Cost of Living in Cambodia

The cost of living in Cambodia remains generally affordable. If you’re planning to move here, you’ll find that street food, local entertainment, and public transport can be quite cheap. That said, the cost of living is higher in Phnom Penh compared to other areas, particularly when it comes to accommodation and dining out in international venues.

Internet and upscale dining can get pricey, but Cambodia is ideal if you prefer to live like the locals. Learning a bit of Khmer can make a world of difference in negotiating prices and sidestepping the notorious ‘expat tax’.

Inflation has increased the cost of everyday items in recent years, with Phnom Penh ranking 123rd out of 226 cities in the 2024 Mercer Cost of Living Survey. The economic growth and improved supply chains are helping to stabilise prices, but it’s still wise to budget carefully, especially if you plan to live in Phnom Penh.

Cost of accommodation in Cambodia

Accommodation in Cambodia, particularly in the capital, can vary widely depending on location. If you’re living in Phnom Penh, being near the river or trendy areas like Boeng Keng Kang will push up rental prices. In contrast, expat-favourite Siem Reap offers more affordable housing, though still pricier than rural areas.

Expect housing to be your biggest expense. You’ll also need to factor in utilities like water, electricity, and internet, which aren’t usually included in the rent.

Cost of transport in Cambodia

Getting around Cambodia remains affordable, with tuk-tuks and motos being popular and inexpensive options. Be sure to agree on a price with the driver upfront to avoid being overcharged. Speaking basic Khmer can help you get a fairer deal than negotiating in English.

Ride-sharing apps like Grab have become a reliable option, often cheaper than traditional transport for longer distances. If you’re in a rush or looking for convenience, using Grab can save you some time and money.

Cost of groceries in Cambodia

Groceries in Cambodia offer good value, especially if you’re buying fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats from local markets. This is where you’ll find the best deals. However, imported goods and items from Western-style supermarkets like Lucky Supermarket or AEON can be significantly more expensive.

Online grocery delivery services are starting to grow in popularity, making it more convenient to access both local and imported items without stepping out, but they can come with a premium cost.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Cambodia

Local entertainment and dining in Cambodia remain affordable, particularly if you stick to street food or smaller local restaurants. A meal at a street vendor will cost a fraction of what you’d pay in the UK or US, but if you’re heading to a high-end restaurant or an international chain, expect prices to match those back home.

Cultural attractions, museums, and natural sites are reasonably priced, making it easy to enjoy a day out without breaking the bank. If you’re into Western-style entertainment like cinema trips, prices are comparable to what you’d expect in Western countries, but still not too extravagant.

Cost of education in Cambodia

If you have children, public schools may not be a suitable option, as the language of instruction is Khmer, and standards can be below what you’re used to. Although spaces are limited, especially in Phnom Penh, Cambodia offers plenty of private and international schools.

Fees for international schools can be steep. Still, many parents find the cost well worth it, as these schools often have high teaching standards and a wide variety of extracurricular activities. At the same time, children get the opportunity to engage with other expat children.

Private schools are more affordable than international ones, but the latter typically follow Western curricula and offer higher standards of education. If you’re based in Siem Reap, tuition fees tend to be slightly lower than in the capital.

Cost of healthcare in Cambodia

Healthcare in Cambodia is affordable compared to Western countries, but quality can vary. Public hospitals generally don’t meet Western standards, so expats prefer private clinics and hospitals for better care, even though they come at a higher cost.

If you need specialised care or face serious medical issues, many expats choose to travel to nearby Thailand or Singapore. Comprehensive health insurance is highly recommended, especially one that includes coverage for medical evacuation in case of emergencies.