Monthly budget overview (USD)
Indicative ranges for a single person in Phnom Penh (mid-range lifestyle), cross-checked against listing samples [1]. Cambodia's dual-currency system means costs are typically quoted and paid in USD.
Phnom Penh
| Category | Budget (USD/mo) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed central) | 300-700 | BKK1 or Tonle Bassac |
| Electricity + water | 50-150 | Electric rate varies widely |
| Internet (fibre) | 25-80 | Ezecom or SINET |
| Mobile phone | 5-15 | Prepaid data plan |
| Food (groceries) | 150-300 | Local market + imported |
| Eating out | 100-300 | 3-5 meals out per week |
| Transport (tuk-tuk/Grab) | 50-150 | PassApp/Grab or motorbike |
| Health insurance | 80-250 | International, age 60+ |
| Miscellaneous | 100-250 | Entertainment, misc |
| Total | 860-2,195 | ~800-2,050 EUR |
Siem Reap (roughly 15-20% cheaper than Phnom Penh for most categories)
Key cost drivers
Housing: Phnom Penh housing is priced in USD. A 1-bed in BKK1 (popular expat area) ranges from 300 USD (older building) to 800 USD (new condo with pool/gym). The oversupply of condos means tenants can negotiate. Siem Reap is cheaper.
Food: local food is cheap. A bowl of noodle soup or fried rice is 1-2 USD. A Western restaurant meal is 5-15 USD. Imported groceries are slightly cheaper than in Vietnam but more expensive than local equivalents.
Transport: tuk-tuks (PassApp) cost 0.50-3 USD/trip within Phnom Penh. Monthly tuk-tuk budget for daily trips: 50-100 USD. Motorbike ownership adds 20-40 USD/month (petrol + parking + maintenance). Grab is available but more expensive than PassApp.
Electricity: the most variable utility. Government rate is about 0.15-0.20 USD/kWh, but landlords often charge tenants 0.25-0.37 USD/kWh. Verify the rate in the lease. A typical 1-bedroom with moderate AC use runs 30-80 USD/month.
Alcohol: local beer (Angkor, Cambodia, Anchor) is 0.50-1 USD in a shop, 1-2 USD in a bar. Imported beer (Heineken, Carlsberg) is 1.50-3 USD. Imported wine: 10-25 USD per bottle in a shop.
Healthcare: international health insurance is the biggest variable. A GP visit at a reputable Phnom Penh clinic (Tropical Medical Clinic, International SOS) costs 30-80 USD. Insurance for age 60+: 80-250 USD/month.
Regional variations
- Sihanoukville: housing 20-30% cheaper than Phnom Penh. Some costs (Western food, imported goods) can be higher due to transport costs from the capital.
- Battambang / Kampot: significantly cheaper. Rent 150-400 USD/month, food 150-250 USD/month.
- Rural provinces: very cheap (rent 50-150 USD/month) but limited expat community and amenities.
Comparison with Western Europe
A comfortable single-person lifestyle in Phnom Penh costs roughly 900-1,800 USD/month (830-1,670 EUR/month). Equivalent lifestyle in a European city would be 2,200-3,500 EUR/month.
This page is indicative. Actual costs vary significantly by individual circumstances.