Cost of Living in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville

Cambodia is generally cheaper than Western countries, but costs depend on your lifestyle. These are rough guidelines, and prices change.

How the main costs compare

• Rent (1-bedroom apartment): Phnom Penh is higher with the widest range, Siem Reap is moderate, Sihanoukville is moderate to low
• Eating out (local): low in all three cities
• Eating out (Western): moderate to high in Phnom Penh, moderate in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville
• Transport (tuk-tuk, ride apps): low to moderate in Phnom Penh, low in Siem Reap, low to moderate in Sihanoukville
• Utilities: moderate everywhere, and electricity is a major cost with air conditioning
• Internet and mobile: low everywhere

Typical budgets (monthly, rough)

• Budget lifestyle: local food, shared or basic accommodation, scooter or tuk-tuk
• Comfortable expat lifestyle: a nice apartment, Western food sometimes, gym, and a car or regular ride-hailing
• Family lifestyle: international school fees are often the largest extra cost

Ways to save

1. Eat at local restaurants and markets
2. Rent a little outside the city center
3. Control air conditioning use
4. Use ride apps instead of owning a car

Tip

visit for a few weeks before you commit, and compare actual prices on rental listings and in local shops rather than relying on old blog posts.

Prices vary by neighborhood and over time.