Cost of Rent in Phnom Penh 2025: The Ultimate Expat Guide
See the real 2025 cost of rent in Phnom Penh ($480, not $550). Our guide breaks down expat budgets, neighborhood prices, and how to avoid the #1 rental scam.
The cost of rent in Phnom Penh for 2025 is a surprise for many. New reports show Cambodia’s capital is the 7th most expensive city in Asia for a 1-bedroom rental. A survey from the Global Property Guide found the median asking price for a 1-bedroom unit is $550 per month. This is far more than nearby cities like Hanoi, Vietnam, where the same apartment costs just $275.
This high price is a shock. Many expats and digital nomads move to Southeast Asia looking for a lower cost of living. But what if the “asking price” isn’t the real price?
This guide gives you the real, on-the-ground rental costs for 2025. We will show you why a “comfortable” budget for a single expat in Phnom Penh is still only $1,150 per month, including rent. We will break down rent prices by neighborhood and show you why rent is high. Most importantly, this guide gives you the insider tips you need to find a great apartment and avoid the most common rental scams.
2025 Phnom Penh Rent by Neighborhood
Your rent cost depends 100% on your neighborhood. An apartment in BKK1 can cost four times more than a similar one in the Russian Market area. Click each row for details.
| Neighborhood | 1-Bed Avg. Monthly Rent | |
|---|---|---|
| BKK1 | $700 – $1,800 | |
|
Tier
1 (Prime Expat Bubble)
Best For
Embassies, International Schools, High-End Dining
Key Insight
The most expensive and in-demand area. Prices are for modern, serviced apartments.
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| Tonle Bassac | $700 – $1,800 | |
|
Tier
1 (Luxury & Riverside)
Best For
AEON Mall, Luxury High-Rises, Modern Living
Key Insight
Similar to BKK1. Home to “Embassy Row” and major commercial hubs.
|
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| Daun Penh (Riverside) | $450 – $1,500 | |
|
Tier
2 (Historic & Riverside)
Best For
Tourist hotspots, Riverfront, Colonial Architecture
Key Insight
Prices vary wildly. You can find deals ($350) but also luxury units. Popular with tourists and expats.
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| Toul Kork | $400 – $1,500 | |
|
Tier
3 (Family-Friendly)
Best For
Families, Quiet Streets, Large Villas
Key Insight
Known for its wide, quiet streets. A more suburban feel while still being central.
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| Russian Market (TTP) | $300 – $500 | |
|
Tier
3 (Hip & Budget-Friendly)
Best For
Long-term Expats, Cafes, Walkability
Key Insight
The best value in the city. Very popular with expats for its hip, walkable vibe and low prices.
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Why is Phnom Penh Rent So High?
If Cambodia is so affordable, why are rental prices so high? There are three main reasons.
1. Limited Prime Supply
The high $550 median price is caused by a “limited supply of completed projects.” There are not enough high-quality, Western-style apartments in the few prime districts (like BKK1) that expats demand.
The Condo Oversupply Paradox
You may hear that Phnom Penh has a huge oversupply of condos. This is true. But it does not make rent cheaper. Many of these condos were built as investments, not homes. A large number were bought by foreign investors and now sit empty, not part of the active rental market. This means the supply of good rental apartments is still low.
2. The 2025 Expat Influx from Thailand
A new trend in 2025 is putting pressure on rent. On January 1, 2025, Thailand started new tax laws that target expat income. This is causing an “exodus” of working-age expats from Thailand, with 55% thinking about leaving.
Many of these expats are “flocking to Cambodia,” which offers easy, cheap long-term visas and a USD-based economy. This new demand for housing is hitting the limited supply of good apartments, putting upward pressure on rental prices.
Your Total 2025 Expat Budget
Rent is only one part of your bill. For a single expat, a “comfortable” budget is about $1,150 per month. A “lean” budget, renting outside the center, is about $880 per month. Here is a sample budget for a comfortable life.
| Expense Category | “Comfortable” Budget | “Lean” Budget | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $490 | $270 | |
|
Comfortable
1-Bedroom in City Center (e.g., BKK2, Daun Penh).
Lean
1-Bedroom outside center (e.g., Russian Market, Toul Kork).
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| Utilities (Basic) | $80 | $70 | |
|
Includes
Electricity, Water, Garbage.
Key Insight
Electricity is the biggest part of this bill. See our “Scams” section below.
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| Internet (50+ Mbps) | $20 | $20 | |
|
Key Insight
High-speed internet is cheap and reliable in Phnom Penh.
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| Groceries | $200 | $180 | |
|
Key Insight
Based on a mix of local markets and Western supermarkets.
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| Eating Out | $180 | $120 | |
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Key Insight
Covers a mix of local ($2-3) and Western ($8-12) meals.
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| Transportation | $70 | $60 | |
|
Method
Primarily using PassApp (TukTuk) for daily trips.
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| Misc. / Gym / Fun | $110 | $160 | |
|
Key Insight
The “Lean” budget has more misc. funds as it saves significantly on rent.
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| TOTAL (Monthly) | $1,150 | $880 | |
Apartment, Condo, or Shophouse?
When you search for a home, you will see four different types of property.
This is a “Western-style” building with hotel-like services. The rent often includes weekly cleaning, laundry, 24-hour security, a gym, and a pool. This is the easiest, most comfortable option for new expats.
A modern apartment in a high-rise, usually owned by a private investor. The building will have a gym and pool, but your rent may not include cleaning. Foreigners can legally buy these units.
The best value. This is an apartment in a traditional 3-4 story building that has been renovated with modern kitchens, nice bathrooms, and Western appliances. They do not have a gym or pool.
The traditional, basic local apartment. They are long and narrow. The kitchen is often just a gas burner, and the bathroom may not have a separate shower. This is the cheapest way to live in the city.
Expat Rental Survival Guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid
Finding a good apartment is easy. But many expats lose money by making simple mistakes. This is your financial survival guide.
Paying $0.25/kWh (or more)
The official government (EDC) rate is ~730 Riel, or $0.15 – $0.18 per kWh. Landlords will charge an inflated rate, often $0.25 to $0.35, to cover building lights. A rate of $0.35 is a scam and can cost you over $100 extra per month.
Action: Check Before You Sign
Before you sign the lease, ask for the electricity rate in writing. A rate of $0.25 is high but common. $0.30 or more is a major red flag.
Accepting the First Price
Negotiation is expected in Cambodia. Landlords value good, long-term tenants and cash. Expats report getting $100/month off by paying 6 months upfront, or even 40% off on a 3-year lease.
Relying on a Handshake
Cambodian rental law is “Pro-Landlord.” You cannot easily take a landlord to court. Your written contract is your only protection. Get everything in the lease: rent, deposit, electricity rate, and who fixes broken items.
Not Documenting Damage
It is very common for landlords to keep the 1-2 month deposit, claiming “damages” that were already there. Assume you won’t get it back unless you have proof.
Action: Create a Timestamped Record
On move-in day, take photos and videos of every existing problem (scuffs, stains, broken tiles). Send them all to your landlord in a WhatsApp or Telegram group. This creates a timestamped record they cannot argue with.
Paying a “Finder’s Fee”
A scam targeting new arrivals. An agent helps you, then asks for a fee. The reality: In Cambodia, for a 12-month rental, the commission is paid by the LANDLORD. Always confirm upfront: “You are being paid by the landlord, correct?”
How to Find Your Apartment
The #1 way most expats find rentals is through Facebook Groups. You can deal directly with landlords or find rooms in shared houses. Real estate websites and a good agent are also great options.
Phnom Penh Rental Price Tiers
A map of Phnom Penh’s central neighborhoods, color-coded by rental price tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 1-bedroom apartment in Phnom Penh in 2025? +
In 2025, a 1-bedroom apartment averages $480-$505 per month in the city center and $265-$275 outside the center. In prime areas like BKK1, prices start at $700.
What are the average utility costs in Phnom Penh? +
Basic utilities (electricity, water, garbage) average $70-$95 per month. High-speed internet is separate and costs about $20 per month.
What is a “serviced apartment” in Phnom Penh? +
A serviced apartment is a Western-style rental that includes services like 24/7 security, a gym, a pool, and weekly cleaning in the rent price.
Who pays the real estate agent fee in Cambodia? +
The landlord pays the agent’s fee. For a 12-month lease, this is usually one month’s rent. Tenants should not pay this fee.
What is the official electricity rate in Cambodia for 2025? +
The official residential rate from Electricite du Cambodge (EDC) is around 730 Riel, or $0.15 – $0.18 per kWh. Be aware that most landlords will charge you an inflated rate, commonly $0.25/kWh.
Is it easy to negotiate rent in Cambodia? +
Yes, negotiation is expected. You can get large discounts, especially if you offer to pay 6 or 12 months’ rent upfront.
Ready to Start Your Search?
You now have the 2025 data, the neighborhood breakdown, and the insider tips to find a great apartment at a fair price. The next step is finding the perfect area for you.
Explore the Neighborhood Guide
