2026 Data Updated
Real Cost of Living in
Phnom Penh
From budget backpacker to luxury expat. Explore the interactive breakdown of rent, food, and lifestyle costs in Cambodia’s capital.
Nomad Budget
$850/mo
Expat Comfort
$1,600/mo
Family (3)
$2,800/mo
Choose Your Lifestyle
Toggle between profiles to see detailed monthly breakdowns.
Total Monthly
$950
Housing
Studio in Russian Market
$350
Food & Drink
Street food + Local markets
$250
Transport
Grab Bike + Walking
$80
Utilities & Data
Electric, Water, SIM
$70
Extras
Visa, Gym, Fun
$200
Regional Comparison
How Phnom Penh stacks up against other SE Asia hubs (Nomad List 2026 data).
Singapore
$4,800
Bangkok
$2,100
Phnom Penh
$1,600
Ho Chi Minh
$1,550
Hidden Cost Warning: Electricity
Landlords often charge a premium rate for electricity (up to $0.25/kWh). Always check the meter rate before signing a lease. A fair rate is around $0.18-$0.20/kWh.
Common Questions
Is healthcare included in these costs?
No. We highly recommend international health insurance (approx. $80-$150/mo depending on age) as local public healthcare is not recommended for expats.
How much deposit do I need for an apartment?
Standard practice is 1 month deposit + 1 month rent upfront for contracts under 6 months. For 1-year contracts, you might negotiate, but 1-2 months deposit is standard.
Can I use US Dollars everywhere?
The economy is de-dollarizing. While you can pay rent in USD, most daily transactions (cafes, tuktuks, markets) are now done in Khmer Riel (KHR) via QR code scans (ABA Pay).
Ready to make the move?
Download our free “Phnom Penh Arrival Checklist” to save time and avoid scams.
Get the Checklist →