Cost of Rent in Phnom Penh
Don’t let the “sticker price” fool you. Here is the real data on rental costs, neighborhood tiers, and hidden fees for expats moving to Cambodia.
New reports rank Phnom Penh as the 7th most expensive city in Asia for rentals, citing a $550 median price. This number is misleading.
The $550 figure reflects “asking prices” on property portals—mostly luxury condos marketed to foreign investors. The on-the-ground reality for expats is much better. If you know where to look, you can find modern, Western-style apartments in the city center for closer to $480, and just outside the center for $265.
Neighborhood Price Guide (2025)
Your rent depends 100% on your location. We’ve broken the city down into three pricing tiers to help you budget.
BKK1 & Tonle Bassac
For 1-Bedroom Unit
The “Expat Bubble.” This is where you’ll find embassies, Starbucks, and international schools. It’s walkable, safe, and convenient, but you pay a premium. Rents here are the highest in the city.
Explore BKK1 Guide →Daun Penh & BKK2/3
For 1-Bedroom Unit
The “Smart Choice.” Daun Penh (Riverside) offers history and nightlife. BKK2 and BKK3 are just south of the prime district but offer significantly better value. You can find renovated shophouses here for under $400.
Russian Market & Toul Kork
For 1-Bedroom Unit
The “Community Vibe.” Russian Market (Toul Tompoung) is hip, walkable, and packed with cafes. Toul Kork is quieter with wide streets, perfect for families. These areas offer the best value for long-term residents.
Your Total Monthly Cost
Rent is just one line item. Here is what a realistic monthly budget looks like for a single expat in 2025.
| Expense Category | “Comfortable” Budget | “Lean” Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-Bed) | $490 (Central) | $270 (Outer) |
| Utilities (Electric/Water) | $80 | $70 |
| Internet (High Speed) | $20 | $20 |
| Groceries & Eating Out | $380 | $300 |
| Transport & Fun | $180 | $220 |
| TOTAL MONTHLY | $1,150 | $880 |
⚠️ 3 Rental Scams to Avoid
The Electricity Rate Trap
The official government rate is ~$0.18/kWh. Many landlords will try to charge you $0.25 to $0.30/kWh. Over a hot month with AC, this can cost you an extra $100+. Always ask for the rate in writing before signing.
Do Not Pay Agent Fees
In Cambodia, the landlord pays the real estate agent. If an agent asks you for a “finder’s fee” (usually one month’s rent), walk away. They are trying to double-dip.
Protect Your Deposit
Landlords often keep security deposits for “damages.” On move-in day, take photos and videos of everything—scuffs, stains, and cracks. Send them to the landlord immediately to create a timestamped record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rent negotiable in Phnom Penh?
Yes, absolutely. Negotiation is expected. You can often get $50-$100 off the monthly price, or a 10-20% discount if you offer to pay 6 months or 1 year of rent upfront.
What is a “Serviced Apartment”?
A serviced apartment is a hassle-free, hotel-like option popular with new expats. The rent usually includes cleaning (1-2 times/week), internet, cable TV, 24-hour security, and access to a gym and pool.
Can foreigners rent Cambodian-style shophouses?
Yes. These are the cheapest options ($150-$350). However, be prepared for steep stairs, basic kitchens (often just a burner), and “wet bathrooms” where the shower is not separated from the toilet.
Ready to find your new home?
Don’t start your search blind. Check out our deep-dive guides for the best areas to live.
See Neighborhood GuidesRent & Budget Calculator
*Calculations based on 2025 rental market data for 1-bedroom western-style apartments.
This agreement is between [Landlord] (Landlord) and [Tenant], Nationality: [Nation] (Tenant).
កិច្ចសន្យានេះធ្វើឡើងរវាង [ម្ចាស់ផ្ទះ] (ម្ចាស់ផ្ទះ) និង [អ្នកជួល] ជនជាតិ [Nation] (អ្នកជួល)។
Rent is $0/month. Management/Other fee is $0/month. Lease duration is 6 months, starting ….
តម្លៃឈ្នួលគឺ $0/ខែ។ កម្រៃគ្រប់គ្រង/ផ្សេងៗគឺ $0/ខែ។ រយៈពេលជួលគឺ 6 ខែ ចាប់ផ្តើមពីថ្ងៃទី …។
Electricity: 0.25 USD per kWh.
Water: [Fee/Rate].
អគ្គិសនី៖ 0.25 ដុល្លារ ក្នុងមួយគីឡូវ៉ាត់ម៉ោង។
ទឹក៖ [Fee/Rate]។
Deposit of $0 returned within 7 days. Deductions ONLY for documented damages (wear & tear excluded).
ប្រាក់កក់ចំនួន $0 នឹងត្រូវប្រគល់ជូនវិញក្នុងរយៈពេល ៧ ថ្ងៃ។ ការកាត់ប្រាក់កក់អនុញ្ញាតចំពោះតែការខូចខាតដែលមានឯកសារ (មិនរាប់បញ្ចូលការសឹករិចរិលធម្មតា)។
The following items are included:
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សម្ភារៈដែលបានរាប់បញ្ចូលមានដូចខាងក្រោម៖
(សូមមើលបញ្ជីជាភាសាអង់គ្លេស)
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