The Definitive Guide to the Cost of Living in Phnom Penh (2025 Edition)
Is Phnom Penh cheap or expensive? For 2025, it’s both. You can live well on $600 a month or $5,000. It’s one of Southeast Asia’s most budget-friendly capitals… if you live like a local. But if you want Western comforts, costs add up fast. This guide breaks down the real cost of living in Phnom Penh.
Quick Answer: Your 2025 Budget
A single expat can live comfortably in Phnom Penh for $1,100 to $1,900 per month. A budget-conscious nomad can get by on $600 to $1,000. Your biggest costs are rent and lifestyle choices. A local meal is $2, but imported groceries are pricey.
Phnom Penh Budget: Which Profile Fits You?
Instead of a table, find the lifestyle that matches you. We’ve broken down four common monthly budgets, excluding optional, high-cost extras like international school fees.
$600 – $1,000 / month
-
Rent$250-400
-
Food$150-250
-
Utilities$50-80
-
Transport$30-50
-
Health/Other$120-220
$1,100 – $1,900 / month
-
Rent$400-750
-
Food$250-400
-
Utilities$80-120
-
Transport$50-100
-
Health/Other$320-530
$2,000 – $3,500+ / month
-
Rent$800-1,500
-
Food$400-600
-
Utilities$100-200
-
Transport$100-200
-
Health/Other$600-1,000
$2,170 – $5,000+ / month
-
Rent$800-2,000
-
Food$500-800
-
Utilities$120-250
-
Transport$100-250
-
Health/Other$650-1,700
Housing: The 2025 Renter’s Market
A construction boom has created a “renter’s market” in 2025. Landlords are willing to negotiate, so always ask for a better price. Your rent will depend entirely on the neighborhood you choose.
Food: The Local vs. Western Price
Your food bill shows the city’s “two-tiered” economy. Shopping at local markets is incredibly cheap. Shopping at Western-style supermarkets for imported goods costs 2-3x more.
The “Great Divide”: Healthcare & Education
Daily life is cheap, but these are the two “great divide” costs that separate a budget lifestyle from an expensive one. Public systems are not up to international standards, so expats must pay for private services.
A simple doctor’s visit at a good clinic costs around $30. For serious issues, top hospitals like Royal Phnom Penh are expensive. International health insurance is non-negotiable, costing $65-$125+ per person monthly.
For expat families, this is the largest cost. Top schools like ISPP or Northbridge charge tuition from $23,000 to over $29,000 per year for high school. More affordable options exist, but it’s a major investment.
Getting Around: Grab, PassApp & Motos
Daily transport is easy and very affordable, as long as you avoid owning a car. The entire city runs on motorbikes and app-hailed tuk-tuks.
Ride-Hailing Apps
This is the default for most expats. Apps like Grab and the local favorite PassApp give you fixed, fair prices. A typical ride across town in an auto-rickshaw costs just $1 to $3.
Motos & Scooters
For ultimate freedom, many expats rent or buy a scooter. Renting costs about $50-$100 per month. You can buy a reliable used moto for $500-$1,200. This is the cheapest way to live, but be confident in traffic.
Public Bus
The city’s hidden gem. The public bus system is modern, clean, and air-conditioned. A single fare is a flat 1,500 KHR (about $0.40). All routes are now integrated into Google Maps, making it easy to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good salary in Phnom Penh?
An average local salary is low, around $323 per month. For an expat, a “good” salary depends on your lifestyle. Earning a foreign-denominated income of $1,500 to $2,000 a month allows for a very comfortable life, including a nice apartment, frequent dining out, and savings.
Is Phnom Penh more expensive than Bangkok?
It’s a trade-off. Rent is significantly cheaper in Phnom Penh (a city-center 1-bedroom is ~$472 vs. ~$698 in Bangkok). However, daily costs like street food are often cheaper in Bangkok. Bangkok’s average salary is also much higher.
How much is rent in Phnom Penh for an expat?
Rent varies widely by area. In the trendy Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market), a modern 1-bedroom apartment costs about $300 – $550. In the upscale BKK1 district, the same apartment can be $400 – $900+.
What is the most expensive utility bill?
Electricity, by far. The rate is high (around $0.152 per kWh), and running your air conditioner will be the biggest factor in your bill. It’s common for an expat’s electricity bill to be $50 to $100+, while water is very cheap, often just $5 to $10 per month.
Ready to Make Your Move?
In 2025, Phnom Penh offers amazing value if you live smart. By eating local, using PassApp, and negotiating your rent, you can enjoy a high quality of life for a fraction of the cost back home.
Get Your Free Relocation Checklist–
Cost of Living in Phnom Penh
The definitive guide to expat budgeting in 2025. Discover how a $1,200 monthly budget unlocks a lifestyle that would cost $4,000+ in the West.
The “Comfortable Expat” Budget
Realistic monthly spending for one person
Design Your Lifestyle
Adjust the sliders to see your estimated monthly cost in Phnom Penh.
Includes Internet ($25)
Includes Transport ($50)
Apartment Tiers
Budget Studio
Tap for details
What you get:
- ✅ Russian Market / TTP
- ✅ Fully Furnished
- ✅ Cleaning 1x/week
- ❌ No Pool/Gym
Luxury Condo
Tap for details
What you get:
- ✅ BKK1 / Riverside
- ✅ Rooftop Pool & Gym
- ✅ 24/7 Security
- ✅ Cleaning 2x/week
