Cost of Living in Koh Rong

Joshua Wood

If you're moving to Koh Rong, understanding the the cost of living in Koh Rong helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in the city center: $200 – $400 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $150 – $300 per month 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: $500 – $800 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside the city center: $400 – $700 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in the city center: $1,000 – $1,500 Price per square meter outside the city center: $800 – $1,200
Transportation	One-way local transportation ticket: $0.50 – $1.00 Monthly local transportation pass: $20 – $30 Taxi starting tariff: $1.00 – $2.00 Taxi fare per kilometer: $0.50 – $1.00 Gasoline (1 liter): $0.90 – $1.20
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): $1.00 – $1.50 Bread (500g): $0.50 – $1.00 Rice (1kg): $0.50 – $1.00 Eggs (12): $1.50 – $2.00 Local cheese (1kg): $5.00 – $10.00 Chicken breasts (1kg): $3.50 – $5.00 Beef round (1kg): $7.00 – $10.00 Apples (1kg): $2.00 – $3.00 Bananas (1kg): $0.80 – $1.50 Oranges (1kg): $2.00 – $3.00 Tomatoes (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Potatoes (1kg): $1.00 – $2.00 Onions (1kg): $0.50 – $1.00 Water (1.5-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00 Bottle of wine (mid-range): $7.00 – $12.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 – $2.00 Cigarettes (pack of 20): $1.00 – $2.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $2.00 – $4.00 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $15.00 – $30.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $0.50 – $1.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 – $2.00 Cappuccino: $1.00 – $2.00 Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00 Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.25 – $0.50
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $50 – $100 per month 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): $0.05 – $0.10 Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $20 – $40 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: $1,500 – $3,000 per year Elementary school tuition: $3,000 – $6,000 per year Middle school tuition: $4,000 – $8,000 per year High school tuition: $5,000 – $10,000 per year

Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within Koh Rong, as well as the current economic situation. It is

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Koh Rong

“The cost of living in Koh Rong is relatively low compared to Western standards. Accommodation can be found at a range of prices, with budget guesthouses and dormitories being the cheapest options, while luxury resorts are available for those willing to spend more. Eating out is also affordable, with local restaurants and street food stalls offering meals at low prices. Imported goods and Western-style food can be more expensive. Local transportation is limited and mostly consists of walking or renting a bicycle, which is inexpensive. However, boat trips to different parts of the island can add to your expenses. Internet and mobile data are available but can be costly. Overall, the cost of living is affordable but can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and preferences,” said one expat living in Koh Rong.

Can I live in Koh Rong on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Koh Rong for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a place to live that’s affordable. I recommend looking for a place in the villages of Koh Touch or Prek Svay, as they tend to have more budget-friendly options. You might have to settle for a more basic accommodation, like a bungalow or a small apartment, but you can still find something comfortable and clean.One of the sacrifices you’ll have to make is adjusting to the limited availability of certain modern amenities. For example, you might not have access to high-speed internet or a wide variety of international food options. However, you can still find some decent restaurants and cafes that offer a mix of local and Western dishes. You’ll also need to get used to the local transportation options, which mainly consist of boats and motorbikes.Another thing to consider is the cost of utilities and other monthly expenses. Electricity can be quite expensive on the island, so you’ll want to be mindful of your usage. Water is also a precious resource, so you’ll need to be conservative with your consumption. You might also want to invest in a good mosquito net and repellent, as the island can be quite buggy at times.In terms of entertainment and socializing, you’ll find that there’s a pretty laid-back vibe on the island. There are some bars and beach parties, but overall, it’s a more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll have to adjust your expectations when it comes to nightlife and entertainment options, but there’s still plenty to do, like exploring the beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and hiking.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Koh Rong is doable, but you’ll need to be prepared to make some sacrifices and adjust your lifestyle. If you’re willing to embrace the local culture and adapt to a more laid-back way of life, you can definitely make it work and enjoy your time on this beautiful island,” commented an expat living in Koh Rong.

Can I live in Koh Rong on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Koh Rong for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll need to be mindful of where you choose to live. Some areas in Koh Rong can be quite expensive, especially those that are popular with tourists. I’d recommend looking for accommodation in the more local neighborhoods, such as Koh Touch Village or Prek Svay Village. These areas are more affordable and will give you a more authentic Cambodian experience.In terms of utilities, electricity can be quite expensive on the island, so you’ll need to be conscious of your usage. Many places rely on generators, which can be costly to run. To save on electricity, try to use natural light during the day and limit your use of air conditioning.When it comes to food, eating out at local restaurants and street food stalls is generally quite affordable. However, if you’re craving Western food, you’ll find that it’s more expensive than local cuisine. To save money, try to cook at home as much as possible and shop at local markets for fresh produce.Transportation on the island is relatively cheap, with most people getting around on foot or by bicycle. If you need to travel further afield, you can rent a motorbike or take a shared taxi, but these options can add up if you use them frequently.One of the biggest sacrifices you’ll have to make is adjusting to the slower pace of life on the island. While there are some modern amenities available, such as internet cafes and a few bars, you won’t find the same level of entertainment and nightlife that you might be used to in a more developed city.Overall, living in Koh Rong on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you’ll need to be prepared to make some adjustments to your lifestyle and be mindful of your spending. By choosing affordable accommodation, being conscious of your utility usage, and embracing the local culture and cuisine, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life on this beautiful island,” said one expat living in Koh Rong.

Can I live in Koh Rong on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Koh Rong for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can live quite luxuriously on that budget. However, there are some sacrifices you’ll have to make in order to make it work.Firstly, you’ll need to be prepared to live in a more rural and less developed area than you might be used to. Koh Rong is a beautiful island, but it’s not as developed as some other parts of Cambodia, like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. This means that you might not have access to all the modern amenities you’re used to, like high-speed internet or a wide variety of international restaurants.As for neighborhoods, there aren’t really any specific “expensive” or “affordable” neighborhoods in Koh Rong, as the island is quite small and the cost of living is generally low. However, you might want to avoid staying in the more touristy areas, like Koh Touch, as the prices there can be a bit higher than in other parts of the island. Instead, consider staying in a quieter area like Sok San or Long Set Beach, where you can find more affordable accommodation options.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the conveniences you’re used to, like having a wide variety of shopping options or access to high-quality healthcare. Additionally, you’ll need to be prepared to adapt to the local culture and customs, which can be quite different from what you’re used to.Overall, living in Koh Rong on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be prepared to make some sacrifices and adapt to a more laid-back, rural way of life,” commented an expat living in Koh Rong.

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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