How much does it cost to live in Cambodia?
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Understanding the true cost of living before you move is essential for financial planning. This detailed breakdown covers every major expense category in Cambodia for 2026, using real data from official sources and cost surveys.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, City Centre) | €350 | Largest expense |
| Rent (3BR, City Centre) | €650 | For families |
| Groceries | €85 | One person, home cooking |
| Public Transport | €25 | Monthly pass |
| Utilities (85m2) | €45 | Electricity, water, heating |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €2 | Inexpensive restaurant |
| Total (Single Person) | €521 | Comfortable lifestyle |
Income vs Expenses
| Income Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (Gross) | €300/month |
| Minimum Wage | €200/month |
| Salary After Rent (1BR) | €-50/month |
With an average salary of €300 and rent of €350, approximately 117% of income goes to housing.
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Cost Indices (vs New York City = 100)
| Index | Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 34.8 | Significantly cheaper NYC |
| Rent | 10.0 | Much cheaper NYC |
| Groceries | 41.6 | Cheaper NYC |
| Restaurant Prices | 25.4 | Cheaper NYC |
| Local Purchasing Power | 22.7 | Lower than NYC |
Money-Saving Tips
- Shop at local markets: Fresh produce is typically 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets
- Cook at home: Eating in saves 60-70% compared to dining out
- Use public transport: Monthly passes are much cheaper than car ownership
- Live outside the centre: Suburbs offer 20-40% lower rent with reasonable commutes
- Compare utilities: Switch providers for electricity and internet to get better deals
- Student discounts: Available for under-26s on transport, museums, and cultural events
Salary by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| It | €6,000 | €8,500 | €12,000 |
| Retail | €1,500 | €2,000 | €3,000 |
| Finance | €4,500 | €6,000 | €8,500 |
| Education | €2,500 | €4,000 | €5,500 |
| Healthcare | €3,000 | €4,000 | €6,000 |
| Engineering | €4,000 | €5,500 | €8,000 |
| Hospitality | €1,500 | €2,500 | €3,500 |
| Construction | €2,000 | €3,000 | €4,500 |
Figures are annual gross salaries in EUR.
Additional Practical Information
Additional Data Points
Recent reports and expat sources provide these additional figures for Cambodia:
- Alternatively, if you're looking to move a bit further away from the tourist circuit but don't wish to sign your own lease or live alone, you could opt to rent a room in a shared apartment. A bedroom in a shared flat rate can go for between US$70 and $250 a month.
- Cheaper apartments or houses are usually located further away from the main areas of town and have basic kitchen facilities, consisting of a portable gas stove and small concrete counter, as well as heavy wooden furniture and older fixtures. If you're after a real bargain, you can sometimes rent out the first floor of a property from a Cambodian family for around US$150 and they will live downstairs.
- Do also be aware that you probably won't be able to rent a property for longer than a month if you only have a tourist visa. For long-term rentals of over six months, landlords are likely to require proof of a one-year business visa. Do note that if you plan to obtain this one-year extension, it's important that you choose the US$35 business visa when you enter Cambodia, instead of the standard US$30 tourist visa.
Additional data sourced from expat community reports. All information should be verified with official sources.
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Get Your Free VerdictFrequently Asked Questions
How does purchasing power compare in Cambodia?
The local purchasing power index in Cambodia is 22.7/100 (NYC = 100), meaning residents have less purchasing power than NYC. This factors in both incomes and costs.
What does public transport cost in Cambodia?
A monthly public transport pass costs approximately €25. Annual passes often offer significant discounts. Most major cities have integrated ticketing systems for buses, trams, and metro.
Can I live comfortably on a remote worker salary in Cambodia?
With a monthly budget of approximately €521, a remote salary of €2,000-3,000/month would provide a very comfortable lifestyle. Research specific cities for the most accurate picture.
What are grocery costs in Cambodia?
Monthly grocery costs for one person average approximately €85. The groceries index is 41.6/100 compared to NYC. Shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets can reduce costs significantly.
Are there hidden costs of living in Cambodia?
Beyond the basics, budget for: health insurance (if not employer-provided), visa fees and renewals, tax adviser fees, initial deposits (rent + utilities), furnishing costs if renting unfurnished, and language courses. These can add €500-2,000 to your first months.