The Cost of Living in Cambodia - A Comprehensive Guide

Moving to Cambodia? Before you go, it’s important to know how much money you will need. From day-to-day living expenses like food and transportation, to longer-term costs like housing and healthcare, understanding the cost of living in Cambodia is essential for budgeting your new life there.

The Cost of Living in Cambodia - A Comprehensive Guide

Comparing Expensiveness to Other Countries

Cambodia is generally considered one of the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia. Compared to many Western countries, the cost of living in Cambodia is considerably lower, while still offering a modern infrastructure and basic amenities like food, housing, and transportation. Costs also vary depending on location and lifestyle, so understanding your individual needs is key.

According to Expatistan.com, a comparison website that uses crowd-sourced data to track prices of all kinds of goods in different countries, basic groceries in Cambodia are about 60% cheaper than what you’d find in the US, Australia, the UK, and most European countries. Accommodation costs vary depending on location and type of house; you can rent an apartment from $200-$1,000 per month in urban areas. For entertainment, eating out is going to cost around $6-10 for a regular meal, while transportation is much cheaper – it only takes around $0.50 to travel between cities by bus. Overall, living with a luxurious lifestyle can cost you around $2,500/month if you decide to live in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap which are the largest cities.

Average Costs for Food and Groceries

Eating out is generally cheaper than cooking at home in Cambodia, with an average meal costing around USD$2.50–$7.50 per person. This will depend, however, on if you are eating local Cambodian food or Western-style dishes, and where you eat. Groceries and essential household items vary widely in price depending on the type and quality of the product, but you should expect to pay anywhere from USD$0.50 for basic items to about $4 for produce such as imported fruits and vegetables.

Cambodian markets are incredibly reasonably priced, but purchasing imported items can be expensive. Imported foods such as packaged snacks and beverages will generally cost more than similar products in the western world. Certain items such as toiletries and other household goods can also be fairly pricey due to shipping costs. Finally, upmarket restaurants catering to foreign visitors tend to charge a premium for the same dishes sold in local eateries, so consider that when planning your meals.

Rent Prices in the Countryside, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh

Rent prices vary considerably depending on where you’re looking. In cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, rents for a one-bedroom apartment can range from USD 200–800. If you’re looking for something more spacious, a two- or three-bedroom place will likely cost around USD 800–1,800. Outside of the major cities, rent prices drop significantly in the countryside, with basic one-bed apartments costing just under USD 200 on average.

For travelers who plan to rent an apartment in Cambodia, there are plenty of options that won’t break the budget. As one of the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia, it is possible to find attractive and comfortable places in major cities and the countryside alike. With a little research, you can be sure to find an apartment that fits your needs both financially and aesthetically.

How Much Does Public Transportation Cost?

In the major cities of Cambodia, public transportation is quite affordable. Tuk-tuks and moto-dop are an inexpensive way to get around—usually starting at around USD 1 for city center routes (higher prices when traveling long distances by taxi). Motorcycle taxis and taxi cabs are also widely available in urban areas, charging slightly higher fares.

Common Utilities and Monthly Bills in Cambodia

Monthly utilities such as electricity, water and gas in Cambodia can range from USD 20 to 80 per month depending on usage. Internet connection fees are usually low but quality has been known to vary significantly, so it’s best to shop around for the best deal. Phone plans for international calls depend on the provider, but typically start at around USD 25 per month.

Your biggest expense at home is going to be air conditioning. If you can limit your use of air con you will be ahead of the game. Keep window blinds closed during the heat of the day and you will notice a remarkable improvement. You should think of investing in decent window blinds.