Living Expenses in Phnom Penh
Experience life in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital, where modern comfort meets local charm. Before you travel, you can apply for Cambodia eVisa online to make your journey hassle-free. This quick guide breaks down living costs — from housing and food to transport and entertainment — helping you plan your stay with confidence and ease.
Note: All prices are in US Dollars (USD), the main currency used across Cambodia. The Cambodian Riel (KHR) is also accepted for small local purchases. Use a currency converter to check the latest rate — about 1 USD ≈ 4,000 KHR.
Single Person |
Family of Four |
|
$350 to $500 per month Monthly costs (excluding rent) |
$800 to $1,500+ per month Monthly costs (excluding rent) |
Accommodation Costs
Housing is the biggest expense, but Phnom Penh offers options for all budgets.
Location |
Type |
Average (USD/month) |
Range (USD) |
Popular Areas |
|
City Centre |
1-Bedroom |
$500 |
$350–$900 |
BKK1, Daun Penh, Chamkar Mon |
|
3-Bedroom |
$1000 |
$800–$3000+ |
||
|
Outside Centre |
1-Bedroom |
$280 |
$200–$400 |
Meanchey, Russey Keo, Chroy Changvar |
|
3-Bedroom |
$650 |
$450–$1,000+ |
Note: Premium new serviced buildings in top districts may exceed the upper range.
Food and Dining Costs
Phnom Penh offers great value dining, from street eats to fine dining.
Dining Option |
Price Range (USD) |
Description |
|
Street Food |
$1.00 - $3.00 |
Local noodle soups, rice dishes, and 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+ (many in the US $30-60 range; top venues may exceed US $60) |
Upscale restaurants, premium ingredients |
|
Fast Food Combo |
$5.00 - $8.00 |
International chains (KFC, McDonald's) |
|
Coffee Shop |
$2.00 - $4.00 |
Local and international coffee chains |
Transportation Costs
Motorbike Taxi (Moto) |
Tuk-Tuk |
Taxi/Grab |
Bicycle Rental |
|
Short distance: $0.50 - $1.00 Medium distance: $1.00 - $2.00 Long distance: $2.00 - $4.00 |
Short distance: $2.00 - $3.00 Medium distance: $3.00 - $5.00 Long distance: $5.00 - $8.00 |
Base fare: $2.00 Per km: $0.50 - $0.80 Airport transfer: $8.00 - $12.00 |
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) |
|
Electricity |
~$30–100 (typical ~$50–90) |
|
Water |
$5 - $15 |
|
Internet (Fibre) |
$15 - $40 |
|
Mobile Phone |
$5 - $20 |
|
Cable TV |
~$5–25 (many around ~$5–10) |
|
Cleaning Service |
~$30–70 (weekly cleaning) |
Note: These are typical for a 1-bedroom apartment in Phnom Penh, moderate usage. Costs can vary significantly with the size of the unit, A/C usage, building quality and landlord/tenant arrangements.
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Costs for leisure activities and entertainment in Phnom Penh.
Nightlife & Dining |
Fitness & Recreation |
|
|
Monthly Budget Planning
Sample monthly budgets for different lifestyle levels in Phnom Penh.
Budget Living |
Comfortable Living |
Luxury Living |
|
Accommodation: $250 – $350 Food: $150 – $200 Transportation: $40 – $70 Utilities: $50 – $80 Entertainment: $40 – $70 Miscellaneous/Personal: $50 – $80 |
Accommodation: $500 – $700 Food: $300 – $450 Transportation: $80 – $120 Utilities: $80 – $120 Entertainment: $120 – $200 Miscellaneous: $100 – $150 |
Accommodation: $1,000 – $1,800+ Food: $600 – $900 Transportation: $150 – $250 Utilities: $120 – $200 Entertainment: $250 – $400 Miscellaneous: $200 – $300 |
|
Estimated Total: $600 – $850/month |
Estimated Total: $1,200 – $1,700/ month |
Estimated Total: $2,400 – $3,800+/ month |
Money-Saving Tips for Phnom Penh
Accommodation |
Food |
Transportation |
Entertainment |
|
✔️ Live outside city center to save 40–50% ✔️ Negotiate long-term rent ✔️ Share housing ✔️ Choose utility-inclusive rentals |
✔️ Eat street food or local markets ✔️ Cook at home ✔️ Use lunch deals ✔️ Shop at local markets |
✔️ Use motorbike taxis for short trips ✔️ Rent a bicycle ✔️ Walk when possible ✔️ Use ride-share apps |
✔️ Enjoy free riverside walks ✔️ Try happy hour deals ✔️ Visit free museums ✔️ Join expat groups for discounts |
Ready to Experience Phnom Penh?
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