Cambodia's cost of living varies significantly by location. Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville are about 10% above average due to higher demand. Islands like Koh Rong carry a 25% premium because supplies must be shipped in. Provincial cities like Battambang and Kampot offer 5-10% savings below the national average.
The multiplier of 1.1x for Phnom Penh is applied to all base costs to give you a city-adjusted estimate.
City Comparison
Same lifestyle (Mid rent, Mixed food, Scooter) across different cities:
Generally yes. Cambodia is 20-30% cheaper than Thailand for accommodation, food, and transport. However, imported Western goods and island prices can be comparable. The biggest savings are in local food, rent outside Phnom Penh, and domestic transport.
Cambodia uses a dual-currency system. USD is widely accepted for larger transactions. Riel (KHR) is used for small purchases and change. ATMs dispense USD. Bring small USD denominations ($1, $5, $10). The exchange rate is roughly 4,100 Riel = $1 USD.
Yes, island prices are typically 20-30% higher than mainland cities due to transport costs for supplies. Koh Rong has a 1.25x cost multiplier compared to the national average. Budget travelers should expect to spend more on food and accommodation on islands.
Budget rooms and shared apartments start from $150-300/month. A decent studio or 1-bedroom apartment in BKK1 or Riverside costs $400-600. Luxury serviced apartments range from $800-1,500+. Prices have increased slightly in 2025-2026 but remain very affordable.
Basic healthcare is very affordable — a doctor visit costs $5-20 at local clinics. International hospitals (Royal Phnom Penh, Sunrise Japan) charge $50-150 per visit. Health insurance is recommended and costs $50-150/month for comprehensive coverage.
A business visa (E-class) costs $35 and can be extended for 1-12 months. Monthly extensions cost about $45/month. A 1-year multiple-entry extension costs approximately $280-300. This is a recurring cost to factor into your budget.
Day passes cost $5-10. Monthly memberships range from $60-120 depending on the space and city. Phnom Penh has the most options (BarCamp, COBLA, Factory). Siem Reap and Kampot have fewer but growing coworking communities.
It's possible in smaller cities like Kampot or Battambang if you eat local food, rent a basic room, and don't have expensive habits. In Phnom Penh, $500/month would be very tight. Most comfortable expats budget $800-1,500/month.
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