Can you retire in Cambodia on Social Security?

Yes, and comfortably. The average US Social Security retirement benefit runs around $1,900 to $2,100 a month in 2026, which clears CostLiving’s comfortable tier for Cambodia of $1,785 per person per month and leaves a cushion, even approaching the luxury standard of $2,760. That makes Cambodia one of the few places where a single Social Security cheque funds not just survival but a comfortable retirement: an air-conditioned apartment in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, meals out most days, help with cleaning, and money set aside for travel or healthcare. The practical points matter as much as the budget. Cambodia’s economy runs on US dollars, so there is no currency conversion to manage on your pension, and the long-stay visa is straightforward to renew, which removes the residency friction that complicates retirement in some neighbouring countries. The real gap to plan for is healthcare, since serious treatment often means travelling to Bangkok or Singapore, so most retirees budget for private insurance or a medical fund. On the everyday numbers, though, Social Security stretches further here than in almost any other retirement destination. For how Cambodia compares globally, see our roundup of the cheapest places to live. Full tier breakdown on our Cambodia cost of living page.