Though it can vary according to the type of lifestyle an expat maintains, the cost of living in Cambodia is generally affordable. Expats will find that certain things can be relatively cheap, including street food, entertainment and public transport, but the cost is usually higher in Phnom Penh. Internet and eating out can be exorbitantly priced. Although, for expats who choose to 'live like a local', Cambodia is the ideal destination.
Over the last couple of years, Cambodia has been affected by inflation, which has pushed up the prices of everyday items. This is evidenced by the country's ranking in the 2022 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, in which Phnom Penh was 134th out of 227 countries.
Cost of accommodation in Cambodia
Expats living in the capital will find that the cost of accommodation varies. In Phnom Penh, proximity to the river increases rental prices. Another place popular with expats is Siem Reap, which is largely cheaper than the capital. Housing will most likely be the highest expense for expats in Cambodia.
Cost of public transport in Cambodia
Getting around Cambodia is fairly cheap. Local transport such as tuk-tuks and motos are inexpensive and easy to use. Expats should negotiate a price with the driver beforehand to ensure they are not paying too much. Those who speak basic Khmer may find that they get a better deal than those who try to negotiate in English.
Cost of education in Cambodia
For expats with children in Cambodia, sending their child to a public school will likely not be an option. While public schools are free, the language of instruction is Khmer, and the standard of education is subpar. Fortunately, expats have plenty of private and international schools to choose from, but they should bear in mind that space is limited, and the fees are steep. Private schools are typically less costly than international schools.
Cost of food in Cambodia
Phnom Penh is home to several fine-dining restaurants with high price tags. For those with a more conservative budget, eating out can be a cheap and tasty experience, depending on where one goes. Local street vendors sell authentic Cambodian cuisine at reasonable prices. Some supermarkets stock imported products for expats looking to find home comforts, though these are significantly more expensive than local products.
Cost of living in Cambodia chart
Prices may vary depending on product and service provider as well as the city. The list below shows average prices for Phnom Penh in September 2022.
Accommodation (monthly rent) |
|
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
KHR 6,089,981 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
KHR 3,266,656 |
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
KHR 2,235,875 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
KHR 1,324,506 |
Shopping |
|
Eggs (dozen) |
KHR 7,471 |
Milk (1 litre) |
KHR 9,059 |
Rice (1kg) |
KHR 4,272 |
Loaf of white bread |
KHR 7,136 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
KHR 23,182 |
Pack of cigarettes |
KHR 6,177 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac Meal |
KHR 26,765 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
KHR 3,500 |
Cappuccino |
KHR 11,395 |
Bottle of local beer |
KHR 4,118 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
KHR 96,765 |
Utilities |
|
Mobile-to-mobile call rate (per minute) |
KHR 240.20 |
Internet (uncapped – average per month) |
KHR 144,632 |
Basic utilities (per month for a small apartment) |
KHR 506,469 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate (per kilometre) |
KHR 4,118 |
Bus/train fare in the city centre |
KHR 4,118 |
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) |
KHR 4,851 |
Further reading
►For information about getting around, see Transport and Driving in Cambodia
Expat Interviews
"You can have a really nice lifestyle on relatively little here, which is one of its biggest draws. Everything from rented accommodation to hotels, eating out and transport to fish and local produce at the market is extremely inexpensive."
Read more about UK expat Clare's interview about her life in Cambodia.
Are you an expat living in Cambodia?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Cambodia. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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