Can I live in Cambodia on $1,000 a month?

Yes, $1,000 a month is a comfortable single-person budget in Cambodia, sitting between CostLiving’s budget benchmark of $690 and the moderate tier of $1,150 per person per month. It funds a real expat life rather than a bare-bones one. In Phnom Penh or Siem Reap that money takes a modern, air-conditioned studio or one-bedroom in a decent area for $350 to $550, then covers utilities, a local SIM and fast internet, and most meals out, because a plate of local food runs a couple of dollars and even Western restaurants are affordable. Cambodia is also unusually easy on the practical side for long-stayers: the economy runs on US dollars, and the renewable business visa is one of the simplest in the region, so you are not fighting the paperwork that eats into budgets elsewhere. What $1,000 does not stretch to is heavy reliance on imported goods, frequent flights, or private international schooling. For a single person who rents modestly and eats locally, though, it is enough to live well with savings left over. For how Cambodia ranks globally, see our roundup of the cheapest places to live. Full tier breakdown on our Cambodia cost of living page.