Cost of Living in Phnom Penh: A Practical Breakdown for 2026
An honest look at what it costs to live in Phnom Penh — from rent and utilities to food, healthcare, and international schools.
Phnom Penh is one of Southeast Asia's most affordable capitals — but "affordable" means different things to different people. A single expat eating street food and renting a studio will have a very different budget than a family with two kids in international school.
This guide breaks down the real costs of living in Phnom Penh in 2026, organized by category and split across three budget levels so you can plan accurately. All prices are in USD, which is the standard currency for rentals and most expat transactions in Cambodia.
Monthly Cost Overview
Here's a quick snapshot of what to expect each month, depending on your lifestyle. Detailed breakdowns for each category follow below.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $300–500 | $700–1,200 | $1,500–3,000+ |
| Utilities | $30–60 | $80–150 | $150–300 |
| Food | $150–250 | $350–500 | $600–1,000 |
| Transport | $30–60 | $80–150 | $200–400 |
| Healthcare | $0–30 | $50–100 | $150–300 |
| Entertainment | $50–100 | $150–300 | $300–500 |
| Education | — | — | $500–2,000+ |
| Total | $800–1,200 | $1,500–2,500 | $3,000–5,000+ |
The budget tier suits solo expats living a largely local lifestyle. Mid-range covers a comfortable one or two-person household. The comfortable tier reflects families, especially those with school-age children.
Rent
Rent is by far the largest variable in your monthly budget. A studio in Chamkarmon might cost $300, while a three-bedroom serviced apartment in BKK1 could run $2,500 or more.
Typical monthly rent by property type:
| Property Type | Range |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $250–700 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | $500–1,500 |
| 3-bedroom apartment | $800–2,500 |
| Villa (3–4 bedrooms) | $1,200–3,500+ |
Where you live matters as much as what you rent. Central neighborhoods like BKK1 and Tonle Bassac command premium prices, while areas like Toul Kork and Sen Sok offer 20–40% more space for the same budget.
Most landlords require a one or two-month security deposit paid upfront. Leases are typically six to twelve months, and rent is paid monthly in advance — usually in cash or bank transfer. For details on what to expect in a rental contract, see our guide to understanding leases in Cambodia.
Utilities
Electricity is the utility cost that surprises most newcomers. Cambodia's electricity rates are among the highest in Southeast Asia, and heavy AC use in the hot season (March–May) can push bills up significantly.
- Electricity: $30–200+/month depending on AC usage. A one-bedroom apartment with moderate AC runs $40–80. A larger villa with multiple units running all day can exceed $200.
- Water: $5–15/month for most apartments. Often included in rent for serviced units.
- Internet: $20–40/month for fiber (30–100 Mbps). Providers include EZECOM, SINET, and OneCloud.
- Mobile data: $5–15/month for a local SIM with generous data. Smart, Cellcard, and Metfone are the main carriers.
Many serviced apartments include water and internet in the rent. Always clarify what's included before signing a lease.
Food and Groceries
Phnom Penh is a great city for eating well on almost any budget. The gap between local and imported food prices is where the real cost difference lives.
Eating Out
- Street food and local restaurants: A plate of lok lak or a bowl of kuy teav costs $1.50–3. You can eat three full meals a day for under $10.
- Mid-range restaurants: Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese, or Korean meals at sit-down restaurants run $5–12 per dish.
- Western and international dining: Burgers, pasta, or brunch at expat-oriented restaurants cost $8–18 per main. A nice dinner out with drinks runs $25–50 per person.
Groceries
- Local markets (Orussey, BKK Market, Toul Tom Poung): Fresh produce, meat, and fish at the lowest prices. A week's groceries for two people costs $15–30.
- Supermarkets (Lucky, Aeon, Thai Huot): Local and imported products. A similar shop runs $30–60, more if you're buying imported cheese, wine, or specialty items.
Typical monthly food budgets:
- Budget: $150–250 (mostly local food, markets)
- Mid-range: $350–500 (mix of local and international, some supermarket shopping)
- Comfortable: $600–1,000 (regular restaurant dining, imported groceries, family meals)
Transportation
Phnom Penh is compact enough that transportation costs stay relatively low for most residents.
- Motorbike rental: $60–100/month for a 125cc automatic. Buying a secondhand Honda costs $500–1,000.
- Fuel: $15–25/month for daily city riding.
- Ride-hailing (Grab, PassApp): Short trips within the city cost $1–3 by tuk-tuk, $2–5 by car. A daily commuter relying on apps might spend $80–150/month.
- Car ownership: Monthly costs (fuel, insurance, parking, maintenance) run $200–400. Cars are expensive to buy in Cambodia due to import duties — a basic sedan starts around $15,000–20,000.
Most expats get around by motorbike or ride-hailing. Families with children often find a car practical, especially for school runs.
Healthcare
Cambodia has a growing private healthcare sector, but quality varies. Most expats use private clinics and hospitals for routine care.
- GP visit (private clinic): $20–50
- Dental cleaning: $30–60
- Specialist consultation: $50–100
- International hospital visit: $50–150+ depending on treatment
Major private facilities in Phnom Penh include Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Sunrise Japan Hospital, and SOS International. For anything serious or complex, many expats travel to Bangkok, which is a one-hour flight away.
Health insurance is strongly recommended. International plans (Cigna, Luma, Pacific Cross) typically cost $80–250/month depending on age, coverage level, and whether you include medical evacuation. Some employers provide coverage as part of a relocation package.
Education
If you're moving to Phnom Penh with children, school fees will likely be your single largest expense — potentially more than rent.
International school annual fees (approximate):
| School Tier | Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| Budget international | $3,000–6,000 |
| Mid-range international | $8,000–15,000 |
| Premium international (IB, British curriculum) | $15,000–25,000+ |
On top of tuition, expect registration fees ($500–2,000), uniforms, transport, meals, and extracurricular activities to add another $1,000–3,000 per year.
Local private schools with English-language programs are a more affordable option at $1,000–3,000/year, though the curriculum and teaching standards differ from international schools.
When choosing where to live, many families pick neighborhoods near their children's school to avoid long commutes. Toul Kork and the BKK area are popular for their concentration of international schools.
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Day-to-day lifestyle costs in Phnom Penh are reasonable, with plenty of options at every price point.
- Gym membership: $30–80/month (basic gyms to premium facilities like Aeon Fitness or The Factory)
- Coworking space: $80–200/month for a hot desk; dedicated desks run higher
- Coffee shop visits: $1.50–4 per drink at local and international cafes
- Beer: $0.50–1.50 for draft at local spots, $3–6 at expat bars
- Cinema (Aeon Mall): $4–6 per ticket
- Weekend trips: A night in Kampot or Kep costs $30–80 for a guesthouse, $100–200 for a boutique hotel
Monthly entertainment budgets range from $50–100 for a quiet lifestyle to $300–500+ if you're dining out regularly, socializing, and traveling on weekends.
How to Choose Your Budget Level
The right budget depends on a few key questions:
- Are you bringing children? International school fees push most families into the $3,000–5,000+ range regardless of other spending habits.
- How important is Western food and imported products? Sticking to local food and markets saves $200–400/month compared to a Western-heavy diet.
- Do you need a car? Motorbike or ride-hailing keeps transport costs under $100/month. A car adds $200–400.
- What standard of housing do you expect? This is the biggest lever. A modest apartment at $400/month vs. a serviced apartment at $1,500 changes your entire budget.
Tips for keeping costs manageable:
- Negotiate rent for longer lease terms — many landlords discount 10–15% for a 12-month commitment
- Cook at home using market-fresh ingredients, which are both cheap and excellent quality
- Use local mobile plans instead of roaming or expensive international packages
- Consider neighborhoods slightly outside the center for better value on rent
Making It Work
Phnom Penh offers a quality of life that's hard to match at these price points. A single expat can live comfortably on $1,500–2,000/month, while a family should plan for $3,500–5,000+ depending on school choices.
The key is understanding where your money goes and making intentional choices about housing, food, and lifestyle. Start by exploring our guide on how to find an apartment in Phnom Penh which walks you through every step.