🇰🇠Cost of Living in Cambodia - Prices & Budget Guide
Last updated: February 2026
Verified Facts
Official NameKingdom of Cambodia
CapitalPhnom Penh
Population17.6 million
Area181,035 km² (69,898 sq mi)
LanguagesKhmer
CurrencyCambodian riel (៛), United States dollar ($)
TimezoneUTC+07:00
RegionAsia / South-Eastern Asia
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Economic Indicators
GDP per Capita (PPP)$7,967 (2024)
Inflation Rate0.8% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$115 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend60.6% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)2.2% (2023)
Source: World Bank Open Data
Quick Facts
Cost LevelAffordable
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$15-30 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$30-60 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$60-100 USD
CurrencyKHR
Tipping Customnot expected
How Expensive Is Cambodia?
Cambodia is considered an affordable country to live in or visit, with a cost of living that is lower than many of its neighbors in Southeast Asia. The country's economy is growing rapidly, but the cost of goods and services remains relatively low, making it an attractive destination for tourists and expats alike. Compared to Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia's prices are generally lower, although they can be higher than those in Laos. Overall, Cambodia offers a great balance of affordability and quality of life, making it an excellent choice for travelers and expats looking for a budget-friendly destination.
Cambodia's affordability is due in part to its relatively low cost of accommodation, food, and transportation. The country's capital, Phnom Penh, is a bustling city with a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Outside of the cities, the cost of living can be even lower, with many rural areas offering a very low cost of living. However, it's worth noting that prices can vary depending on the location, with popular tourist areas like Siem Reap and Sihanoukville tend to be more expensive than other parts of the country.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$5-15
basic rooms with shared bathrooms
Mid-Range Hotel
$20-50
air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms
Luxury/Resort
$100-250
high-end amenities and services
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$200-600
city center vs outside, furnished vs unfurnished
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$1-3
Casual Restaurant
$5-10
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$15-30
Fine Dining
$30-50
Beer (local)
$1-2
Coffee
$1-3
Water (1.5L bottle)
$0.50-1
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$0.50-1
Taxi (per km)
$1-2
Domestic flight
$50-100
Fuel (per liter)
$0.80-1.20
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
150
300
600
Food
150
300
600
Transport
50
100
200
Utilities
50
100
200
Entertainment
100
200
400
Total
500
1000
2000
Money-Saving Tips
Consider staying in a guesthouse or hostel instead of a hotel to save on accommodation costs
Eat at local markets or street food stalls to enjoy delicious and affordable meals
Use public transportation or walk/bike instead of taking taxis to get around
Avoid traveling during peak season (December to April) to save on accommodation and tour prices
Learn some basic Khmer phrases to negotiate prices and interact with locals
Consider buying a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected and avoid high roaming charges
Overall, Cambodia offers a great value for money, with a low cost of living and a wide range of affordable accommodation, food, and transportation options. With some basic knowledge of the local culture and customs, visitors can have a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Cambodia without breaking the bank.