You can live modestly in Cambodia for about $395 a month or comfortably in Phnom Penh for roughly $930 per person. Rent for a city-center one-bedroom averages about $387, outside $236, while utilities tend to add $60–$100 and internet ~$20. Groceries run near $100 monthly; local meals often cost under $2. Expect visa and permit fees around $40/month and private insurance about $45/month. Keep going to see detailed breakdowns and regional variations.

Cost of Living Overview in Cambodia

Although living costs vary by city and lifestyle, Cambodia is broadly affordable: the national cost-of-living index sits at 37.3 (Phnom Penh 37.7). Meals at local restaurants commonly run under $2, while mid-range dining for two can reach about $30.

One-bedroom rents average $386.77 in city centers and $236.31 outside. Basic utilities cost roughly $88.40/month, and a comfortable monthly budget for one person is near $930 (with frugal estimates around $395).

You’ll find the Cost of Living markedly lower than in most Western cities; the index and prices show a consistent gap in essentials and discretionary spending. Your monthly cost will hinge on dining and transport choices: eating local and using public transit trims expenses sharply, while mid-range dining and frequent taxi use push you toward the $930 benchmark.

Compare Phnom Penh’s marginally higher index to smaller towns when planning budgets. Use the figures above to estimate realistic monthly cost ranges based on your lifestyle preferences.

Housing and Rental Prices by City

When comparing cities, you’ll find Phnom Penh commanding higher rents—one-bedroom city-center units average $386.77 versus $236.31 outside—while three-bedroom city-center apartments run about $864 compared with $481.82 on the outskirts.

You’ll notice those figures set the benchmark: Phnom Penh is the most expensive market, other cities trend lower.

1. Phnom Penh: one-bed $386.77 (center) / $236.31 (outside); three-bed $864 (center) / $481.82 (outside).
2. Secondary cities: two-bedroom villas ~ $300; one-bedroom/studio options ~ $180.
3. Budget options: rooms for rent $40–$50/month for low-cost, short-term or single-occupant housing.

Use this data to compare housing choices and align them with lifestyle and family needs.

Rental prices reflect location, unit size, and condition; center-city units command premiums.

Utilities, Internet, and Household Expenses

Beyond rent, your monthly household bills in Cambodia stay relatively low compared with many countries, so factor them in when comparing city housing costs. Electricity typically ranges $80–$100 when usage is high, though average household spending is closer to $60. Water is inexpensive, usually $5–$10 flat in apartments. Home internet averages about $20/month; some rentals include internet in the lease. Paid cable is a $5 option. Weekly cleaning services run roughly $30–$40 per month, useful if you value convenience.

You’ll find utilities,internet and basic household services are affordable, so they rarely push overall living costs as high as in Western cities.

Grocery Shopping and Typical Food Costs

If you shop thoughtfully, a single person can cover groceries and household items in Cambodia for about $100 per month, a figure that undercuts many Western grocery budgets by a wide margin.

You’ll find grocery expenses skew lower when you buy local staples and shop markets rather than imported goods. Compare basic items: a gallon of milk runs about $8.06, while locally‑sourced coffee can be under $0.75, so choices shift your monthly total quickly.

1. Local markets: staple produce, rice, fish — low cost, high value.
2. Imported goods: higher price points, drive grocery expenses up.
3. Eating patterns: if you add frequent dining out or delivery, budget rises toward $225/month.

Dining out remains inexpensive for casual meals (often under $2), but mid‑range restaurant meals for two average $30 (range $18–$50).

Casual meals often cost under $2, while mid‑range dinners for two average about $30 (typically $18–$50).

You can maintain a modest cost profile by prioritizing market purchases and limiting mid‑range dining.

Eating Out, Nightlife, and Café Culture

You’ll find street food dishes for under $2 that outnumber sit-down options, so quick local meals are both cheaper and more varied than many mid-range restaurants.

Happy hour beer at about $0.50 a glass makes nightlife particularly affordable compared with Western standards, though a mid-range dinner for two runs around $30 and upscale Western meals can top $100.

Coffee choices span from locally-sourced brews under $0.75 to $3 cappuccinos at foreign chains, so your daily café cost depends on whether you choose local spots or international brands.

Street Food Variety

A meal from a street vendor often costs under $2, making street food the most budget-friendly option compared with a $30 mid-range dinner or $100+ upscale meal.

Draft beer runs about $0.50 a glass and cappuccinos from foreign chains near $3 versus locally-sourced coffee under $0.75, so eating and drinking habits strongly affect monthly food spending (around $225 if you mostly eat at local restaurants).

You’ll find a wide street food selection that keeps your monthly food bill low cost and flexible.

Compare options quantitatively:

1. Typical street meal: <$2 — noodle soups, skewers, fried rice.
2. Mid-range restaurant meal: ~$30 — Western or fusion dishes.
3. Upscale dining: $100+ — imported ingredients, higher service fees.

If you prioritize street food and local cafés, you’ll minimize expenses while enjoying diverse flavors.

Happy Hour Deals

Because draft beer runs about $0.50 a glass and happy-hour spirit discounts are common, you’ll find evening outings in Cambodia can cost a fraction of what they do elsewhere.

Combine that with fine-dining courses starting around $5 and mid-range meals for two averaging $30, and you can tailor nights out from ultra-budget to splurge without huge price jumps.

You’ll see bars and restaurants advertise happy hour deals that cut cocktails and spirits substantially, so a social night often costs less than a single outing in many regional capitals.

For expat living, that means predictable leisure budgets: frequent bar nights remain affordable, occasional fine-dining stays reasonable, and mixing street food or mid-range meals keeps monthly entertainment costs low and scalable.

Coffeehouse Scene

Evening outings and happy-hour bargains often lead straight into Cambodia’s coffeehouse scene, where costs and choices skew similarly favorably compared with regional capitals.

You’ll notice a big spread: foreign chains charge about $3 for a cappuccino, while locally‑sourced brews run under $0.75.

Cafés range from traditional stalls to upscale venues that mirror international menus, and draft beer at roughly $0.50 a glass keeps nightlife cheap.

Many expats budget about $225 monthly for dining and delivery, with cheap restaurant meals from $2 and mid-range dinners for two near $30.

1. Coffee: $0.75 (local) → $3 (chains)
2. Dining: $2 (cheap) → $30 (mid-range, two)
3. Drinks: ~$0.50 per draft glass

Living in Cambodia’s coffeehouse scene stays budget-friendly and diverse.

Transportation: Public, Taxis, and Motorbikes

You’ll find public transport in Cambodia is very affordable — one-way rides average $1.62 (typically $1–$2) and monthly passes cost about $10.60 ($9.20–$12.00).

Taxis start around $1.00 with usual fares roughly $0.75–$1.25 per segment, while gasoline runs about $4.43 per gallon ($4.16–$4.92).

If you’re considering ownership, tuk-tuks and motorbikes are common choices, with secondhand 50cc bikes starting near $200.

Public Transport Options

While public transit in Cambodia is limited compared with major cities, fares are inexpensive: a one-way local ticket runs about $1.62 (typically $1.00–$2.00), and monthly passes cost roughly $10.60 ($9.20–$12.00).

You’ll find public transport options focused on basic bus routes and shared vans; frequency and coverage lag behind regional hubs, so plan trips conservatively.

1. Buses/shared vans — cheap per ride, infrequent schedules, best for short intercity hops.
2. Tuk-tuks — flexible last-mile option; negotiate fares versus meter-based services.
3. Motorbikes — secondhand 50cc Hondas from ~$200; cost-effective if you want independence.

Compare costs: monthly passes beat daily fares if you commute regularly.

Fuel at ~$4.43/gal makes ownership pricier than shared options.

Taxi Costs Explained

Several taxi options in Cambodia keep short trips cheap: normal-tariff cabs start at about $1.00 (commonly $0.75–$1.25), while app-based rides like Grab or PassApp typically add convenience for roughly $20/month of casual use for one or two people.

You’ll find taxi costs compare favorably with single local-transport fares (~$1.62 one-way, $1.00–$2.00 range), and monthly public-transport passes (~$10.60, $9.20–$12.00).

If you value door-to-door service, budgeting $20 monthly for app rides often matches or slightly exceeds occasional metered fares, depending on trip length.

For longer or frequent trips, metered taxis rise beyond the base, and fuel price variability (about $4.43/gal, $4.16–$4.92) indirectly affects rates over time.

Motorbike Ownership Costs

One clear way to cut transport costs in Cambodian cities is to own a motorbike: secondhand 50cc Hondas start around $200, while reliable 125cc models run up to about $2,000, and you’ll typically spend $10–$20/month on maintenance depending on use and number of bikes.

You’ll reduce monthly transportation expenses versus frequent Grab/PassApp use (~$20/month per person).

Compare options quantitatively:

1. Buy: upfront $200–$2,000, maintenance $10–$20/month, high flexibility.
2. Rideshare: ~$20/month, no upkeep, less control of schedule.
3. Public/walking: near-zero recurring cost, limited range.

Motorbike ownership costs favor those needing daily mobility in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.

If you ride regularly, owning usually lowers total transportation expenses and improves convenience.

Healthcare, Insurance, and Medical Costs

How much will healthcare add to your budget in Cambodia? You’ll pay roughly $540 annually for private health insurance—about $45/month—making insurance a predictable line item.

Routine healthcare visits are inexpensive, so regular checkups and early treatment cost far less than in many Western countries. Budget a modest monthly health allowance of around $15 for over-the-counter meds and minor consultations; combined with insurance, that keeps out-of-pocket volatility low.

Medications and common blood tests are generally affordable, further lowering your variable medical spend compared with places where lab work and prescriptions are costly.

For expats, extensive coverage is advisable: it expands service access and protects you against emergency evacuations, which otherwise can be expensive.

In comparative terms, total annual healthcare-related costs (insurance plus allowances and occasional tests) tend to remain well below what you’d expect in North America or Western Europe, making Cambodia a cost-efficient option for maintaining basic-to-moderate healthcare needs.

Visas, Work Permits, and Legal Expenses

Plan on about $300 a year ($25/month) for visa extensions and roughly $180 a year ($15/month) for a work permit, so your legal residency adds about $40/month to living costs.

Using an agent will raise upfront fees but can cut time and paperwork compared with DIY processing.

Also factor in related annual insurance (~$540) and a small monthly health allowance (~$15) when comparing total compliance costs.

Visa Extension Costs

Expect to budget roughly $40 a month for visas and work permits in Cambodia, based on typical fees of about $300 per year for visa extensions (~$25/month) and $180 per year for work permits (~$15/month).

You’ll find costs are predictable and low compared with many countries. A visa extension runs about $300/year (visa extension) while a Work Permit adds roughly $180/year.

Agents are common if you want help; their fees may add, but often streamline renewals. Check local authorities periodically for rule or fee changes.

1. Annual visa extension: ~$300 (~$25/month)
2. Annual Work Permit: ~$180 (~$15/month)
3. Recommended budget: ~$40/month (covers both; adjust for agent fees or policy shifts)

Work Permit Process

Moving from extension costs to the actual process, you’ll see the paperwork and timing matter as much as the fees: visa extensions run about $300/year and work permits roughly $180/year, so plan for roughly $540 annually ($45/month) in legal costs per person.

You’ll typically apply for a work permit through the Ministry of Labor or via an agent; agents simplify steps and reduce error risk but add fees. Start early—processing delays can incur fines or require exits and re-entries.

Compared to neighboring countries, Cambodia’s combined cost is moderate; bureaucratic steps are straightforward if you prepare documents (passport, employer letter, medical, photos).

Factor renewal schedules into monthly budgets and use an agent if you value time and compliance certainty.

Entertainment, Fitness, and Expat Activities

While costs vary, you’ll find fitness options in Cambodia that fit almost any budget: gyms average $39/month, outdoor parks are free, and many local gyms offer $1 drop-in visits.

Fitness in Cambodia fits any budget: $39/month gyms, $1 drop-ins, or free outdoor parks.

You can compare structured memberships to pay-per-use or no-cost outdoor routines and choose based on frequency and amenities. Entertainment and fitness overlap: regular social outings improve mental health and are affordable within modest budgets.

Expat activities—community events, language exchanges, cultural nights—boost networks without large costs.

1. Gym membership: ~$39/month for full access, predictable expense.
2. Drop-in gyms: ~ $1/visit, flexible if you train irregularly.
3. Outdoor parks: free, best for daily low-cost cardio and calisthenics.

Data suggests paying $39 monthly suits committed exercisers; occasional visitors save with $1 passes; budget-conscious residents rely on free parks and community events.

Factor entertainment spending separately for social dining and cultural activities to maintain balanced finances while staying active and socially engaged.

Budgeting Examples for Different Lifestyles

If you want a clear sense of what your money covers in Cambodia, consider three practical monthly templates: a lower-budget solo setup at about $395, a comfortable single-person plan near $930, and a two-person household around $1,795.

For lower-budget living at $395, you’ll prioritize essentials: a simple apartment outside central areas (rent near $236), local groceries, and frequent inexpensive meals (about $2 each). This minimizes discretionary spending but maintains decent quality.

At $930, you’ll afford a one-bedroom in the city center (around $387), consistent utilities, groceries, and regular dining out plus modest leisure—this reflects a realistic cost to live comfortably.

For two people at $1,795, you’ll share housing, split utilities, and have room for travel and expanded social activities.

Comparing these templates shows how location and dining choices shift totals; living in Phnom centers costs more but raises convenience and lifestyle options. Use these benchmarks to tailor your personal budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Money Do I Need to Live in Cambodia?

You’ll need about $930/month for comfortable living or $395/month for basics; cost breakdown shows rent, utilities, food, visas. Use budget tips: live outside center, cook more, compare utilities and negotiate longer leases.

Can a US Citizen Move to Cambodia?

Yes—you can move to Cambodia: meet visa requirements, secure work permits, and pay modest fees; adapt culturally through language and community; compare costs (housing, insurance, permits) and plan financially for smoother cultural integration and residency.

What Is the Average Price of a House in Cambodia?

Average house prices vary: city-center real estate averages about $191.13 per sq ft (range $92.90–$297.29), so you’re typically paying more than outskirts, with houses particularly pricier than suburban rental alternatives.

Can You Live on $1000 a Month in Cambodia?

Like a traveler with a pocket watch, you can live on $1,000 monthly in Cambodia; use budgeting tips, compare costs, prioritize rent and groceries, and you’ll sustain a comfortable expat lifestyle with modest savings and predictable expenses.

Conclusion

In Cambodia you can live frugally or comfortably—costs vary by city and lifestyle. For example, a Phnom Penh-based teacher earning $1,200/month can rent a decent one-bedroom ($400), spend $150 on food and utilities, $50 on transport and $100 on health insurance, leaving about $500 for savings and discretionary spending. Compared to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City, Cambodia is typically cheaper on rent and groceries but pricier for some imported goods and private healthcare.