Cambodia is an increasingly popular destination for expats, offering a unique blend of rich culture, historical landmarks, and affordable living.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in three major cities: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville.
Phnom Penh
Housing:
- Furnished Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre: Around $450 – $700 per month.
- Furnished Apartment (1 bedroom) outside City Centre: Approximately $250 – $400 per month.
- Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage): About $90 – $150 per month for a standard apartment.
Food:
- Basic Lunchtime Menu: $4 – $6.
- Combo Meal in Fast Food Restaurant: Around $6 – $7.
- Groceries: Prices for common items like milk ($2 per liter), bread ($1.50 per loaf), and chicken breast ($3 per pound) are quite reasonable.
Transportation:
- One-way Ticket (Local Transport): $1 – $2.
- Monthly Pass: Approximately $10 – $12.
- Taxi Start (Normal Tariff): $1.
Entertainment:
- Cinema Ticket: $5 – $10.
- Fitness Club, Monthly Fee: $30 – $100.
Siem Reap
Housing:
- Furnished Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre: Around $200 – $350 per month.
- Furnished Apartment (1 bedroom) outside City Centre: Approximately $150 – $300 per month.
- Utilities: About $45 – $150 per month.
Food:
- Basic Lunchtime Menu: $2 – $5.
- Combo Meal in Fast Food Restaurant: Around $6 – $8https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Siem-Reap.
- Groceries: Prices for items like milk ($1.80 per liter), bread ($1.30 per loaf), and chicken breast ($1.50 per pound) are quite affordable.
Transportation:
- One-way Ticket (Local Transport): $1 – $1.75.
- Taxi Start (Normal Tariff): $0.75 – $1.
Entertainment:
- Cinema Ticket: $3.50 – $10.
- Fitness Club, Monthly Fee: $20 – $40.
Sihanoukville
Housing:
- Furnished Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre: Around $300 – $500 per month.
- Furnished Apartment (1 bedroom) outside City Centre: Approximately $200 – $350 per month.
- Utilities: About $60 – $100 per month.
Food:
- Basic Lunchtime Menu: $3 – $5.
- Combo Meal in Fast Food Restaurant: Around $6 – $10.
- Groceries: Prices for items like milk ($2 per liter), bread ($1.50 per loaf), and chicken breast ($2 per pound) are quite reasonable.
Transportation:
- One-way Ticket (Local Transport): $1 – $2.
- Taxi Start (Normal Tariff): $1.
Entertainment:
- Cinema Ticket: $3.50 – $10.
- Fitness Club, Monthly Fee: $60 – $100.
Conclusion
Living in Cambodia can be quite affordable, especially compared to Western countries. Whether you choose the bustling capital of Phnom Penh, the cultural hub of Siem Reap, or the coastal city of Sihanoukville, you’ll find a range of options to suit your budget and lifestyle. Each city offers its own unique charm and amenities, making Cambodia a great choice for expats looking for a new adventure.

