Cost of Living in Cambodia

Cost Guide for Cambodia: Everything You Need to Know

Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, is known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. It's also a popular destination for digital nomads and expats due to its affordable cost of living. In this guide, we will break down the costs of living in Cambodia, covering housing, data/SIM costs, food, transport, coworking rates, lifestyle expenses, healthcare, regional differences, and budget tiers.

Housing

In Cambodia, the cost of housing can vary greatly depending on the region. In the capital city of Phnom Penh, you can expect to pay around 500-800 USD per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre. In popular expat areas like BKK1 or Tonle Bassac, prices can go up to 800-1200 USD per month for the same type of accommodation.

For those looking to live in Siem Reap, a popular tourist destination, one-bedroom rents range from 300-600 USD per month. In smaller cities and towns, such as Kampot or Sihanoukville, one-bedroom rentals can be as low as 200-400 USD per month.

Data/SIM Costs

Getting a local SIM card in Cambodia is affordable and easy. You can purchase a SIM card from any of the major mobile network providers like Smart, Cellcard, or Metfone for as little as 1-2 USD. Data packages are also inexpensive, with 1GB of data costing around 1-2 USD.

Food

Food in Cambodia is incredibly affordable, whether you prefer to cook at home or dine out. A week's worth of groceries for one person can cost around 20-30 USD, depending on your dietary preferences. Eating out at local markets or street food stalls can cost as little as 1-3 USD per meal, while dining in a mid-range restaurant may set you back 5-10 USD.

Transport

Getting around Cambodia is relatively cheap, with options like tuk-tuks, moto taxis, and buses available in most cities and towns. A short tuk-tuk ride within the city will cost around 1-3 USD, while a longer journey between cities by bus can cost anywhere from 5-15 USD. Renting a motorbike is also a popular option for expats, with daily rentals priced at around 5-10 USD.

Coworking Rates

Cambodia has a growing coworking scene, especially in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Monthly coworking memberships typically range from 50-150 USD, depending on the facilities and location. Daily drop-in rates are also available for around 5-10 USD per day.

Lifestyle Expenses

Apart from the essentials, expats and digital nomads in Cambodia may incur additional lifestyle expenses such as gym memberships, entertainment, and leisure activities. A gym membership can cost around 20-40 USD per month, while a night out at a bar or club may set you back 10-20 USD, including drinks.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Cambodia is generally affordable, with both public and private hospitals available in major cities. A basic consultation with a doctor can cost around 10-20 USD, while more complex procedures or specialist appointments may be pricier. It's advisable to have health insurance while living in Cambodia to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Regional Differences

As mentioned earlier, the cost of living can vary significantly between regions in Cambodia. Major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap tend to have higher rental prices and overall living costs compared to smaller towns and rural areas. It's essential to consider these regional differences when planning your budget in Cambodia.

Budget Tiers

Based on the costs outlined above, we can categorize budget tiers for living in Cambodia as follows:

1. Basic Budget: 600-800 USD per month - This budget tier covers essential expenses like accommodation, food, transport, and basic healthcare. 2. Moderate Budget: 800-1200 USD per month - With this budget, you can enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle, including dining out occasionally, coworking memberships, and leisure activities. 3. Comfortable Budget: 1200+ USD per month - At this budget level, you can afford a higher standard of living, including renting a nicer apartment, dining out frequently, and indulging in leisure and entertainment options.

In conclusion, Cambodia offers a cost-effective living environment for expats and digital nomads, with affordable housing, food, transport, and healthcare options. By understanding the costs associated with various aspects of life in Cambodia, you can plan your budget effectively and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.