Cost of Living in Cambodia

Updated: June 01, 2025

If you've ever considered moving to Cambodia, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Cambodia?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Cambodia and whether the reported $1445 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $275.4.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

Cambodia

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	3.0 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	21.0 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	6.0 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	1.0 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	2.5 $
Cappuccino (regular)	2.36 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	0.87 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.54 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	2.14 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	1.64 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	1.08 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.75 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	14.54 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	5.31 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	9.75 $
Apples (1 lb)	3.71 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.28 $
Oranges (1 lb)	3.35 $
Tomato (1 lb)	1.43 $
Potato (1 lb)	1.34 $
Onion (1 lb)	1.23 $
Lettuce (1 head)	1.4 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.74 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	10.5 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	0.95 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.94 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	1.5 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	1.38 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	12.0 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	1.0 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	1.0 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	4.5 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	1.17 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	48000.0 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	40666.67 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	100.25 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.05 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	36.07 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	54.34 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	12.33 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	5.0 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	247.88 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	7833.33 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	22.92 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	18.27 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	73.15 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	39.17 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	436.8 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	246.51 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	1064.5 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	604.74 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	2337.82 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	1217.22 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	275.4 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	10.33 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 3.0 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 21.0 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 2.14 USD, a loaf of bread 1.64 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.75 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 1.38 USD and a monthly pass around 12.0 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 100.25 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 54.34 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 12.33 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 247.88 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 7833.33 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 22.92 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 73.15 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 436.8 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 246.51 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 2337.82 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1217.22 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 275.4 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 10.33% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in Cambodia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Overall, Cambodia is a safe country, but there are extremely high rates of both petty crime and violent crime. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of something going wrong.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

When it comes to transport, it isn't very safe or reliable. You have to be very careful in public transport because there may be thieves lurking around, especially while you are entering the vehicle.Also, when renting a bike, be wary of someone pushing you off while you are riding and then taking the bike and riding off. Resisting may turn into a violent outcome so hand over everything immediately. Be aware of the fact that driving standards in Cambodia are poor, so try to avoid driving after dusk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There is an extreme threat of petty crime. Pickpockets are practically an everyday occurrence and you should be extremely careful when handling your valuables and never carry your money in a purse or a pocket. The most risky locations are crowded places such as markets, public transport and bus and train stations.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

During the monsoon season, which lasts from May to October, there is a risk of flooding, and typhoons and tsunamis are not a rarity either.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

In the central areas of the country, the chances of getting mugged or kidnapped are low, but there are areas that are best avoided, mostly located on the brinks of the country.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Cambodia's recent history but they shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a number of scams performed on tourists, such as Cambodian custom officers in Poipet asking tourists to pay USD 45 for a visa on arrival, instead of USD 30. Insist on the regular price but stay friendly and keep smiling, they rarely insist it. Scams on the Thai side of the border are even more common. Don't embark on a 'government bus to the border', don't accept anyone's help, especially those 'working for Thai Immigration' at your hotel or elsewhere, and don't go to shops with signs 'visas available here' next to the border.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Cambodia is not the safest choice for female solo travelers. . Sexual assaults do occur occasionally, and women in general tend to attract unwanted attention, particularly in Siem Reap. It is recommended not to ride a tuck-tuck after 8 pm if and of course, apply the basic precaution measures - avoid wearing purses and do not walk alone or roam around deserted or poorly lit streets and areas.

Cost of Living in Cambodia

Cambodia

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing