The cost of living in Cambodia in 2026 runs about $615–$950 a month for a single person in Siem Reap, Kampot, or another smaller city, and about $1,150–$1,775 for a comfortable single life in Phnom Penh. A couple in the capital should plan on roughly $1,885–$2,575, and a family of four about $2,555–$3,585 before school fees. Cambodia runs on two currencies: most rents and bigger bills are quoted in US dollars, while small purchases and change come in Khmer riel at about KHR 4,057 per dollar, the National Bank of Cambodia’s official rate in early October 2026. Rent is the biggest swing factor. A one-bedroom outside the center averages about $257 nationally, while central Phnom Penh averages about $646. Air conditioning, imported food, and private health insurance are what push a budget up fastest. Below you’ll find city-by-city rents, utilities, food prices, transport, healthcare, taxes, visa costs, and sample budgets.
Quick Answer
- Single person, smaller city: about $615–$950 a month in Siem Reap or Kampot.
- Single person, Phnom Penh: about $1,150–$1,775 a month for a modern one-bedroom and a comfortable lifestyle.
- Couple, Phnom Penh: about $1,885–$2,575 a month.
- Family of four, Phnom Penh: about $2,555–$3,585 a month before international school fees.
- Rent, one-bedroom: $164–$370 outside the center and $217–$646 in the center, depending on the city.
- Utilities: about $55–$106 a month for an 85 m² apartment; heavy air conditioning pushes bills higher. Internet adds about $15–$25.
- Minimum wage 2026: $210 a month in the garment and footwear sector.
- Tourist visa: $30 for one month; a business (E) visa is $35.
Currency, Inflation, and Wages in 2026
Two currencies. The National Bank of Cambodia describes the country as highly dollarized, and says more payments are made in US dollars than in riel. In practice, landlords, schools, hospitals, and most shops price in dollars, and you get change under $1 in riel. The bank’s official exchange rate was about KHR 4,057 per dollar in early October 2026. Merchants usually round to 4,000 riel per dollar. Because everyday prices are in dollars, US earners face little exchange-rate risk.
Inflation. Prices are rising faster than they did in 2025. Data compiled by Trading Economics show annual inflation of 4.79% in August 2026, down from 5.5% in July. Food inflation was 5.2%, and core inflation was 3.2%. World Bank data show inflation of just 2.4% in 2025, so 2026 has brought a noticeable increase in grocery and restaurant prices.
Wages. Cambodia’s minimum wage, set for the garment, footwear, and travel-goods sector, rose to $210 a month in 2026 from $208 in 2025. Crowd-sourced reports put average take-home pay at about $324 a month in Phnom Penh and $280 nationally. GDP per person was about $2,872 in 2025, according to the World Bank.
A modern one-bedroom in central Phnom Penh costs about twice the average local take-home salary. Most Cambodians share family housing, which is why expat budgets look so different from local ones.
Cost of Living by City
Rents vary more between cities than any other expense. The table uses crowd-sourced averages from Numbeo. Phnom Penh has the most reports (38 contributors, updated October 2026). Siem Reap has fewer, and Kampot and Sihanoukville have only a handful, so treat those as rough guides.
| City | 1-Bed, City Center | 1-Bed, Outside Center | Basic Utilities (85 m²) | Inexpensive Meal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | $646 | $370 | $106 | $4.00 |
| Siem Reap | $334 | $235 | $102 | $2.50 |
| Sihanoukville | $400 | $300 | $106 | $4.00 |
| Kampot | $217 | $164 | $55 | $3.00 |
| Cambodia average | $369 | $257 | $104 | $3.00 |
A few patterns stand out:
- Phnom Penh is the most expensive city by far, especially for modern apartments with a pool, gym, and security in areas like BKK1, Tonle Bassac, and Toul Kork. It also has the best hospitals, schools, and job market.
- Siem Reap rents are about half of central Phnom Penh. Costs follow the tourist seasons around Angkor Wat, and many expats find good-value houses a short tuk-tuk ride from the center.
- Kampot is the cheapest of the four, with one-bedrooms under $220 even in the center, but services and healthcare are limited.
- Sihanoukville has had a boom-and-bust cycle of casino and condo building. Prices vary widely by building, so inspect carefully before signing.
Housing: Rent, Leases, and Buying
Family-Sized Apartments
A three-bedroom apartment averages about $1,144 in central Phnom Penh and $807 outside the center. In Siem Reap, the same space costs about $671 in the center and $436 outside it. Sihanoukville averages about $650 and $500. Houses and villas vary too much by district, land size, and security to give a single average.
Rooms for $100 or less exist in basic local housing or shared flats, but they rarely have air conditioning, a Western kitchen, or a written lease.
Renting as a Foreigner
Foreigners can rent freely. Most leases ask for one or two months’ deposit plus the first month in advance, and longer leases usually get better rates. Before you sign, put these in writing:
- The electricity rate per kWh, since some landlords charge more than the utility’s own rate
- Whether water, internet, garbage, and cleaning are included
- The deposit amount, notice period, and repair responsibilities
- A list of the furniture and appliances included
- That the landlord will register you in the Foreigners Present in Cambodia System (FPCS), which the UK government’s Cambodia entry requirements page says accommodation providers usually handle
Photograph the meters and room condition on move-in day, and if you can, visit the street during heavy rain to check for flooding.
Buying Property
Foreigners generally cannot own land in Cambodia, but they can buy units in co-owned (strata-title) buildings above the ground floor, within limits. Crowd-sourced asking prices in Phnom Penh average about $2,900 per m² in the center and about $1,510 per m² outside it. Mortgage rates average about 8% a year, and local lending to foreigners is limited. Use a reputable lawyer to check the title before you pay anything.
Utilities, Internet, and Phone
Basic utilities (electricity, cooling, water, and garbage) for an 85 m² apartment average about $106 a month in Phnom Penh and about $104 nationally. Kampot reports average closer to $55. Air conditioning is the big variable. Running two or three units for long hours in the hot season (March to May) can push a power bill well above $150, especially if your landlord adds a markup to the utility rate.
Other monthly connections:
- Home internet (60+ Mbps): about $15–$25. Phnom Penh averages $24.89; Siem Reap about $15.
- Mobile plan with plenty of data: about $6–$8. Prepaid SIM cards are cheap and easy to top up.
- Drinking water: tap water is not safe to drink, so budget a few dollars a month for delivered water jugs.
Food: Groceries and Dining Out
A single person who cooks mostly local food spends about $180–$250 a month on groceries. Add imported cheese, cereal, wine, and Western brands, and that rises to $300–$400. Local markets are cheapest for rice, vegetables, fruit, fish, and herbs; supermarkets like Aeon and Lucky are where imported goods are sold.
Average supermarket prices in Phnom Penh in October 2026 (crowd-sourced, converted to metric units):
| Item | Typical Cost (USD) | Approx. Riel |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | $2.16 | 8,800 |
| Bread (500 g) | $1.62 | 6,600 |
| Rice (1 kg) | $1.08 | 4,400 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.72 | 7,000 |
| Chicken fillets (1 kg) | $4.17 | 16,900 |
| Beef (1 kg) | $9.22 | 37,400 |
| Local cheese (1 kg) | $14.93 | 60,600 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.74 | 7,100 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $1.96 | 8,000 |
| Mid-range bottle of wine | $11.00 | 44,600 |
Eating out is still good value at local places. Typical Phnom Penh prices:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: about $4.00. Street stalls selling noodle soup, rice dishes, and filled baguettes often charge $1.50–$3.
- Three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: about $40
- Fast-food combo meal: about $7
- Cappuccino: about $2.95
- Domestic draft beer: about $1.00, and happy-hour deals are common
Buying a $3 café drink every day adds about $90 a month. Small daily habits often matter more than rent differences between neighborhoods.
Transportation and Getting Around
Phnom Penh has city buses, but routes are limited, so most people combine walking, tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp. Crowd-sourced prices:
- City bus: about $0.43 a ride, or $9.60 for a monthly pass.
- Taxi or car ride-hail: about $1.11 to start plus about $1 per km. Tuk-tuk rides through apps are cheaper.
- Gasoline: about $1.34 per liter (~$5.07 per US gallon) in Phnom Penh.
- Motorbike: a used scooter costs a few hundred dollars and a new one more than $1,000. Add a good helmet, registration, insurance, and parking.
- Cars: new cars are expensive because of import duties. A new Toyota Corolla averages about $44,000, far more than in the US.
A commuter who uses app-based tuk-tuks twice a day typically spends $60–$120 a month. Road safety is a real concern: the US State Department advises against driving outside cities at night, and the rainy season (June to November) makes rural roads hazardous.
Healthcare and Insurance Costs
Cambodia has no public health insurance for foreigners, so expats pay out of pocket or buy private insurance. The US State Department’s Cambodia page says good medical care is limited to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and it strongly recommends medical evacuation insurance. Many expats go to Bangkok for serious treatment.
For budgeting:
- Clinic visits and common medicines: generally cheaper than in the US, but private international clinics charge Western-style prices.
- International health insurance: premiums depend heavily on age, deductible, and whether evacuation and outpatient care are covered. Get personal quotes; the sample budgets below include a reserve of $60–$150 a month per adult.
- Health risks: dengue, malaria in some rural areas, and tuberculosis are concerns, according to the State Department.
- Employees: the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) covers formal workers. Employers pay a 1.3% healthcare contribution, and pension contributions start at 2% each for employer and employee.
Schools and Childcare
- Private preschool in Phnom Penh: about $662 a month, full day, on average.
- International primary school: about $10,990 a year per child on average, with top schools charging much more.
- Public schools: teach in Khmer and are rarely used by expat families.
For a family with two children in international school, tuition alone adds about $1,830 a month, often more than the rent.
Taxes: VAT and Income Tax
- VAT: 10% on most goods and services.
- Salary tax: Cambodia taxes employment income through a monthly salary tax, not an annual income tax. According to PwC’s Cambodia tax summary (reviewed April 2026), resident rates are 0% up to KHR 1.5 million (~$370) a month, 5% to KHR 2 million (~$493), 10% to KHR 8.5 million (~$2,095), 15% to KHR 12.5 million (~$3,081), and 20% above that.
- Non-residents: pay a flat 20% on Cambodian-source salary.
- Tax residency: you are a resident if you live in Cambodia, have your main home there, or spend more than 182 days there in any 12-month period.
Remote workers paid from abroad should get tax advice early, because Cambodian rules on foreign-source income for residents are still developing.
Visas and Work Permits
Almost everyone needs a visa. Tourist visas cost $30 and business (ordinary, or “E”) visas cost $35, both valid for 30 days, and are available online or on arrival at major airports and land borders. Air travelers must also fill in the free e-Arrival card within seven days before landing. Passports must be valid for six months.
Long stays. To live in Cambodia, most foreigners enter on an E visa and then buy an extension of stay inside the country. Extension types cover work, retirement, study, and job seeking. Prices vary by type and length, and most people use an agent, so get a written quote before paying. Overstays cost $10 a day, and long overstays can lead to detention and deportation.
Work permits. Foreigners who work in Cambodia need a work permit and employment card, applied for through the Ministry of Labour’s online Foreign Workers Centralized Management System. The employer usually handles the quota and paperwork. Budget for the permit fee, a medical check, and agent charges, and renew every year.
One-Time Setup Costs
Budget for these before your first month:
- Visa: $35 for an E visa, then an extension of stay.
- Rental deposit and first month: usually two to three months of rent up front.
- Temporary housing: a serviced apartment or guesthouse for two to four weeks while you look in person.
- Household setup: bedding, kitchen basics, a water dispenser, and fans if the unit is partly furnished.
- Transport: a used motorbike and helmet, if you plan to ride.
- Insurance: international health cover with medical evacuation, bought before you arrive.
- Emergency fund: two to four months of expenses. For a $1,200 monthly budget, that means $2,400–$4,800.
Sample Monthly Budgets
These budgets combine the averages above. Rent uses unfurnished or basic-furnished long-term averages; serviced apartments cost more.
| Expense (USD) | Single, Smaller City | Single, Phnom Penh | Couple, Phnom Penh | Family of Four, Phnom Penh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | 164–235 (1-bed) | 370–646 (1-bed) | 646–807 | 807–1,144 (3-bed) |
| Utilities | 55–102 | 106–140 | 140–180 | 180–250 |
| Internet + mobile | 22–30 | 32 | 40 | 50 |
| Groceries | 180–250 | 250–350 | 400–550 | 650–850 |
| Eating out + leisure | 80–150 | 200–300 | 300–450 | 250–400 |
| Transport | 30–60 | 60–120 | 100–180 | 150–250 |
| Health insurance reserve | 60–100 | 100–150 | 200–300 | 350–500 |
| Visa extension reserve | 25 | 30–35 | 60–70 | 120–140 |
| Total (USD) | $615–$950 | $1,150–$1,775 | $1,885–$2,575 | $2,555–$3,585 |
| Total (riel, millions) | 2.5–3.9 | 4.7–7.2 | 7.6–10.4 | 10.4–14.5 |
Family of four: the family column assumes no school fees. Add about $915 a month per child for international school or about $660 a month for private preschool. Numbeo’s crowd-sourced estimate for a Phnom Penh family of four is about $2,224 a month before rent, which lines up with the budget above once a three-bedroom is added.
Can you live on $1,000 a month? Yes, in Siem Reap, Kampot, or outside central Phnom Penh, if you cook often, limit air conditioning, and use local transport. It gets tight with central Phnom Penh rent, comprehensive insurance, or frequent nights out.
Safety and Money-Saving Tips
The US State Department rates Cambodia Level 2, “exercise increased caution,” because of crime in Phnom Penh and land mines in remote provinces. Bag snatching from motorbikes, scams, and drugged drinks are the most common risks for foreigners. The UK government’s Cambodia travel advice also advises against all but essential travel within 20 km of the Thai border after fighting in 2025; a ceasefire was signed in December, but land crossings remain suspended.
Money-saving tips:
- Live outside the expat core. In Phnom Penh, a one-bedroom outside the center saves about $275 a month.
- Consider Siem Reap or Kampot. Rents are about half of central Phnom Penh.
- Negotiate the electricity rate. Ask for direct utility billing instead of a landlord markup.
- Eat local. Markets and street stalls cost a fraction of Western restaurants and imported groceries.
- Use ride-hailing apps. Upfront app prices avoid haggling and tourist pricing.
- Carry clean bills. Torn or stained US notes are refused, and examine ATM cash before you leave the machine.
How Cambodia Compares With Nearby Countries
Phnom Penh rents are now close to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, but local wages are much lower. Crowd-sourced averages in US dollars (Vientiane from June 2026, the others from October 2026):
| City | 1-Bed, Center | 1-Bed, Outside Center | Basic Utilities | Inexpensive Meal | Average Net Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh, Cambodia | $646 | $370 | $106 | $4.00 | $324 |
| Bangkok, Thailand | $680 | $348 | $108 | $2.99 | $619 |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | $586 | $302 | $104 | $1.92 | $494 |
| Vientiane, Laos | $645 | $414 | $90 | $2.44 | $266 |
Cambodia’s big advantages are the dollar economy and easy long-stay extensions; its drawbacks are weaker healthcare and higher restaurant prices than Vietnam. For more detail, see our guides to the cost of living in Thailand and monthly expenses in Laos. Farther afield, compare living costs in Malaysia, our Philippines budget guide, and what it costs to live in Myanmar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to live in Cambodia per month?
A single person needs about $615–$950 a month in Siem Reap, Kampot, or another smaller city, and about $1,150–$1,775 for a comfortable life in Phnom Penh. A couple in Phnom Penh should budget about $1,885–$2,575.
Can you live on $1,000 a month in Cambodia?
Yes. One person can live on $1,000 a month in a smaller city or outside central Phnom Penh by cooking often, limiting air conditioning, and using local transport. It becomes tight with central Phnom Penh rent, comprehensive insurance, or frequent nightlife.
How much is rent in Phnom Penh in 2026?
A one-bedroom averages about $646 a month in the center and about $370 outside it. A three-bedroom averages about $1,144 in the center and $807 outside it.
What currency is used in Cambodia?
Cambodia uses both the US dollar and the Khmer riel. Most rents and larger prices are in dollars, while small change is given in riel. The official rate was about KHR 4,057 per dollar in early October 2026.
What is the minimum wage in Cambodia in 2026?
The minimum wage for the garment, footwear, and travel-goods sector is $210 a month in 2026, up from $208 in 2025. Average take-home pay in Phnom Penh is about $324 a month in crowd-sourced data.
Is Phnom Penh more expensive than Siem Reap?
Yes, mainly for housing. A central one-bedroom averages about $646 in Phnom Penh versus about $334 in Siem Reap. Restaurant meals are also cheaper in Siem Reap, at about $2.50 for an inexpensive meal versus $4.00 in the capital.
How much does a Cambodian visa cost?
A one-month tourist visa costs $30 and a business (E) visa costs $35. Long-term residents usually enter on an E visa and then pay for an extension of stay, whose price depends on its type and length.
Conclusion
Cambodia is still affordable, but it is not as cheap as older guides suggest. Inflation picked up in 2026, and central Phnom Penh rents now rival Bangkok. A single person can live comfortably for about $1,150–$1,775 a month in the capital, or for closer to $615–$950 in Siem Reap or Kampot. Because daily life runs in US dollars, there is little exchange-rate risk for American earners. Pick your city first, get the electricity rate in writing, buy health insurance that includes evacuation, and keep a few months of expenses in reserve before you move.
Sources
- National Bank of Cambodia – official exchange rate, October 2026
- National Bank of Cambodia – payment instruments and dollarization
- Trading Economics – Cambodia inflation rate, August 2026
- Trading Economics – Cambodia minimum wage, 2026
- World Bank – Cambodia data
- PwC – Cambodia salary tax
- PwC – Cambodia VAT and social security
- PwC – Cambodia tax residence
- US State Department – Cambodia country information
- UK FCDO – Cambodia travel advice
- UK FCDO – Cambodia entry requirements
- Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training – Foreign Workers Centralized Management System
- Numbeo – Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, Sihanoukville, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane (crowd-sourced, 2026)
