Housing in Cambodia
From budget apartments to luxury villas, Cambodia offers affordable housing options for every lifestyle. Learn where to live, what to pay, and how to find your perfect home.
Housing Overview
Cambodia offers excellent value for housing, with rents significantly lower than Western countries or neighboring Thailand. Whether you want a simple local apartment or a modern condo with pool and gym, options abound.
Most expats live in Phnom Penh (the most options and highest prices) orSiem Reap (temple town, relaxed pace). Kampot andKep attract those seeking quieter, seaside living.
Pro Tip
Spend your first 1-2 weeks in a guesthouse or Airbnb while apartment hunting. This lets you explore neighborhoods and negotiate in person—you'll get much better deals than booking remotely.
Popular Neighborhoods
Location matters significantly for quality of life. Here are the most popular areas for expats:
| Neighborhood | Type | Rent Range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) | Premium | $500-1,500 | Most popular expat area. Cafes, restaurants, embassies. Safe and walkable. |
| BKK2 & BKK3 | Mid-Range | $350-800 | Slightly cheaper than BKK1, still convenient. Growing expat scene. |
| Toul Tom Poung (TTP) | Mid-Range | $300-700 | Russian Market area. Young expats, artists, good cafes. Great value. |
| Riverside | Mixed | $400-1,000 | Along the Mekong. Touristy but convenient. Can be noisy at night. |
| Toul Kork | Residential | $400-900 | More local feel. Good for families. Quieter, more space. |
| Wat Bo | Expat Area | $250-600 | Main expat neighborhood. Walking distance to Old Market. |
| Kampot Town | Budget | $150-400 | Riverside living. Slow pace. Popular with retirees and creatives. |
Rental Prices by City
Prices vary significantly between cities. Phnom Penh is the most expensive, while provincial towns offer much lower rents.
| Property Type | Phnom Penh | Siem Reap | Kampot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Apartment (1BR) | $200-400 | $150-300 | $100-200 |
| Western-style (1BR) | $400-800 | $300-500 | $200-350 |
| Modern (2BR) | $600-1,200 | $400-700 | $250-450 |
| Serviced Apartment | $600-1,500 | $400-800 | $300-500 |
| Villa/House | $1,000-3,000 | $600-1,500 | $400-800 |
Finding Housing
There are several effective ways to find housing in Cambodia:
Online Resources
- Facebook Groups: "Phnom Penh Rentals", "Siem Reap Housing" - most active
- Khmer24.com: Local classifieds, mix of quality
- Realestate.com.kh: Largest property portal
- Agents: IPS Cambodia, Century 21, CBRE Cambodia
Walking Around
Some of the best deals aren't listed online. Walk around your target neighborhood and look for "For Rent" signs. Many landlords only advertise locally.
Do
- • Visit at different times of day
- • Check water pressure and hot water
- • Test the WiFi speed
- • Meet the neighbors if possible
- • Negotiate—it's expected
Don't
- • Pay before viewing in person
- • Sign without reading the contract
- • Assume utilities are included
- • Skip the inventory checklist
- • Commit to 1 year immediately
Rental Process
Renting in Cambodia is relatively straightforward:
- View properties: Schedule viewings, ideally with a Khmer speaker
- Negotiate: Price, lease length, included utilities, furnished items
- Sign contract: Usually in English and Khmer. Read carefully!
- Pay deposit: Typically 2 months rent, refundable at end of lease
- Inventory check: Document existing damage with photos
- Move in: Get spare keys, emergency contacts, utility account details
Contract Tips
- • Get everything in writing—verbal agreements are hard to enforce
- • Ensure the contract specifies who pays for repairs
- • Include early termination clause if possible (usually 1-2 months notice)
- • Keep a copy of the signed contract and all receipts
Utilities & Bills
Utility costs are generally low, except electricity which can add up with heavy AC use.
| Utility | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $50-150/month | Higher with AC use. $0.20-0.25 per kWh |
| Water | $5-20/month | Very cheap. Some buildings include it |
| Internet | $25-50/month | Fiber available in cities. 50-100 Mbps |
| Gas (Cooking) | $5-10/month | LPG tanks, refilled as needed |
| Cleaning Service | $50-100/month | 2-3 times per week |
Need Legal Help with This?
Our licensed Cambodian law firm partners offer free initial consultations on visas, property, company registration, and residency.
Explore Legal Services →Buying Property
Foreigners face restrictions on property ownership but still have options:
What Foreigners Can Buy
- Condos: Strata title ownership (above ground floor only) is fully legal
- Buildings: Can own the structure, but not the land beneath
Workarounds for Land
- Long-term lease: Up to 50 years, renewable—most common approach
- Cambodian company: Form a company with Khmer partner (risks involved)
- Nominee ownership: Not recommended—legally risky
Legal Advice Required
Property transactions require professional legal assistance. Use a reputable law firm experienced in foreign property matters. Never rely solely on the seller's lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Get Cambodia Travel Updates
Visa changes, travel tips, and destination guides delivered to your inbox.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.