How Much Does It Cost to Live In Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh is the city which is still not developed enough, but is growing daily due to the influence of numerous foreign businesses.
The rising of companies and the low standard of living make it a sweet spot for foreigners who are looking for a place where they will cut their expenses on half.
In recent years, Phnom Penh has the comforts and ease of life to provide and if you have decided to move here, it is advisable to take a look at both its positive and negative sides.
Cambodia : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Phnom Penh is a city where you can eat a typical meal at a restaurant and pay less than $4.
Of course, for those who can afford that, there are more luxurious dining experience for $100 per person or more.
Coffee costs $3, while domestic beer costs less than $1.
MARKETS
When it comes to food, you have the option to shop at stores or at local outdoor markets.
You can pay half the price at the market, which would be great for your budget, due to the fact that food takes more than the third of it.
Milk is really expensive, as well as bread.
TRANSPORTATION
Getting around Phnom Penh is relatively cheap and easy as the means of transport are tuk-tuks.
One ticket for the public transport costs no more than $2, while you have a chance of getting a monthly pass and use it the whole month for $22.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
How much the utilities will be paid depends on the size of the apartment and the number of people living there.
Generally speaking, the fee for water, power, garbage and the Internet costs around $120.
The electricity is expensive, while the mobile tariff is far too cheap.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Even though Phnom Penh is known to be one of the cheaper cities to live, the fact that fitness club fees are so high would not be delightful for sports people.
Tennis court rent for one hour of practice is not so high and almost equal as in other countries.
Cinema tickets are affordable here.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Phnom Penh is the heaven for shoppers.
Actually, foreigners who come here are amazed with such low prices of clothing items, which are branded and far too expensive in the majority of other countries.
Getting a pair of jeans or a dress for just $25 is unimaginable in both European and American cities.
RENT PER MONTH
Phnom Penh is divided into districts and there are areas that are more safe and popular to settle.
The further outside the city center you look for the apartment, the less you will pay the rent.
However, in relation the standard of living, the cost of rent is far too expensive.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Phnom Penh
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $3.50 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.35 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $8.50 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.16 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.61 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $2 |
| Monthly Pass | $22.50 |
| Gasoline | $3.73 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $83.65 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.07 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $32.11 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $45.69 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $10 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $5 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $24 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $25.36 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $77.17 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $479.88 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $309.09 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1283.33 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh is a city which offers various opportunities and you can get what you are looking for at lower prices than in most developed countries.
You should get ready to spend almost 36% of your monthly budget on food and groceries, and 26% on rent.
People in Phnom Penh do not earn a lot of money, so the categories such as restaurants, sports and clothing are on the last place of their monthly expenses.
Transportation also takes pretty much money, even though it is considered affordable.
Average Costs Breakdown
Phnom Penh: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
The amount of money you will get for your work here depends on your profession and working hours.
Phnom Penh is a city full of working opportunities, but you should bear in mind the fact that the salaries are not high and when making a deal with the employer make sure that the salary would be enough to cover all the expenses.
The difference between the minimum and the average wage is huge, and those who earn the minimum would not be able to provide a decent life for their families.
Phnom Penh Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Phnom Penh Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
