Moving to Kampot, Cambodia
Riverside retirement on a shoestring
Sleepy riverside town with a growing retiree scene. Dirt cheap, but medical evac insurance is a must.
TL;DR
Cost of living in Kampot
All figures in USD, per month, single person mid-lifestyle (1BR in a good area).
| Rent (1BR, good area) | $300 |
| Groceries & food | $180 |
| Transport | $30 |
| Utilities & internet | $70 |
| Going out / fun | $120 |
| Total monthly (mid lifestyle) | $700 |
| Annual | $8,400 |
Lean lifestyle multiplier 0.7×. Comfortable 1.4×. Couple multiplier 1.55×. Family of 4: 2.2×.
Pros
- Possibly the lowest cost of living in Southeast Asia for a walkable town
- Growing retiree/expat community with riverside bars, pepper plantations
- Easy visa access — same E-class as Phnom Penh
- 30 minutes from Kep beach
Cons
- Healthcare is essentially absent — Phnom Penh or Bangkok for anything real
- Small-town isolation can bite after a few months
- Internet speeds are inconsistent
- Very limited work opportunities
Best neighborhoods in Kampot
Visa options for Cambodia
Common pathways — use our Visa Finder to match your situation.
Visa rules change frequently and depend on your passport. Always verify with the consulate or a licensed immigration attorney before acting.
The Kampot playbook — coming soon
Bangkok, Bali and Tokyo guides are live now. Kampot is being written next. In the meantime, browse the guides that are ready — or bookmark this page and check back.
Kampot FAQs
Can I really live here on $700/month?
Yes. Small house USD 250–350, food USD 150–200, drinks and motorbike USD 150.
How do I handle healthcare?
International medical evac insurance is non-negotiable. Royal Phnom Penh Hospital for same-day issues; Bumrungrad Bangkok for anything serious.
Is Kampot safe?
Lower petty crime than Phnom Penh. It's a small river town — people know their neighbors.
Before you go — tools we recommend
Affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Medical + travel insurance built for long-term expats and nomads.
Data for Cambodia without swapping SIMs. Activates before you land.
Low-fee USD → local currency transfers. Essential for rent deposits.
Book 2 weeks in Kampot before committing to a lease.
EU-based nomad health plan. Good for 30+ and families.
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