Cost of Living in Cambodia Revealed

The remarkable difference of cost of living in Cambodia an appealing choice for expatriates, digital nomads, and retirees looking to relocate. Life in Cambodia costs about 48.8% less than in the United States.

You can get a meal at a budget-friendly restaurant for just $3, and rental prices are 77.4% lower than their American counterparts. These numbers show why Cambodia gives you great value for your money.

The numbers tell an interesting story about Cambodia’s living costs. A single person needs around $583.80 monthly before rent, while a family of four spends about $2,053.70. The monthly expenses become even more attractive if you think over that basic utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment cost approximately $90.77.

Your dollars stretch by a lot further here than in Western countries. It’s smart to compare these costs with nearby places like Thailand or the Philippines before you make your final choice.

These financial details are essential to create a realistic budget if you plan to move to Cambodia. The complete breakdown below shows exactly what to expect for daily expenses in 2025. This guide helps both solo adventurers ready to explore Southeast Asia and retirees drawn to Cambodia’s rich culture.

What is the Real Cost of Living in Cambodia in 2025?

Cambodia stands as one of Southeast Asia’s budget-friendly destinations in 2025. Global cost indexes place Cambodia at 90th globally with a cost of living index of 33.9. This puts the country squarely among the most affordable third of countries worldwide. Let’s break down what these numbers mean for expats, digital nomads, and retirees planning their move.

Understanding the Basics: Rent, Food, Transport

Your lifestyle choices and location will shape your living costs in Cambodia. A one-bedroom apartment in Phnom Penh’s city center costs around $418.97 monthly, while similar units outside the center go for $246.77. Families need more space, and three-bedroom apartments cost approximately $771.27 in central areas or $482.06 in outlying neighborhoods.

Food makes up a big chunk of living expenses in Cambodia. You’ll pay about $3.00 for a meal at a simple restaurant, and a nice dinner for two at a mid-range place costs around $25.00. Monthly grocery bills run between $150-$200 for one person, though imported goods will push that number higher.

Getting around won’t break the bank in Cambodia. Local transport tickets cost just $1.50 one-way, and monthly passes run $10.60. Many expats rent motorbikes for $60-$80 monthly. Taxis start at $1.00 plus distance charges, making them a practical option.

Basic utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment average $90.77 monthly. Your air conditioning use can drive these costs up during hot seasons.

How Cambodia Compares to Cost of Living in Thailand and Living Expenses in Philippines

Cambodia offers great value compared to its neighbors. Living costs run 2.9% lower than Thailand, excluding rent. The real savings show up in housing – Cambodia’s rent prices sit 26% below Thailand’s.

The Philippines costs 10.4% less than Cambodia for daily expenses without rent. Cambodia wins on housing costs though, with Philippine rents running 20.4% higher. This sweet spot between Thai prices and Philippine living costs makes Cambodia an attractive option.

Location affects your monthly budget. Phnom Penh expats typically need $900-$1,200 monthly to live comfortably. Smaller cities and provinces are even more affordable at $500-$700 monthly. Retirees should plan for about $1,150 monthly to cover a moderate lifestyle including housing, utilities, food, entertainment, and basic healthcare.

The US dollar serves as Cambodia’s primary currency alongside the Cambodian riel. This makes life easier for Americans and anyone earning in dollars – no complex currency conversions needed.

A single person spends about $583.80 monthly excluding rent. These numbers make Cambodia especially appealing to digital nomads and remote workers earning Western salaries.

A Day of Eating: Food Costs in Cambodia

Food takes up much of your daily budget while living in Cambodia. You’ll need to understand these costs to prepare a realistic financial plan whether you’re just visiting or planning to stay longer. Life in Cambodia becomes easier on your wallet once you know the best places to eat.

Street Food vs Restaurant Dining

Cambodia’s street food gives amazing value if you have a tight budget. You can get a simple rice dish from a street vendor for just USD 1.00-2.00, and a small baguette sandwich like Vietnamese Banh Mi costs less than USD 1.00. So if you watch your spending, street food can keep you well-fed without breaking the bank.

Local restaurants bridge the gap between street food and fancy dining. Most budget-friendly restaurants serve meals between USD 2.50-6.00, while Western dishes cost USD 5.00-10.00. Tourist spots like Siem Reap’s Pub Street charge more than usual.

High-end restaurants in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap are a better value than what you’d find in Thailand. Two people can enjoy fine Italian dining with appetizers, main course, wine, and dessert in expat areas for about USD 37.50 (150,000 Riel).

Grocery Shopping for A Single Person or Family

A single person spends around USD 150-200 monthly on groceries. Yes, it is true that your monthly food costs in Cambodia depend on how you shop and what you like to eat.

Local markets offer good prices on basic food items:

• 1 kg of rice: USD 0.42 per pound
• Dozen eggs: USD 1.83
• 1 kg of chicken: USD 1.94 per pound
• 1 kg of potatoes: USD 0.62 per pound
• 1 kg of apples: USD 1.65 per pound

Food costs about USD 27.00 per person daily in Cambodia. Families can save money by buying in bulk, which makes per-person food costs lower than for someone living alone.

Cambodia’s bigger cities have Western-style supermarkets and malls that sell everything from fresh produce to organic fruits and vegetables. Cooking at home saves money usually, but street food can be cheaper for single people.

Cost of Imported Goods and Local Treats

Imported goods cost more in Cambodia. Foreign products affect the cost of living in US dollars because of their high prices. You’ll pay 50-100% more for imported foods than in their home countries. To name just one example, see American ice cream, French wine, and Australian meats – they’re available but cost by a lot more than local options.

Local treats and specialties give great value. Popular Cambodian street snacks include:

• Nom Krok (coconut pancakes): USD 1.00-2.00 per serving
• Kranlan (bamboo sticky rice): Around USD 1.00 per tube
• Nom Ka Chai (Cambodian chive cakes): About USD 1.00
• Mango sticky rice: USD 2.00-3.00

Drinks are affordable too. Fresh coconut ice cream costs USD 1.00-2.00, and Cambodian iced coffee makes a perfect afternoon pick-me-up at USD 1.50. Local beer is cheap – just USD 0.50 for a glass of draft beer in many places.

These food costs help create a workable budget if you’re planning retirement or long stays. Expats typically spend about USD 229.00 monthly on food, which makes Cambodia quite reasonable compared to the Philippines or other nearby countries.

Getting Around: Transportation and Daily Travel Expenses

Transportation is a vital part of living costs in Cambodia. Your monthly budget depends a lot on how you get around. Anyone moving to this Southeast Asian nation needs to know their options.

Public Transport, Tuk-tuks, and Taxis

Transportation in Cambodia costs nowhere near what you’d pay in Western countries. The cheapest way to travel is the Phnom Penh city bus system. A trip costs just 1,500 riel (USD 0.37), whatever the distance. The service is free for senior citizens, children under 1 meter tall, monks, teachers, and students who show proper ID. Busses run from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM every day on 13 routes across the capital.

Tuk-tuks are everywhere and serve as the main taxi service. A quick ride in Phnom Penh will set you back USD 1.50-2.00 for 1-2 km, USD 2.00-4.00 for 3-6 km, and about USD 5.00 to cross town.

Ride-hailing apps have changed everything about local transport. PassApp and Grab show exact fares upfront, so you won’t need to bargain or worry about tourist pricing. A PassApp tuk-tuk from Riverside to Phnom Penh Airport costs about 13,000 KHR (USD 3.25). The trip from Riverside to Russian Market costs around 7,000 KHR (USD 1.75).

Busses are the best deal for traveling between cities. The trip from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap costs USD 8.00-12.00 on a regular bus or USD 12.00-18.00 for VIP/sleeper options. The train service between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville has started running again, with tickets from USD 6.00-10.00.

Owning A Motorbike or Car: Is It Worth It?

Your choice of vehicle can affect your monthly living costs by a lot. Motorbikes rule Cambodia’s streets. Annual sales should hit 27,530 units in 2025. A new motorcycle costs USD 6,730 on average, and Piaggio leads the market.

Many expats find that renting or buying a motorcycle saves money compared to taking taxis. Monthly motorbike rentals cost USD 60.00-80.00, making them popular with people watching their dollars in Cambodia.

Cars are a different story. The import tax is 39.15% over CIF value because Cambodia depends on imports. You’ll need specific documents to register your vehicle, and it might need changes to meet local rules.

Gas costs about USD 4.36 per gallon. That’s high compared to living costs in the Philippines or Thailand. This is why many single people choose motorcycles, especially those planning to retire in Cambodia.

Home Sweet Home: Housing and Utility Costs

Housing costs make up much of Cambodia’s living expenses. Yet they remain a bargain compared to other countries in the region. You need to understand local price differences and regulations to find your ideal home.

Renting An Apartment in Phnom Penh vs Siem Reap

Phnom Penh’s rental market commands top prices. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $418.97 monthly, while similar units outside cost $246.77. Families needing three-bedroom apartments pay $771.27 in central areas and $482.06 in outer neighborhoods.

Siem Reap presents more budget-friendly choices. One-bedroom apartments range from $200 in Taphul Village to $400 near the riverside. Luxury apartments with pools can cost between $650-900 per month. Cambodia’s second city gives great value to single residents looking for affordable monthly accommodation, especially when compared to Thailand’s living costs.

Utilities, Internet, and Mobile Plans Explained

Cambodia’s electricity rates rank among its least competitive costs at $0.137 per kWh. Monthly basic utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment, including electricity, water, and waste collection, add up to $90.77.

Internet service quality has improved. A 60 Mbps unlimited connection costs $24.75 monthly. Mobile plans deliver excellent value – Smart’s plan offers 15GB of data for $1.50 weekly. Metfone users get 100GB monthly for just $10.

Buying Property: What You Need to Know

Foreign retirees face specific property ownership rules in Cambodia. They can only directly purchase condominiums with strata titles. Land ownership requires a Cambodian company setup with 51% local ownership.

Property transfers come with several fees. These include a 4% stamp duty tax on property value, yearly property tax of 0.1% for properties worth more than $25,000, and management fees between $0.15-2.00 per square meter based on property type. Properties valued under $210,000 qualify for tax exemptions through 2025 for first-time buyers.

Cambodia’s average living costs make property investment appealing despite these ownership complexities.

Beyond Basics: Entertainment, Healthcare, and Extras

Life in Cambodia goes beyond just meeting your simple needs. You’ll find the living costs quite appealing once you look at entertainment, healthcare, and other monthly expenses that make up your budget.

Gym Memberships, Cinema, and Nightlife Costs

Your entertainment choices play a big role in Cambodia’s living costs. The gym scene offers plenty of options. A simple facility costs around $35 per month, while high-end spots like The Place charge between $70-$100. CrossFit fans should expect to pay $120-$130 monthly. The premium Sofitel sports club membership runs about $180 per month.

Movie lovers will be happy to know that international releases cost just $5.50 – this is a big deal as it means that you’ll pay much less than in Western countries. The nightlife won’t break your bank either. Local beers cost $1 in bars and restaurants, while fancy cocktails range from $4-$8. Many places even offer happy hour deals with draft beers at just $0.75.

Healthcare and Insurance for Expats and Retirees

Healthcare is a vital part of calculating Cambodia’s living costs. The public system doesn’t match Western standards, so private insurance becomes a must for expats and retirees. Monthly international health coverage starts at $50. More detailed plans with evacuation coverage cost about $65 monthly.

Private clinics provide better care than public hospitals. You’ll pay between $25-$88 for consultations, depending on the facility. Serious medical issues often need treatment in Thailand, Vietnam or Singapore – a costly affair at $20,000+ without proper insurance coverage.

Unexpected Costs to Budget for Each Month

Your monthly budget needs room for often-forgotten expenses in Cambodia. Visa costs run about $24 monthly, and retirees face an annual ER visa extension fee of $285. These administrative costs add up quickly.

Internet issues might force you to have mobile backup plans, usually costing $6 monthly for 60GB. Most people set aside around $50 monthly for unexpected expenses. The good news? Cambodia’s use of US dollars saves you from currency exchange headaches that expats face elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Cost of Living in Cambodia Frequently Asked Question

What is the Monthly Cost of Living for a Comfortable Lifestyle in Cambodia?

A comfortable lifestyle in Cambodia can be achieved for around $900–$1,200 per month in Phnom Penh, or $500–$700 in smaller cities. This budget typically covers rent, food, utilities, transportation, and some entertainment.

How Do Housing Costs Compare between Major Cambodian Cities?

In Phnom Penh, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around $419 per month, while in Siem Reap, similar accommodations can start from $200 in areas like Taphul Village. Luxury units in Siem Reap with amenities like swimming pools can range from $650–$900 monthly.

What are the Typical Food Expenses for an Individual in Cambodia?

Food costs in Cambodia are quite reasonable. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $3, while monthly grocery expenses for a single person range between $150–$200. Street food options are even more affordable, with many dishes available for $1–$2.

How Much Should One Budget for Healthcare and Insurance in Cambodia?

For expatriates and retirees, private health insurance is essential and typically starts around $50 per month. More comprehensive plans, including evacuation coverage, can cost approximately $65 monthly. It’s important to factor in these costs when planning a long-term stay in Cambodia.

What are Some Unexpected Costs to Consider when Living in Cambodia?

Some often overlooked expenses include visa maintenance (about $24 monthly), annual visa extensions for retirees (around $285), backup internet plans ($6 monthly for 60GB), and incidentals (about $50 monthly for a single person). It’s wise to budget for these additional costs to avoid financial surprises.

Is Cambodia a Budget-Friendly Destination for Digital Nomads?

Yes, Cambodia is considered a budget-friendly destination for digital nomads. Cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer coworking spaces, affordable apartments, and cheap meals, with monthly living costs averaging between $700 and $1,000 depending on lifestyle. High-speed internet is widely available, though a backup mobile plan is recommended.

How Much Does Transportation Typically Cost in Cambodia?

Transportation in Cambodia is relatively inexpensive. A monthly public transport pass costs around $15, while tuk-tuk rides within cities usually range from $1 to $3. Many expats opt to rent a motorbike, which can cost around $60–$100 per month, plus about $10–$15 monthly for fuel.

Are Utilities Expensive for Renters in Cambodia?

Utility costs for renters in Cambodia are moderate. Monthly electricity bills typically range from $30 to $70 depending on air conditioner use. Water bills are usually under $10, and internet service costs about $12–$20 per month. Some rental agreements include utilities, especially in serviced apartments.

What is the Cost of Education for Families Moving to Cambodia?

Education costs vary widely. International schools in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap charge tuition ranging from $3,000 to over $15,000 annually per child, depending on the school and grade level. Local schools are more affordable but may not offer English-language instruction or international curricula.

Is It Expensive to Dine Out Frequently in Cambodia?

Dining out in Cambodia is quite affordable compared to Western standards. Casual restaurants charge $3–$7 per meal, while mid-range restaurants typically cost $10–$20 per person. Western-style cafes and international cuisine options are slightly more expensive but still budget-friendly for frequent outings.