Cost of Living in Cambodia
Complete breakdown of monthly expenses in Cambodia. From budget backpacker to premium expat lifestyle—know exactly what to expect before you arrive.
Overview
Cambodia remains one of Southeast Asia's most affordable countries for expats and digital nomads. While not as cheap as it was a decade ago, the cost of living still offers excellent value—especially compared to Thailand or Vietnam's major cities.
Your monthly expenses depend heavily on lifestyle choices. A frugal digital nomad can live well on $800/month, while a family seeking Western comforts might spend $3,000-4,000. Most comfortable single expats land in the $1,200-1,800 range.
Currency Note
Cambodia uses US Dollars alongside Cambodian Riel (KHR). All prices here are in USD. The riel is used for change under $1 (approximately 4,100 KHR = $1).
Calculate Your Budget
Use this interactive calculator to estimate your monthly costs based on your lifestyle preferences and chosen city.
City-Specific Cost Breakdowns
Compare detailed monthly costs across Cambodia's three most popular expat destinations. Each city offers different lifestyles and price points.
Phnom Penh
Capital city with best infrastructure & services
| Category | Budget | Comfortable | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
Housing (1BR) | $300-450 | $500-800 | $1,200-2,500 |
Food & Dining | $150-200 | $350-500 | $600-1,000 |
Transport | $40-60 | $80-150 | $200-400 |
Utilities | $60-100 | $100-150 | $150-250 |
Internet | $25-35 | $35-50 | $50-80 |
Healthcare | $30-50 | $80-150 | $200-400 |
Entertainment | $50-100 | $150-300 | $400-700 |
Gym/Fitness | $25-40 | $50-80 | $100-200 |
Shopping | $50-80 | $100-200 | $300-500 |
Phnom Penh Highlights
- •Best internet speeds (100Mbps+ fiber)
- •Most international restaurants & cuisines
- •International schools & hospitals
- •Most coworking spaces
- •Active expat & digital nomad community
Best For
💡 Cost Index Explained: Phnom Penh = 100 (baseline). Siem Reap at 80 means roughly 20% cheaper. Kampot at 70 means roughly 30% cheaper. Actual savings depend on your lifestyle choices.
Monthly Budgets by Lifestyle
Here are three typical monthly budgets based on different lifestyle choices:
Budget Lifestyle
Basic living, shared accommodation, local food, minimal entertainment
Comfortable Lifestyle
Own apartment, regular dining out, gym membership, active social life
Premium Lifestyle
Luxury apartment, fine dining, private transport, full expat lifestyle
Housing Costs
Housing is typically your biggest expense but offers excellent value compared to Western countries. Prices vary significantly by city and neighborhood.
| Property Type | Phnom Penh | Siem Reap | Kampot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Room | $100-200 | $80-150 | $80-150 | Dorm or shared house |
| Studio | $200-400 | $150-300 | $150-250 | Basic, unfurnished |
| 1BR Apartment | $350-700 | $250-500 | $200-400 | Furnished, good area |
| 2BR Apartment | $500-1,000 | $350-700 | $300-600 | Family-friendly |
| Villa/House | $800-2,500 | $500-1,500 | $400-1,000 | With garden |
| Serviced Apt | $1,200-3,000 | $800-1,800 | Limited | Utilities included |
Pro Tip
Prices drop significantly with longer commitments. A 12-month lease can be 15-20% cheaper than month-to-month. Many landlords are open to negotiation, especially in low season.
For detailed neighborhood guides and housing tips, see our Housing Guide.
Food & Dining
Food is incredibly affordable if you eat local. Western food and imported goods cost significantly more but are widely available in major cities.
Explore our Food Guide for the best local dishes and where to find them.
Transportation
Most expats use motorbikes (motos) for daily transport. Rideshare apps like Grab and PassApp work in major cities.
Driving Note
Driving in Cambodia is chaotic and dangerous. Traffic rules are loosely followed. If you ride a moto, always wear a helmet and get international insurance that covers motorcycle accidents.
Utilities & Internet
Electricity is notably expensive due to limited generation capacity. Internet quality has improved dramatically and fiber is available in most urban areas.
Digital nomads should check our Coworking Guide for WiFi-tested workspaces.
Healthcare Costs
Local healthcare is affordable but quality varies. Serious issues often require medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore—making insurance essential.
- Doctor visit (local clinic): $10-30
- Doctor visit (international clinic): $50-100
- Dental cleaning: $20-40
- Hospital stay (local): $50-150/day
- International health insurance: $50-200/month
See our comprehensive Healthcare Guide for hospital recommendations and insurance options.
Cost Comparison by City
Where you live significantly impacts your budget. Here's how major expat destinations compare (Phnom Penh = 100 baseline):
Phnom Penh
Highest costs, best infrastructure and services
- • Best internet
- • Most restaurants
- • International schools
- • Healthcare
- • Most expensive
- • Traffic
- • Pollution
Siem Reap
20% cheaper than PP, good expat scene
- • Lower rent
- • Temples nearby
- • Quieter
- • Tourism jobs
- • Fewer services
- • Seasonal economy
- • Limited nightlife
Kampot
30% cheaper, laid-back riverside lifestyle
- • Very affordable
- • Nature
- • Small community
- • Relaxed
- • Limited services
- • Far from airport
- • Basic internet
Sihanoukville
Beach living, rapidly changing landscape
- • Beach access
- • Islands nearby
- • Casinos (if that matters)
- • Chinese development
- • Less authentic
- • Traffic
Battambang
Most affordable, authentic Khmer experience
- • Very cheap
- • Authentic
- • Colonial architecture
- • Calm
- • Fewer expats
- • Basic services
- • Hot
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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