Costs of living in Cambodia vary by location and lifestyle. Typical monthly expenses for a single person range from about $700 to $1,200 in smaller cities, rising to roughly $1,200 to $2,000 in Phnom Penh or popular expat hubs when including comfortable apartment space and dining out occasionally. Main cost drivers include housing, utilities, transportation, and daily meals.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent – Studio (city center) | $250 | $350 | $600 | Phnom Penh/Siem Reap; smaller towns cheaper. |
| Rent – 1BR (city center) | $350 | $520 | $900 | Market varies by building age and amenities. |
| Rent – 1BR (outside center) | $200 | $320 | $520 | Better value outside prime districts. |
| Utilities (electricity, cooling, water) | $60 | $110 | $180 | Air conditioning can push higher in hot months. |
| Internet (60–100 Mbps) | $15 | $25 | $40 | Fiber options available in cities. |
| Groceries (monthly, single) | $150 | $250 | $500 | Depends on imported foods and preferences. |
| Eating out (local meals) | $1 | $3 | $6 | Street eateries are common; higher-end places cost more. |
| Dining out (mid-range meals) | $4 | $8 | $15 | Casual restaurants and chains fall here. |
| Public transport | $0.25 | $0.75 | $2 | Rideshare and tuk-tuk options vary by distance. |
| Private taxi / rideshare (per ride) | $3 | $6 | $12 | Short to mid-range trips in cities. |
| Motorbike rental (monthly) | $60 | $90 | $120 | Includes basic maintenance in some packages. |
| Healthcare visit (private clinic) | $12 | $25 | $45 | Tests and specialist visits cost more. |
| Entertainment / gym membership | $10 | $25 | $60 | City offerings vary widely. |
| Miscellaneous | $20 | $50 | $100 | Personal care, household items, etc. |
Overview Of Costs
Current price ranges reflect typical market rates in urban and provincial settings. The total monthly cost for a single person living frugally in a smaller city might fall around $700–$1,200, while a comfortable city-living setup in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap could range from $1,200–$2,000 per month. Per-unit benchmarks, such as rent per square meter or per square foot, are less commonly cited in Cambodia; instead, households price by unit (studio, 1BR) and by month. Assumptions: regional, standard apartment, moderate consumption, standard utilities, and no long-term lease discounts. Assumptions: region, apartment style, and lifestyle.
Cost Breakdown
The following table uses a mix of totals and per-unit figures to illustrate typical monthly budgets. Assumptions include a single adult, standard usage, and urban living in Cambodia’s main cities.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent, 1BR in city) | $320 | $520 | $900 | Includes basic building amenities; utilities separate. |
| Utilities (electricity, water, cooling) | $70 | $110 | $180 | Air conditioning can significantly affect totals. |
| Internet | $20 | $28 | $40 | High-speed options available. |
| Groceries | $180 | $240 | $480 | Local produce keeps costs low; imported goods push higher. |
| Eating Out | $50 | $120 | $220 | Daily meals plus occasional dining out. |
| Transport | $30 | $60 | $120 | Tuk-tuk, motorbike rental, occasional taxi. |
| Healthcare | $15 | $28 | $50 | Private clinics typically more expensive than public options. |
| Entertainment & Fitness | $15 | $30 | $60 | Gym, cinema, social activities. |
| Other | $20 | $40 | $70 | Clothing, personal care, household items. |
| Total (monthly) | $720 | $1,178 | $2,020 | Ranges reflect city vs. rural living and lifestyle choices. |
What Drives Price
Price levels hinge on housing location, apartment size, and amenities, plus lifestyle choices such as dining out frequency and private transportation. Key drivers include urban density and AC usage, which push electricity costs higher in Phnom Penh and coastal cities. Additionally, imported goods and international schooling affect groceries and services for expatriates.
Regional Price Differences
Cambodia shows notable contrasts among regions. In Phnom Penh, rents and utilities tend to be higher than in Siem Reap and provincial towns, but service options and internet speeds are typically stronger in the capital. Urban centers can add 10–40% to monthly costs compared with rural areas, depending on lifestyle.
- Phnom Penh: higher rent, robust services, multi-speed internet, greater dining-out variety.
- Siem Reap: comparable rents to Phnom Penh in prime districts but cheaper outside; tourism-driven prices in peak seasons.
- Rural/provincial towns: lower rents and utilities, limited high-speed internet, fewer international options.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical monthly budgets for different lifestyles in urban Cambodia. Figures assume standard contracts and no major medical expenses.
Basic Budget
Specs: Studio in a smaller city, basic furnishings, local food focus, no car. Labor hours not applicable; prices reflect local market only.
- Rent: $250–$350
- Utilities: $60–$100
- Internet: $20–$25
- Groceries: $150–$200
- Eating Out: $40–$60
- Transport: $20–$40
- Healthcare: $15–$25
- Total: $595–$850
Assumptions: regional city, modest apartment, budget dining, basic services.
Mid-Range Budget
Specs: 1BR apartment in a city center, mix of local and some imported groceries, regular dining out, motorbike rental.
- Rent: $500–$750
- Utilities: $90–$140
- Internet: $25–$35
- Groceries: $200–$320
- Eating Out: $80–$140
- Transport: $40–$80
- Healthcare: $20–$35
- Total: $955–$1,540
Assumptions: city center, balanced consumption, reliable services.
Premium Budget
Specs: Modern 1–2BR, higher-speed internet, frequent dining out at varied venues, occasional private transport.
- Rent: $900–$1,400
- Utilities: $120–$180
- Internet: $35–$60
- Groceries: $300–$500
- Eating Out: $150–$300
- Transport: $80–$140
- Healthcare: $30–$60
- Total: $1,615–$2,640
Assumptions: urban center, modern amenities, routine dining out, higher discretionary spend.
Cost Savings & Budget Tips
To manage expenses, consider housing outside central districts, negotiate longer-term leases for favorable rents, and balance eating out with home cooking. Credit card offers and local SIM plans with data limits can help control monthly costs. For routine services, comparison shopping and selecting local brands typically yields the best value. Plan around off-peak travel and astute shopping for imported goods if needed.