Thinking about moving to Cambodia? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of expats choose Cambodia as their new home, drawn by the affordable lifestyle, warm climate, and business opportunities. In this guide, we’ll break down the real cost of living in Cambodia for 2026, covering everything from rent and food to visas and healthcare.
Why Cambodia is an Expat Magnet
Cambodia has quietly become one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations for digital nomads, retirees, and entrepreneurs. Unlike neighboring Thailand or Vietnam, Cambodia offers:
- No foreign ownership restrictions on property (except land)
- USD as the primary currency β no currency conversion headaches
- Simple visa options with easy renewals
- Low cost of living compared to Western countries
- English widely spoken in business areas
Monthly Cost Breakdown (Phnom Penh)
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital and largest city. Here’s what you can expect to spend monthly:
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $200-400 | $500-800 | $1,000-2,500 |
| Utilities | $30-50 | $50-100 | $100-200 |
| Internet | $15-25 | $25-40 | $40-60 |
| Food (eating out) | $150-250 | $300-500 | $600+ |
| Transport (tuk-tuk/Grab) | $50-100 | $100-200 | $300+ |
| Visa & Extensions | $35/month | $35/month | $35/month |
| Entertainment | $100-200 | $200-400 | $500+ |
Total Monthly Budget:
- Budget lifestyle: $600-1,000 USD
- Comfortable mid-range: $1,200-2,000 USD
- Luxury living: $3,000+ USD
Housing: Where to Live in Phnom Penh
The best neighborhoods for expats include:
- BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1): The expat hub β restaurants, cafes, gyms
- Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market): Trendy area with great local food
- Tonle Bassac: Riverside living with modern condos
- 7 Makara: More local feel, very affordable
Pro tip: Join Facebook groups like “Phnom Penh Housing” or work with a local agent. Most landlords prefer 6-12 month leases and typically require 1-2 months deposit.
Food Costs: Eat Like a King on a Budget
One of Cambodia’s biggest advantages is food affordability:
- Street food meal: $1-3 USD (amok trei, kuy teav, bai sach chrouk)
- Local restaurant: $3-6 USD per meal
- Western restaurant: $8-15 USD per meal
- Coffee (local): $1-2 USD
- Coffee (specialty): $3-5 USD
- Beer (local): $0.75-1.50 USD
Grocery shopping at Lucky Supermarket or Thai Huot can cost $150-300/month depending on your diet.
Visa Options Made Simple
Cambodia’s visa system is refreshingly straightforward:
Tourist Visa (T-Class)
- Cost: $30 (1 month) or $35 (online e-visa)
- Extension: $45-50 for 1 month, or $160-200 for 6 months, $300 for 1 year
- Best for: Digital nomads testing the waters
Business Visa (EB)
- Cost: $35 initially
- Extension: $300-400 for 1 year with multiple entries
- Best for: Long-term expats, business owners
- Work permit: Required if working ($100-150/year)
Most expats use visa agents who handle extensions for a $20-30 fee β worth it for the convenience.
Healthcare in Cambodia
Healthcare is affordable but varies in quality:
- Doctor visit (private): $20-50 USD
- Dental cleaning: $25-40 USD
- International hospitals: Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Sunrise Japan Hospital
- Health insurance: $50-200/month depending on coverage
Important: Get comprehensive international health insurance. While local care is cheap, serious conditions may require evacuation to Thailand or Singapore.
Transportation: Getting Around
You don’t need a car in Phnom Penh:
- Tuk-tuk (short ride): $1-2 USD
- Grab car: $2-5 USD depending on distance
- PassApp/DeliveryApp: Cambodia’s ride-hailing apps (cheaper than Grab)
- Motorbike rental: $50-80/month
Siem Reap vs Phnom Penh Costs
Siem Reap (home to Angkor Wat) is cheaper than Phnom Penh:
- Rent: 20-30% lower
- Food: 10-15% lower
- Smaller expat community but growing
- Better for those seeking a slower pace
Hidden Costs to Budget For
- Work permit: $100-150/year (if employed)
- Travel/medical insurance: $600-2,000/year
- Flights home: $300-800 round trip
- Visa runs (if needed): $100-200
- Co-working spaces: $50-150/month
Money-Saving Tips for Expats
- Eat local β Khmer food is delicious and $2/meal beats $15 Western food
- Learn basic Khmer β You’ll get better prices at local markets
- Use PassApp β Half the price of Grab for the same service
- Buy a motobike β $800-1,500 purchase pays for itself in months
- Shop at local markets β Russian Market and Orussey Market have everything
- Negotiate rent β 6-12 month leases often get 10-20% discounts
Is Cambodia Right for You?
Cambodia offers incredible value for expats. You can live comfortably on $1,200-1,500/month, enjoy great food, experience rich culture, and even save money compared to Western living costs. The key is coming with realistic expectations β infrastructure isn’t Singapore-level, but the trade-offs are worth it for many.
Ready to make the move? Check out our other guides on finding apartments, setting up businesses, and navigating Cambodian culture.
Have questions about expat life in Cambodia? Drop them in the comments below!
