Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country of roughly 17 million people, with Phnom Penh and Siem Reap serving as the main expat hubs. Daily life centers on affordable housing, cheap local food, and extensive use of motos (motorcycles) and tuk-tuks for transport. The climate is tropical with a monsoon season from May to October. Most expats live in central neighborhoods of Phnom Penh or near temples in Siem Reap. The local currency is the riel, though US dollars are widely accepted. Internet quality varies by neighborhood but is improving. Healthcare requires care in selection, with many expats using private clinics or traveling to Bangkok for major procedures.
💡 Local Insights
Cambodia · 2026
Cambodia's cost of living at $1,150/month for a moderate lifestyle reflects the country's position as one of Southeast Asia's cheapest destinations, though expat prices and local prices diverge significantly. Housing dominates the budget. A one-bedroom apartment in central Phnom Penh rents for $400 to $700 per month, while Siem Reap runs $250 to $450. Local housing outside these centers drops below $200. Food costs depend on eating habits: street meals and local restaurants cost $1 to $4 per meal, while Western restaurants run $6 to $15. Groceries cost roughly half US prices for local goods, though imported items carry premiums. Transport is negligible, with moto taxis costing $0.50 to $1.50 per trip and monthly moto rental around $30 to $60. Utilities add $20 to $40 monthly. Expats typically spend more on housing, dining, and entertainment than the $1,150 figure suggests, while budget travelers and those with local income may spend considerably less.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Cambodia per month?
A moderate lifestyle in Cambodia costs around $1,150 per month. This breaks down roughly as: rent ($400-$500 for a one-bedroom in a central area), food ($250-$350 including mix of local and occasional restaurant meals), utilities ($25-$40), transport ($15-$30), and miscellaneous expenses ($150-$200) covering phone, laundry, and entertainment. Budget travelers manage on $690 per month, while those wanting more comfort, frequent dining out, or Western groceries spend $1,783 or more.
What is the average rent in Cambodia?
Rent varies sharply by location and neighborhood. In Phnom Penh's expat-friendly areas like BKK1, Chamkarmon, or Tonle Bassac, one-bedroom apartments rent for $500 to $800 per month. Mid-range neighborhoods cost $350 to $500. In Siem Reap, expect $250 to $450 for comparable space. Local Khmer neighborhoods outside city centers drop to $150 to $250. Furnished apartments command 20-30 percent premiums. Longer leases (6-12 months) often include small discounts. Most landlords accept cash deposits of one month's rent.
Is Cambodia cheap to live in for expats?
Cambodia ranks among Southeast Asia's cheapest countries for expats, but value depends on lifestyle choices. Housing, food, and transport are inexpensive compared to Thailand, Vietnam, or Western countries. However, expats often spend more than the local average because they prefer Western food, private healthcare, air-conditioned housing, and recreational activities. An expat on a tight budget can match the $1,150 moderate figure; those wanting dining out, international schools, or frequent travel typically spend $1,500 to $2,500. For remote workers or those with modest fixed incomes, Cambodia remains affordable.
How much does food cost per month in Cambodia?
Food costs range widely by eating style. Street food and local restaurants charge $1 to $4 per meal, making daily eating out feasible on a budget. A month of eating local food runs $100 to $150. Western restaurants cost $6 to $15 per entree. Groceries from local markets are cheap: rice, eggs, and vegetables cost roughly half US prices. Imported goods at supermarkets cost significantly more. A mixed diet blending local eating with occasional Western meals typically runs $250 to $350 monthly. Alcohol is cheap (beer $0.75-$1.50 per bottle locally), though imported spirits cost more.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Cambodia?
A comfortable lifestyle in Cambodia costs around $1,783 per month. This supports a one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood ($500-$700), regular dining at both local and Western restaurants ($400-$500), utilities and internet ($50-$75), transport ($40-$60), and discretionary spending on entertainment and travel ($300-$400). For expats with families, schooling adds $3,000 to $8,000 annually per child. Remote workers earning $2,000 to $3,000 monthly live comfortably above the average, while those earning $1,500 manage but with budget constraints.
How does the cost of living in Cambodia compare to other places?
Cambodia is substantially cheaper than Thailand or Vietnam. Rent in Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City costs 50 to 100 percent more for comparable space. Food costs roughly 30-40 percent less in Cambodia for local meals. Compared to Indonesia, Cambodia edges slightly cheaper in housing but prices overlap for food and transport. Against Western countries, Cambodia costs one-third to one-quarter as much. The regional trade-off: Cambodia offers lower costs but less developed infrastructure and fewer Western amenities than Thailand or Vietnam, making it ideal for budget-focused expats but less convenient for those prioritizing services and consistency.
Can you live in Cambodia on $690/month?
Yes, but with constraints. The $690 budget tier requires sharing housing or renting far from expat centers, eating primarily at local markets and street stalls, using cheap transport, and avoiding Western goods and restaurants. A typical budget setup: $200-$250 rent (shared or local neighborhood), $150-$200 groceries and local eating, $30 transport, $40 utilities, $70 miscellaneous. This works for long-term residents familiar with local systems, those with flexible health needs, and people comfortable with minimal Western amenities. Digital nomads and those requiring frequent dining out, private healthcare, or air conditioning should budget at least $1,150.
