Cambodia is now one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after destinations, not just among tourists but also among expats, retirees, and digital nomads looking for an affordable but entertaining lifestyle.
From the streets of Phnom Penh to the laid-back way of life in Siem Reap and Kampot, the country offers a unique mix of living low cost yet having a high quality of life.
In these statistics, we’ll break down the cost of living in Cambodia in 2025 into monthly budgets, rental fees, food, utilities, and what you can reasonably expect to get city by city. Whether you’re considering relocating long-term or simply plotting a short stay, this fact-based overview will let you know how far your hard-earned riel will get in the Kingdom of Wonder.
Key Statistics
- Individual, excluding rent (nationwide): ≈ $581–$627/mo (country compared to Phnom Penh).
- Phnom Penh average rentals: 1-bedroom in city center $479–$502; outside of center $266–$274.
- Utilities & internet (Phnom Penh): utilities (personal) ≈ $69; internet 50+ Mbps ≈ $20/mo.
- Country cost index: Cambodia cost-of-living index ≈ 33–34; Phnom Penh city index ≈ 36–37 (Numbeo mid-year 2025).
- Typical “comfortable” expat budgets: $900–$1,200/mo in Phnom Penh; $600–$800/mo in Siem Reap/Kampot.
TL;DR
- $850–$1,200/mo is a realistic Phnom Penh single-person budget (rent included).
- $650–$900/mo is typical in Siem Reap/Kampot.
- The biggest lever is the location of your apartment; outside-center rents can cut total spend by ~$200–$250 monthly.
Cost of Living in Cambodia (2025 Data & City Comparisons)
One of the less expensive nations in Southeast Asia is Cambodia. Before rent, the minimum monthly expenses (food, local transportation, necessities) for one person usually amount to between $580 and $630.
A one-bedroom flat can add up to a monthly budget of between $850 and $1,200 in Phnom Penh and $650 and $900 in secondary cities like Siem Reap or Kampot.
Comparing Living Costs by City
Phnom Penh (capital city)
- Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center: $480–$505; rent outside the center: $265–$275
- Single-use utilities: about $69; internet (50 Mbps or more): about $20 per month
- Conclusion: Despite having the highest rents in Cambodia, Phnom Penh still has a competitive price point when compared to other regional capitals.
Siem Reap & Kampot
- Moderate expat budgets: $600–$800/mo all-in (basic 1-bed, utilities, groceries, local transport).
- Dining is cheaper than in Phnom Penh; rents trend 10–25% lower outside prime tourist blocks.
Sample monthly budgets (realistic 2025 ranges)
Lean Phnom Penh (single, non-central 1-bed): ~ $880 / month
- Rent $270
- Utilities $70
- Internet $20
- Groceries $180
- Eating out $120
- Transport $60
- Misc. $160.
Comfortable Phnom Penh (single, central 1-bed): ~ $1,150 / month
- Rent $490
- Utilities $80
- Internet $20
- Groceries $200
- Eating out $180
- Transport $70
- Gym/entertainment $110.
Siem Reap/Kampot (single, non-central 1-bed): ~ $700 / month
- Rent $220–$280
- Utilities+Internet $80–$95
- Food $300
- Local transport & misc. $90–$120.
Prices for common items in Phnom Penh
- Meal (inexpensive restaurant): ~$3–$4
- Cappuccino: ~$2–$3
- 1.5L water: <$1
- Local transport (monthly): ~$15–$25 (mix of pass + tuk-tuk rides)
Mobile + Internet: ~$20–$30
How Cambodia Compares to Its Neighboring Countries
- Cambodia’s country index (~33–34) is markedly below most Western countries; Phnom Penh (~36–37) sits mid-pack in SE Asia, costlier than Pattaya/Manila but below Bangkok/Singapore tiers.
- LivingCost’s 2025 snapshot lists average monthly spend at $777 and average net salary at ~$375, underscoring why central-city expat rents are the swing factor in total budgets.
Renting tips:
- Outside-center saves 35–45% vs. center for 1-bed units.
- Expect 2–3 months’ move-in (deposit + first month) in serviced units; electricity is often billed per kWh at slightly above EDC rates in some buildings—ask before signing.
Regional Comparison Data
Cambodia vs. Thailand (Bangkok)
- Phnom Penh rent (city center, 1-bed): $480–$500
- Bangkok rent (city center, 1-bed): $650–$800
Phnom Penh is 20–35% cheaper than Bangkok for equivalent apartments.
Cambodia vs. Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Phnom Penh budget (single): $850–$1,200
- Ho Chi Minh City budget (single): $1,000–$1,400
Cambodia’s capital is ~15–20% cheaper for overall monthly living.
Cambodia vs. Bali (Canggu / Denpasar)
- Siem Reap & Kampot budget: $650–$900
- Bali (Canggu average, 1-bed + living costs): $1,200–$1,500
Cambodia’s smaller cities are up to 50% cheaper than Bali’s digital nomad hubs.
Utility & Internet Costs Comparison
- Phnom Penh internet: $20/month
- Bangkok & HCMC internet: $25–$35/month
Cambodia offers some of the lowest internet costs in Southeast Asia, despite improved speed/reliability.
Food & Dining Costs Comparison
- Phnom Penh inexpensive meal: $3–$4
- Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City: $4–$6
Dining out in Cambodia is 25–30% cheaper on average.
Data Resources:
- Numbeo – country overview.
- Numbeo – Phnom Penh city page.
- Numbeo – SE Asia city rankings.
- Wise (2025) – Cambodia + Phnom Penh cost breakdowns.
- Expatistan – Cambodia + Phnom Penh dashboards (2025).
- LivingCost.org – Cambodia + Phnom Penh.
- International Living – Cambodia cost overview.
- LiveWorkCambodia – 2025 expat budget guide.
- Cambodia Teaching Jobs – 2024/25 living-cost guide.
- Expatistan – Siem Reap (2025).
- Tow Can Travel – What Does it Cost to Live in Phnom Penh, Cambodia?
- International Living – Cost of Living in Cambodia
- IPS-Cambodia – An In-Depth Look at the Cost of Living in Cambodia