Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country of about 17 million people, with Phnom Penh as the capital and Siem Reap as the tourist hub. The climate is tropical, with a monsoon season from May to October and dry season from November to April. Daily life centers on markets, motorbikes, and Buddhism. Outside tourist zones, most residents are Cambodian-speaking, though English spreads in cities. Power outages happen occasionally. Internet is widely available in urban areas. The country has recovered significantly from its recent past and operates as a modern, if developing, economy with growing infrastructure.
💡 Local Insights
Cambodia · 2026
Cambodia's cost of living is genuinely low for expats, but pricing splits sharply between local and tourist markets. Housing costs average $410/month for moderate comfort, but that buys different things depending on location and standards. A basic Khmer apartment in a local neighborhood (Chamkar Mon, Toul Kork) runs $250-350. Expat-focused rentals in Daun Penh or BKK1 start around $500-700. Furnished serviced apartments for short-term stays run higher. Groceries cost roughly $166/month if you shop local markets and eat Cambodian food. Imported goods, Western brands, and restaurant meals in expat areas cost significantly more. Public transport is cheap: tuk-tuks cost $1-3 per ride, motorbike taxis under $1. Many expats buy used motorbikes ($500-1,200) for long-term stays. Water and electricity are inexpensive. Healthcare is affordable for routine care; serious treatment often requires travel to Thailand. Visa costs ($60-120 for tourist or business visas) recur regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Cambodia per month?
A moderate lifestyle costs about $925/month. This breaks down roughly as: housing $410, food (groceries) $166, transport $40-60, utilities $20-30, and discretionary spending $280-320. The budget tier reaches $555/month by cutting housing to $250-300 and food to $100-120, eliminating most dining out and entertainment. A comfortable lifestyle costs $1,434/month, allowing for nicer housing, more dining out, and regular travel within the region. Actual spending varies widely based on whether you stick to local prices or adopt expat spending habits.
What is the average rent in Cambodia?
Average rent is about $410/month for moderate housing. In local neighborhoods (Chamkar Mon, Toul Kork, Daun Penh side streets), a one-bedroom unfurnished Khmer apartment runs $250-350/month. Mid-range expat-friendly units with air conditioning, hot water, and decent finishes cost $450-650/month. Serviced apartments and guesthouses in tourist areas (Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) range $500-1,200/month depending on amenities. Phnom Penh's most expat-dense areas (BKK1, Daun Penh) command premiums of $700-1,200 for modern apartments. Utilities add $20-30/month. Prices are negotiable, especially for longer leases.
Is Cambodia cheap to live in for expats?
Yes, but with caveats. Cambodia is cheaper than Thailand or Vietnam in most categories, and dramatically cheaper than Western cities. On $925/month, an expat can live comfortably with good housing, eat well, and travel regionally. However, prices are rising, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The real savings come from eating local food and using local transport. Expats who insist on imported groceries, Western restaurants, and air-conditioned taxis spend much more. Healthcare, visas, and flights home are ongoing costs. Compared to Southeast Asian peers, Cambodia remains a bargain, though it's no longer the ultra-cheap destination it once was.
How much does food cost per month in Cambodia?
Groceries cost roughly $166/month if you shop at local markets and cook Cambodian food. A kilogram of rice is $0.50-0.80, eggs $1.20-1.50/dozen, chicken $2-3/kg, vegetables $0.30-1 per item depending on season. A meal at a local food stall costs $0.50-1.50. Restaurant meals in expat areas cost $5-15. Imported items (cheese, cereals, Western brands) are double or triple local prices. Eating primarily at local markets and stalls keeps costs under $100/month. Mixing local and occasional restaurant meals reaches $166/month. Adopting expat dining habits easily pushes this to $300-400/month.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Cambodia?
A comfortable lifestyle costs about $1,434/month, so a monthly income of $1,500-1,600 provides security and flexibility. This allows for nicer housing ($600-800), eating out several times weekly ($200-250), regular travel ($200-300), and entertainment ($150-200). For remote workers and digital nomads, $1,500-2,000/month is comfortable. For a couple, $2,200-2,500/month supports a pleasant life with travel and hobbies. Lower salaries are livable but require budget discipline. Expats often find the true floor is not cash flow but visa status; tourist visas cost $60-120 every few months, and business visas require ongoing fees.
How does the cost of living in Cambodia compare to other places?
Cambodia runs $925 per month for a moderate lifestyle, with housing at $410 per month. This positions it as genuinely affordable compared to most Southeast Asian tourist destinations. Bali costs slightly more at $975 monthly, making it a near peer in pricing despite its reputation for budget travel. If you're seeking lower costs, Iran runs $650 per month, though practical considerations around visas and currency stability matter heavily. Lebanon costs considerably more at $1,300 per month, reflecting economic pressures that have driven up prices for foreign residents. Cambodia's strength is its combination of low overall costs and reasonable housing, which means your money stretches further here than in comparable regional alternatives, particularly if you're flexible about where you live outside the capital.
Yes, but it requires discipline and comfort trade-offs. The budget tier of $555/month means basic housing ($250-300/month in a local Khmer apartment), minimal groceries ($100-120/month from markets), cheap transport ($20/month on tuk-tuks), and almost no dining out or entertainment. You'll live in working-class neighborhoods, cook most meals, and travel slowly. Medical emergencies become risky; serious issues require saving or emergency fundraising. Visas, occasional flights, and unexpected costs create stress. This budget suits long-term visitors and digital nomads with zero-cost housing (house-sitting, work-trade) or retirement income with low expectations. It's possible but leaves little margin for error.
