HEAD-TO-HEAD
Cambodia vs Vietnam
Vietnam is 0% cheaper than Cambodia overall — $0 less per month for a comfortable lifestyle. Here's how they compare across 13 metrics.
Vietnam is cheaper overall — you'll save about $0/month (0%) versus Cambodia for a mid-range lifestyle. Across our 13 cost & quality metrics, Vietnam won 12 of them.
Annual savings: $0. Over three years of residency, that's $0 saved — potentially enough to cover a down payment or early retirement runway.
Cambodia at a glance
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.
Vietnam at a glance
Vietnam is arguably the best value in Asia — a full lifestyle on $1,200/month, with Da Nang emerging as the hottest new digital nomad hub thanks to beaches, coffee, and strong connectivity.
Side-by-Side Breakdown
Green cell = the cheaper or better value for that metric. Prices shown in USD.
Pros & Cons
Cambodia
✅ Pros
- USD is unofficial currency (no exchange)
- Easiest long-term visa in SE Asia
- Cheap drinks ($0.50 draft beer)
- Angkor Wat in your backyard
⚠️ Cons
- Limited nomad community outside Phnom Penh
- Infrastructure behind Thailand/Vietnam
- Air pollution
Vietnam
✅ Pros
- Cheapest major cities in SE Asia
- Amazing coffee culture
- Fast-growing nomad hubs (Da Nang)
- Banh mi under $1
⚠️ Cons
- Slower internet outside cities
- Language barrier outside tourist areas
- Humidity and rainy seasons
Visas & Practical Info
Cambodia
Vietnam
Total Cost Over Time
How much would you save choosing Vietnam? Enter months of stay:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambodia or Vietnam cheaper?
Vietnam is cheaper — about $0/month less than Cambodia for a mid-range lifestyle (0% cheaper overall). On an annual basis, you'd save roughly $0 by choosing Vietnam.
How much does rent cost in Cambodia vs Vietnam?
A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $400 in Cambodia and $380 in Vietnam. Outside the center, rent drops to $230 in Cambodia and $220 in Vietnam.
Which has a better digital nomad visa — Cambodia or Vietnam?
Cambodia: Business visa (E-visa) is easy and renewable indefinitely. Vietnam: E-visa 30–90 days, visa-free for some. Neither has a dedicated digital nomad visa — check standard tourist or work visa options.
Which has better internet — Cambodia or Vietnam?
Cambodia averages 75 Mbps, while Vietnam averages 95 Mbps. Vietnam has faster average internet. For remote work, anything above 50 Mbps typically handles video calls comfortably.
Which is safer — Cambodia or Vietnam?
Cambodia scores 6.5/10 on our safety index, while Vietnam scores 7.4/10. Vietnam is rated safer overall. Scores reflect general conditions — always check recent local news before committing.
Plan Your Next Chapter
Lifeplanr's Trip Planner lets you budget full stays in Cambodia, Vietnam, or anywhere else — with flights, accommodation, and daily costs in one place.
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