Living Expenses in Phnom Penh
Complete cost guide for living in Cambodia's vibrant capital city
Updated for 2025: Current costs and comprehensive budget planning information
Single Person
$625.70
Monthly costs (excluding rent)
Family of Four
$2,196.60
Monthly costs (excluding rent)
Cost Comparison with Major Cities
63.7%
Lower than New York City
36.3%
Of New York costs
11.5%
Of New York rent costs
Accommodation Costs
Housing represents the largest expense for most residents, but Phnom Penh offers diverse accommodation options to suit various budgets.
City Centre
1-Bedroom Apartment
Average:
$499.25/month
Range:
$350 - $900
3-Bedroom Apartment
Average:
$970.03/month
Range:
$800 - $2,200
Outside City Centre
1-Bedroom Apartment
Average:
$280.17/month
Range:
$210 - $400
3-Bedroom Apartment
Average:
$650.00/month
Range:
$500 - $1,000
Food and Dining Costs
Phnom Penh offers incredible value for food, from street food to fine dining restaurants.
Dining Option | Price Range (USD) | Description |
---|---|---|
Street Food | $1.00 - $3.00 | Local noodle soups, rice dishes, snacks |
Local Restaurant | $3.00 - $8.00 | Traditional Khmer cuisine, casual dining |
Mid-range Restaurant | $8.00 - $20.00 | International cuisine, air-conditioned |
Fine Dining | $25.00 - $60.00 | Upscale restaurants, premium ingredients |
Fast Food Combo | $4.00 - $7.00 | International chains (KFC, McDonald's) |
Coffee Shop | $2.00 - $5.00 | Local and international coffee chains |
Money-Saving Tip: Eating at local markets and street food stalls can reduce food costs to $3-5 per day while experiencing authentic Cambodian cuisine.
Transportation Costs
Getting around Phnom Penh is affordable with various transportation options available.
Motorbike Taxi (Moto)
- Short distance: $0.50 - $1.00
- Medium distance: $1.00 - $2.00
- Long distance: $2.00 - $4.00
Tuk-Tuk
- Short distance: $2.00 - $3.00
- Medium distance: $3.00 - $5.00
- Long distance: $5.00 - $8.00
Taxi/Grab
- Base fare: $2.00
- Per km: $0.50 - $0.80
- Airport transfer: $8.00 - $12.00
Bicycle Rental
- Daily rental: $2.00 - $5.00
- Monthly rental: $15.00 - $30.00
- Purchase: $50.00 - $200.00
Utilities and Services
Monthly utility costs for essential services in Phnom Penh.
Service | Monthly Cost (USD) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Electricity | $30 - $80 | Depends on AC usage, $0.20/kWh |
Water | $5 - $15 | Basic consumption for apartment |
Internet (Fiber) | $15 - $40 | 20-100 Mbps unlimited |
Mobile Phone | $5 - $20 | Unlimited data plans available |
Cable TV | $10 - $25 | International channels included |
Cleaning Service | $40 - $80 | Weekly cleaning for apartment |
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Costs for leisure activities and entertainment in Phnom Penh.
Nightlife & Dining
- Local beer (bar): $1.00 - $2.50
- Imported beer: $2.50 - $4.00
- Cocktails: $3.00 - $8.00
- Wine (glass): $4.00 - $10.00
Fitness & Recreation
- Gym membership: $25 - $60/month
- Yoga class: $5 - $12
- Swimming pool: $3 - $8/day
- Movie ticket: $3 - $6
Monthly Budget Planning
Sample monthly budgets for different lifestyle levels in Phnom Penh.
Budget Living
- Accommodation: $250
- Food: $150
- Transportation: $50
- Utilities: $60
- Entertainment: $40
- Miscellaneous: $50
Total: $600/month
Comfortable Living
- Accommodation: $500
- Food: $300
- Transportation: $100
- Utilities: $80
- Entertainment: $120
- Miscellaneous: $100
Total: $1,200/month
Luxury Living
- Accommodation: $1,000
- Food: $600
- Transportation: $200
- Utilities: $120
- Entertainment: $300
- Miscellaneous: $200
Total: $2,420/month
Money-Saving Tips for Phnom Penh
Accommodation
- Consider areas outside city centre for 40-50% savings
- Negotiate long-term rental rates
- Share accommodation with roommates
- Look for inclusive utility packages
Food
- Eat at local markets and street food stalls
- Cook at home using local ingredients
- Take advantage of lunch specials
- Buy groceries at local markets vs. supermarkets
Transportation
- Use motorbike taxis for short distances
- Rent a bicycle for daily commuting
- Walk when possible - many areas are walkable
- Use ride-sharing apps for better rates
Entertainment
- Enjoy free activities like riverside walks
- Take advantage of happy hour specials
- Visit free museums and cultural sites
- Join expat groups for group discounts
Ready to Experience Phnom Penh?
Start your Cambodia journey with an e-visa application
Apply E-Visa Now More Travel Tips