| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Phnom Penh can cost around $350 to $500 per month. Outside the city center, the cost can drop to around $200 to $300 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $800 to $1,200 per month, while outside the city center, it can cost around $500 to $800 per month. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is around $1,500 to $2,500. Outside the city center, the price per square meter can drop to around $800 to $1,200. |
| Transportation | A one-way ticket on local transport can cost around $0.25, while a monthly pass can cost around $10. Taxi fares start at around $1, with an additional $1 per kilometer. The cost of gasoline is around $1 per liter. |
| Groceries | The cost of basic groceries for a month can range from $150 to $200. This includes items like bread, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, chicken, beef, and bottled water. |
| Restaurants | A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around $2 to $4. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $20 to $30. A combo meal at a fast food restaurant can cost around $5. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities for an apartment (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) can cost around $60 to $100 per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) can cost around $15 to $25 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school. For preschool, the cost can range from $1,000 to $2,500 per year. For elementary school, the cost can range from $2,500 to $5,000 per year. For middle school and high school, the cost can range from $5,000 to $10,000 per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Phnom Penh
“The cost of living in Phnom Penh, is relatively low compared to many Western countries. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while outside the city center, it can be even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also quite low. Internet and mobile services are reasonably priced. Groceries can be bought at a lower price, especially local products, while imported goods can be a bit more expensive. Eating out in inexpensive restaurants or street food is very affordable, while dining in mid-range restaurants can cost a bit more. Transportation costs are also low, with affordable public transportation and cheap taxis. Owning a car can be more expensive due to the cost of the vehicle itself and fuel prices. Healthcare in Phnom Penh can vary, with public hospitals being cheaper but offering a lower standard of care, while private hospitals and clinics offer a higher standard of care but at a higher cost. Education costs can vary greatly, with public schools being quite affordable, while international schools can be quite expensive. Overall, the cost of living in Phnom Penh is low, but it can vary depending on lifestyle and personal preferences,” said one expat living in Phnom Penh.
Can I live in Phnom Penh on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Phnom Penh for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the West, but if you’re used to certain luxuries, you might have to make some sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants or go out for drinks every night. But if you’re willing to embrace the local cuisine and lifestyle, you can live quite comfortably. Rent is one of the biggest expenses, but it’s still quite affordable compared to Western standards. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood for around $300 to $500 a month. The BKK1 neighborhood is popular among expats due to its central location and abundance of Western amenities, but it’s also one of the most expensive areas. If you’re looking to save on rent, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Toul Tom Poung or Tuol Kork. They’re a bit further from the city center, but still have plenty of amenities and are more affordable.Groceries are also quite cheap, especially if you shop at local markets. You can get a week’s worth of fresh produce for around $10 to $15. Eating out is also affordable, with a meal at a local restaurant costing around $2 to $5. However, if you prefer Western food, it can be a bit more expensive, around $5 to $10 per meal.Transportation is another area where you can save a lot. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are the most common forms of transportation and are quite cheap. A short ride can cost as little as $1. However, if you’re planning to stay here long-term, you might want to consider buying a motorbike. It’s a one-time investment of around $300 to $500, but it can save you a lot in the long run.As for utilities, expect to pay around $50 to $100 a month for electricity, water, and internet. It can be a bit higher if you use air conditioning a lot. Overall, living in Phnom Penh on $1,500 a month is definitely doable, but it requires some adjustments. You might have to give up some luxuries and embrace the local lifestyle, but in return, you get to experience a fascinating culture and enjoy a slower pace of life,” commented an expat living in Phnom Penh.
Can I live in Phnom Penh on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Phnom Penh for a few years 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, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious apartment, but you can certainly live a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. In terms of accommodation, you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in a good area for around $500 to $800 per month. The BKK1 neighborhood is quite popular among expats due to its central location and the availability of western amenities. However, it’s also one of the more expensive areas. If you’re looking to save on rent, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Toul Tom Poung or Russian Market. They’re a bit further out but still have a good expat community and plenty of amenities. When it comes to food, local meals can be incredibly cheap, often costing just a few dollars. Western food is more expensive, but still affordable compared to what you’d pay back home. You can expect to pay around $10 to $15 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant. Transportation is also quite cheap. You can get around the city by tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi for just a few dollars per trip. If you’re planning to stay for a while, you might want to consider buying a second-hand motorbike. As for utilities, expect to pay around $50 to $100 per month for electricity, depending on your usage and the size of your apartment. Internet and cable TV packages can cost around $30 to $50 per month. So, while you might have to make a few adjustments, I believe you can live quite comfortably in Phnom Penh on $3,000 a month. Just be mindful of your spending, especially on things like dining out and entertainment, as these can add up quickly,” said one expat living in Phnom Penh.
Can I live in Phnom Penh on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Phnom Penh for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For instance, you can rent a nice one-bedroom apartment in a modern building with a pool and gym for around $500 to $800 a month. The BKK1 and Tonle Bassac neighborhoods are quite popular among expats and have a lot of modern amenities, but they are also some of the most expensive areas. If you’re looking to save money, you might want to consider living in the Russian Market or Toul Tom Poung areas. They are a bit cheaper but still have a lot of great restaurants and shops. When it comes to food, local meals can cost as little as $1 to $3, while Western meals at restaurants can range from $5 to $15. Groceries are also quite affordable, especially if you shop at local markets. Utilities like electricity and water are not very expensive either, usually costing around $50 to $100 a month depending on your usage. Internet and mobile plans are also quite cheap, with unlimited data plans costing around $10 a month.Transportation is another area where you can save a lot of money. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are everywhere and are very affordable. You can also rent a motorbike for around $50 a month if you prefer to drive yourself. Healthcare can be a bit tricky. There are some good international clinics and hospitals, but they can be quite expensive. However, if you have international health insurance, this should not be a problem. As for entertainment, there are plenty of things to do in Phnom Penh that won’t break the bank. There are numerous temples, museums, and markets to explore, and the city has a vibrant nightlife with many bars and clubs. Of course, living in Cambodia does require some adjustments. The heat and humidity can be intense, and the traffic can be chaotic. Also, while many people speak English, there can still be language barriers, especially with older people and in more rural areas. But overall, I’ve found that the benefits far outweigh the challenges. With $5,000 a month, you can live a very comfortable lifestyle in Phnom Penh,” commented an expat living in Phnom Penh.
