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
Popular areas: BKK1, Daun Penh, Chamkar Mon

Outside City Centre

1-Bedroom Apartment
Average: $280.17/month
Range: $210 - $400
3-Bedroom Apartment
Average: $650.00/month
Range: $500 - $1,000
Popular areas: Meanchey, Russey Keo, Chroy Changvar

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

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