Living Expenses in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2025 and 2026: Complete Cost Guide
Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital city, offers an attractive cost of living for international visitors and expatriates. Understanding the current and projected living expenses helps travellers budget effectively and make informed decisions about extended stays or relocation to this dynamic Southeast Asian metropolis.
Overview of Phnom Penh's Cost of Living
Phnom Penh presents one of the most affordable capital cities in Southeast Asia, offering excellent value for money across accommodation, dining, transportation, and entertainment. The city's dual-currency system (US Dollar and Cambodian Riel) provides stability and convenience for international visitors.
The cost of living in Phnom Penh remains significantly lower than Western countries and many regional capitals, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads, retirees, and long-term travellers. However, costs vary considerably depending on lifestyle choices and accommodation preferences.
Accommodation Costs
Budget Accommodation
| Type |
Price Range |
| Dormitory beds |
$5-12 USD/night |
| Private rooms in guesthouses |
$10-25 USD/night |
| Budget hotel rooms |
$15-35 USD/night |
- Basic amenities included
- Central locations available
- Air conditioning in most budget hotels
- Basic breakfast often included
Mid-Range Accommodation
| Type |
Price Range |
| Boutique hotel rooms |
$35-80 USD/night |
| Studio apartments |
$400-800 USD/month |
| One-bedroom units |
$600-1,200 USD/month |
- Modern amenities and services
- Swimming pools and restaurants
- Fully furnished with kitchenettes
- Housekeeping services included
High-End Hotels
- Luxury rooms: $80-200 USD per night
- Five-star amenities and services
- Spa, fitness, and dining facilities
- Premium locations
- International hotel chains
Luxury Apartments
- One-bedroom luxury: $1,000-2,500 USD per month
- Two-bedroom units: $1,500-4,000 USD per month
- Premium locations and amenities
- Concierge and security services
- Expatriate-focused developments
Food and Dining Expenses
Street Food & Local Cuisine
| Item |
Price Range |
| Noodle soups |
$1-3 USD |
| Rice dishes |
$1.50-4 USD |
| Grilled meats |
$2-5 USD |
| Khmer cuisine meals |
$3-8 USD |
| Local beer |
$1-2.50 USD |
International Dining
| Type |
Price Range |
| Casual Western dining |
$8-20 USD |
| Fine dining |
$25-60 USD |
| Fast food chains |
$5-12 USD |
| Coffee shops |
$2-6 USD |
| Wine and cocktails |
$5-15 USD |
Local Markets
- Fresh vegetables: $0.50-2 USD per kg
- Local fruits: $0.50-3 USD per kg
- Rice: $0.80-1.50 USD per kg
- Local meat: $3-8 USD per kg
- Fish and seafood: $2-12 USD per kg
Supermarkets
- Imported goods: 50-200% premium
- Western brands: $2-15 USD per item
- Dairy products: $2-8 USD per item
- Processed foods: $1-10 USD per item
- Household items: $1-20 USD per item
Transportation Costs
Public Transportation
| Type |
Price Range |
| Tuk-tuks (short distance) |
$2-5 USD |
| Tuk-tuks (medium distance) |
$3-8 USD |
| Motorbike taxis (short) |
$1-3 USD |
| City buses |
$0.25-0.50 USD |
| Airport transfers |
$8-15 USD |
Private Transportation
| Type |
Price Range |
| Motorbike rental (daily) |
$5-10 USD |
| Motorbike rental (monthly) |
$60-120 USD |
| Car rental (daily) |
$25-60 USD |
| Car rental (monthly) |
$400-800 USD |
| Grab car |
$3-10 USD |
Utilities and Services
Basic Utilities
| Service |
Monthly Cost |
| Electricity |
$30-80 USD |
| Water |
$5-15 USD |
| High-speed internet |
$15-40 USD |
| Mobile data plans |
$5-20 USD |
| Cable TV packages |
$10-30 USD |
Professional Services
Healthcare
- GP visits: $20-50 USD
- Specialist consultations: $30-80 USD
- Dental cleanings: $15-40 USD
- Health insurance: $50-200 USD/month
Personal Services
- Haircuts: $3-20 USD
- Massage therapy: $8-25 USD/hour
- Laundry services: $1-3 USD/kg
- House cleaning: $15-30 USD/session
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Recreation & Entertainment
Nightlife
- Local bars: $2-8 USD per drink
- Upscale bars: $5-15 USD per drink
- Nightclub entry: $5-20 USD
- Live music venues: $3-15 USD entry
Cultural Activities
- Museum entries: $2-10 USD
- Temple visits: Free-$5 USD
- Cultural shows: $10-30 USD
- Historical tours: $15-50 USD
Sports and Fitness
- Gym memberships: $20-60 USD per month
- Swimming pools: $3-10 USD per day
- Tennis courts: $5-15 USD per hour
- Golf courses: $30-80 USD per round
- Yoga classes: $5-15 USD per session
Shopping & Personal Items
Clothing
- Local clothing: $5-25 USD per item
- International brands: $15-100 USD per item
- Tailored clothing: $20-80 USD per item
- Shoes: $10-60 USD per pair
Electronics
- Mobile phones: $50-800 USD
- Laptops: $300-1,500 USD
- Cameras: $100-1,000 USD
- Home appliances: $50-500 USD
Monthly Budget Estimates
Budget Lifestyle
| Accommodation |
$300-600 USD |
| Food and dining |
$200-400 USD |
| Transportation |
$50-100 USD |
| Utilities |
$50-100 USD |
| Entertainment |
$100-200 USD |
Total: $700-1,400 USD per month
Comfortable Lifestyle
| Accommodation |
$600-1,200 USD |
| Food and dining |
$400-700 USD |
| Transportation |
$100-200 USD |
| Utilities |
$80-150 USD |
| Entertainment |
$200-400 USD |
Total: $1,380-2,650 USD per month
Luxury Lifestyle
| Accommodation |
$1,200-3,000 USD |
| Food and dining |
$700-1,500 USD |
| Transportation |
$200-500 USD |
| Utilities |
$150-300 USD |
| Entertainment |
$400-1,000 USD |
Total: $2,650-6,300 USD per month
2025-2026 Cost Projections
Expected Price Increases
Inflation Factors
- General inflation rate: 3-5% annually
- Tourism recovery impact: 2-4% increase
- Infrastructure development: 1-3% increase
- Currency fluctuations: Variable impact
- Global economic factors: 1-5% impact
Sector-Specific Projections
- Accommodation: 5-8% annual increase
- Food costs: 3-6% annual increase
- Transportation: 4-7% annual increase
- Utilities: 2-5% annual increase
- Entertainment: 3-6% annual increase
Economic Development Impact
Positive Factors
- Improved infrastructure reducing some costs
- Increased competition in service sectors
- Better public transportation options
- Enhanced digital services efficiency
Cost Pressure Factors
- Rising property values
- Increased tourism demand
- Higher service quality expectations
- International standard compliance costs
Money-Saving Tips
Accommodation Savings
- Choose locations outside central tourist areas
- Consider longer-term rental agreements
- Share accommodation with other travellers
- Negotiate rates for extended stays
- Book during low season periods
Food & Dining Savings
- Eat at local markets and street stalls
- Cook meals in accommodation with kitchen facilities
- Take advantage of happy hour promotions
- Join local dining groups and communities
- Explore neighbourhood restaurants away from tourist areas
- Use motorbike taxis for short distances
- Walk when possible in central areas
- Negotiate tuk-tuk rates for regular routes
- Consider monthly motorbike rental for extended stays
- Use ride-sharing apps for transparent pricing
Banking and Financial Services
Banking Options
Local Banks
- Account opening: $50-200 USD minimum deposit
- Monthly fees: $2-10 USD
- ATM withdrawals: $1-3 USD per transaction
- International transfers: $10-30 USD per transfer
- Credit card annual fees: $20-100 USD
International Banking
- Foreign bank branches available
- Higher service fees but familiar services
- Better international transfer rates
- English-language customer service
- Premium account options
Currency Considerations
Dual Currency System
- US Dollars widely accepted
- Cambodian Riel for small purchases
- Exchange rate stability
- No need for frequent currency exchange
- ATMs dispense both currencies
Phnom Penh offers excellent value for money across all lifestyle categories, making it an attractive destination for various budgets and preferences. While costs are projected to increase moderately through 2025-2026, the city will likely remain one of Southeast Asia's most affordable capitals.
Successful budgeting in Phnom Penh depends on understanding local pricing structures, choosing appropriate accommodation and dining options, and taking advantage of the city's affordable transportation and entertainment offerings. With careful planning, visitors can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
For the most current pricing information and cost-saving opportunities, connect with local expatriate communities and stay informed about economic developments that may affect living costs in Cambodia's dynamic capital city.