Cambodia need an e-visa. The calculator adds visa fees for every country on your route.
Why are vaccines so expensive?
Travel vaccines like Japanese encephalitis and rabies aren't always covered by US health insurance and can run several hundred dollars each. The calculator includes a typical US travel clinic range — check with your insurer.