COST OF LIVING 2026
Cost of Living in Cambodia
A comfortable mid-range life in Cambodia costs about $1,300/month — 49% cheaper than the global average. Here's the full breakdown.
Cambodia's business visa is the easiest permanent-stay hack in Asia — renew indefinitely, no interviews. USD is used everywhere, $0.50 draft beer is standard, and Phnom Penh has a growing expat scene.
Monthly Budget by Lifestyle Tier
Three lifestyle tiers for Cambodia — shared dorms and street food at the low end, a private apartment and nice restaurants in the middle, full-service luxury at the top.
Full Cost Breakdown
✅ What's great
- USD is unofficial currency (no exchange)
- Easiest long-term visa in SE Asia
- Cheap drinks ($0.50 draft beer)
- Angkor Wat in your backyard
⚠️ What to know
- Limited nomad community outside Phnom Penh
- Infrastructure behind Thailand/Vietnam
- Air pollution
Practical Info
Your Budget for Cambodia
Enter how many months you plan to stay — see the total cost across each lifestyle tier.
Cost of Living in Asia
How Cambodia compares to other Asia countries on monthly cost, rent, and dining.
How Cambodia Compares Globally
(NYC = 100)
($2,561/mo)
(Mbps avg)
Popular Comparisons
Head-to-head with similar destinations:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Cambodia per month?
A comfortable mid-range lifestyle in Cambodia costs about $1,300 per month. Backpacker budgets start around $700, while a luxury lifestyle runs closer to $3,000. This includes rent, food, transport, and everyday expenses.
How much is rent in Cambodia?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Cambodia costs around $400 per month, while the same apartment outside the center costs $230. Prices vary significantly by city — see Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville for local nuance.
Is Cambodia cheaper than the US?
Yes. Cambodia's cost-of-living index is 30 compared to 100 for the US (using NYC as the benchmark). That's roughly 70% cheaper overall, with rent typically the biggest difference.
Does Cambodia have a digital nomad visa?
Cambodia does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Visa options: Business visa (E-visa) is easy and renewable indefinitely
What's the best time to visit or live in Cambodia?
The best months for Cambodia are November–March. Weather, tourist density, and local pricing all shift across the year, so planning your move during the ideal window saves both money and stress.
Plan Your Move to Cambodia
Lifeplanr's Trip Planner lets you budget flights, accommodation, and daily costs — see Cambodia fit into your life calendar.
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