Moving to Phnom Penh: The Complete 2025 Guide
Once hailed as the ‘Pearl of Asia,’ Phnom Penh is a city in a profound transformation. Today, it presents a captivating blend of old and new, where ancient temples meet gleaming skyscrapers. This guide is your single source of truth for making the move.
Decoding the Cost of Living: Your 2025 Budget
How much does it cost to live in Phnom Penh? The answer depends on your lifestyle. Recent reports rank it as expensive, but that data is for executive-level packages. For most expats, Phnom Penh remains significantly more affordable than regional peers like Bangkok or Singapore, especially when it comes to rent.
Estimated Monthly Budget (USD)
| Expense Category | Lean Budget (Single) | Comfortable Budget (Single) | Family Budget (Family of 4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-BR outside center) | $265 | – | – |
| Rent (1-BR in center) | – | $480 | – |
| Rent (3-BR in center) | – | – | $1,100 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, etc.) | $70 | $95 | $150 |
| Internet (60+ Mbps) | $22 | $22 | $22 |
| Mobile Phone (10GB+ Data) | $6 | $6 | $24 |
| Groceries | $200 | $300 | $600 |
| Transportation (Ride-hailing/Pass) | $50 | $80 | $120 |
| Dining Out (Local & Mid-Range) | $150 | $300 | $500 |
| Entertainment & Leisure | $75 | $150 | $250 |
| Fitness Club | – | $50 | $100 |
| Healthcare (Contingency/Insurance) | $50 | $100 | $300 |
| Schooling (per child, mid-range) | – | – | $800 |
| Total Estimated Monthly Cost | $888 | $1,583 | $3,966 |
Comparative Analysis: Phnom Penh vs. Regional Peers
| City | Overall COL Index (excl. rent) | Rent Index | Groceries Index | Restaurant Price Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | 37.7 | 11.6 | 41.3 | 25.1 |
| Bangkok | 42.4 | 18.2 | 47.9 | 22.8 |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 32.1 | 13.9 | 33.3 | 19.5 |
| Kuala Lumpur | 34.6 | 11.8 | 39.0 | 23.3 |
| Singapore | 76.7 | 71.9 | 71.0 | 56.4 |
Source: Numbeo, Wise.com. All indices are relative to New York City (NYC = 100). |
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Finding Your Home: Phnom Penh’s Best Neighborhoods
Choosing where to live is the most critical decision you’ll make. Your neighborhood defines your daily experience, from your commute to your social life. Below, we explore the top districts for expats, each with its own distinct character.
The undisputed diplomatic and NGO hub. BKK1 is characterized by leafy streets, trendy cafes, high-end apartments, and top-tier schools. Its main draw is convenience, but this comes at a premium, as it commands the city’s highest rental prices.
Home to sleek high-rises and AEON Mall 1, Tonle Bassac represents modern Phnom Penh. It offers a slightly more corporate feel than BKK1, ideal for business professionals who prefer a contemporary urban lifestyle with everything at their doorstep.
For those seeking a more authentic, bohemian atmosphere. This area buzzes with energy from the iconic market, independent cafes, and a lively bar scene. It’s popular with digital nomads and creatives, with rents 30-40% cheaper than in BKK1.
This is the historic and commercial center, home to the Royal Palace and Wat Phnom. The Riverside offers scenic views of the Mekong and is lined with bars and restaurants. Living here means being in the center of the action, with a mix of colonial and modern apartments.
A quieter, more spacious residential district northwest of the center. Its wide, tree-lined streets and larger homes make it a popular choice for families. While less central, it has its own excellent collection of restaurants, cafes, and schools.
For the Family: International Schools
For expat families, education is a top priority. Phnom Penh has a mature international school market with a range of curricula and price points. Annual tuition can be the largest expense in a family’s budget, so it’s a critical factor to consider.
| School Name | Primary Curriculum | Annual Tuition Range (USD) | Accreditations |
|---|---|---|---|
| International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP) | IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) | $7,700 – $24,000 | CIS, WASC, IB |
| Canadian International School (CIS) | Alberta (Canada) Curriculum | $6,600 – $19,400 | Alberta Educ., IB |
| Northbridge International School | IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) | $6,000 – $24,000 | WASC, IB |
| Australian International School (AISPP) | IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) | $5,000 – $22,000 | CIS, IB |
| Lycée Français René Descartes | French National Curriculum | $6,000 – $9,000 | AEFE |
| Footprints International School | Cambridge / Bilingual (Khmer/Eng) | $2,200 – $4,800 | WASC, Cambridge |
| Logos International School | North American (Christian) | $4,000 – $8,000 | WASC, ACSI |
Source: Move to Cambodia, Wise.com. Fees are approximate for 2024-2025. |
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Connecting with the Community
You’re not alone. One of the greatest assets for a newcomer is the incredibly active and digitally connected expat community. Tapping into this network can provide instant access to a wealth of collective knowledge and social opportunities.
Online Forums
For detailed, long-form questions, start with the long-standing forums. **Khmer440** is popular with the established expat crowd, while **Cambodia Expats Online (CEO)** is more news-focused and has a broad readership.
Facebook Groups
Facebook is the primary social network. Key groups like **”Expats in Phnom Penh,”** **”Phnom Penh Housing,”** and **”The Cambodia Parent Network”** are essential for finding apartments, selling items, and getting instant answers.
Professional Networking
To build business connections, organizations like **BritCham (British Chamber of Commerce)** and other national chambers host regular networking events that are open to professionals of all nationalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa do I need to move to Cambodia?
For any long-term stay, you must get the **”Ordinary” (E-class) visa** upon arrival, not the “Tourist” (T-class) visa. This initial E-class visa costs $35 and is valid for 30 days. Before it expires, you can extend it in-country to an EB (Business), ER (Retirement), or ES (Student) visa for 6 or 12 months.
Is Phnom Penh really expensive for expats?
It can be, but it depends on your lifestyle. If you live in a high-end BKK1 apartment, eat exclusively at Western restaurants, and buy imported groceries, it can be expensive. However, if you adopt a “blended” lifestyle—shopping at local markets and eating at a mix of local and mid-range places—it’s significantly cheaper than Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to much lower rental costs.
What’s the best neighborhood for a family in Phnom Penh?
Many families choose **BKK1** for its convenience, walkability, and proximity to top international schools. However, **Toul Kork** is also very popular for families seeking more space, as it has wider, quieter streets and larger homes. Gated communities, known as “Boreys,” on the city’s outskirts are also an excellent option for those prioritizing security and community amenities like parks and pools.
Do I need health insurance in Cambodia?
Yes. Comprehensive health insurance is considered **non-negotiable** for expats in Cambodia. While high-quality international hospitals like Royal Phnom Penh and Raffles Medical exist, the local public system is very limited. Any serious medical issue will require treatment at these private facilities or, in a critical emergency, medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. A policy that explicitly covers **medical evacuation** is essential.
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Join the CommunityMoving to Phnom Penh:
The Official 2025 Guide
The definitive resource for costs, neighborhoods, and visas. Updated for 2025.
1. The Real Cost of Living
Most online guides are outdated. They quote 2019 prices. Below is the audited data for 2025, comparing a “Lean” expat budget vs. a “Comfortable” lifestyle.
| Expense Item | Lean Budget (USD) | Comfortable (USD) | Family of 4 (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-Bedroom) | $280 (Toul Tom Poung) | $550 (BKK1) | $1,200 (3-Bed Villa) |
| Utilities & Internet | $60 | $110 | $250 |
| Food & Dining | $250 | $450 | $900 |
| Transport | $40 (Grab) | $100 (TukTuks) | $300 (Car Rental) |
| TOTAL MONTHLY | $630 | $1,210 | $2,650 |
2. Where to Live: The Nexus Map
Phnom Penh is a city of villages. Your experience depends entirely on your district. Explore the active zones below.
BKK1
Starbucks, gyms, and high-rise condos. The most expensive but most convenient area. Walkable and safe.
Toul Tom Poung
Home to the Russian Market. Hip coffee shops, winding alleys, and cheaper rents. Popular with digital nomads.
Toul Kork
Wide boulevards and large villas. Quiet, secure, and close to many top international schools.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa before I arrive?
Is the internet fast enough for remote work?
Can I open a bank account?
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