2026 Phnom Penh Cost of Living for Expats: Real Monthly Budget

Phnom Penh remains one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated expat hubs in 2026.

For expats, digital nomads, and retirees looking for a lower-cost capital city, Phnom Penh still offers a practical mix of affordable rent, low daily transport costs, and flexible lifestyle choices.

This guide breaks down the real monthly cost of living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, including rent, food, transport, utilities, and extra lifestyle expenses.

 Rent in Phnom Penh (2026)

Housing is usually the biggest expense for most expats in Phnom Penh, but the city still has a fairly wide range of options depending on neighborhood and comfort level.

Typical monthly rent ranges:

– Studio (suburbs such as Toul Kork, Russey Keo): $250–$400/month
– 1-bedroom (mid-range areas such as BKK1, BKK3): $450–$700/month
– 2-bedroom (central areas such as Daun Penh, Riverside): $750–$1,200/month

Apartments with better furniture, stronger air conditioning, security, or gym access will naturally cost more.

 Food and Groceries

Food in Phnom Penh can stay quite affordable if you mostly eat local food and shop simply.

Typical food costs:

– Street food: $2–$4 per meal
– Local groceries: $150–$250/month
– Western meals: $8–$15 per meal

A budget-conscious expat can keep this category low, but imported products, cafes, and regular delivery will raise the monthly total quickly.

 

 

Transportation

Getting around Phnom Penh is relatively simple, and daily transport is still one of the cheaper parts of living here.

Typical transportation costs:

– Tuk-tuk rides: $2–$5 per trip
– Grab rides: $3–$8 per trip
– Motorbike rental: $60–$100/month

If you live near your usual work or social area, monthly transport costs can stay very manageable.

Utilities

Utilities in Phnom Penh are still reasonable, but electricity can become a noticeable expense if you use air conditioning heavily.

Typical monthly utility costs:

– Electricity (with AC): $60–$120
– Internet: $30–$50
– Mobile plan: $10–$20

Estimated total: $100–$190/month

 

Leisure and Extras

Lifestyle spending depends heavily on how often you go out, work from cafes, or travel on weekends.

Typical extra costs:

– Gym: $50–$100/month
– Day trips: $30–$80
– Personal care: $30–$70

This category is what usually separates a basic monthly budget from a more comfortable one.

Realistic Monthly Budget in Phnom Penh

For most expats in 2026, a realistic monthly budget looks like this:

– Single expat: $600–$1,200/month
– Couple: $900–$1,800/month

At the lower end, this usually means simpler housing, more local food, and moderate daily spending. At the higher end, you are paying for better location, more comfort, and a more international lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Phnom Penh remains one of Southeast Asia’s more practical cities for expats who want a capital-city lifestyle without the much higher costs of some bigger regional hubs.

If you’re comparing cities around the region, you can also read our other guides:

– Da Nang cost of living guide

– Thailand cost of living guide

– Kuala Lumpur cost of living guide

– Manila cost of living guide