Moving to Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The easiest long-stay visa in Asia
USD is used day-to-day. Easiest long-stay visa in Asia. Healthcare is weak — budget for Bangkok runs.
TL;DR
Cost of living in Phnom Penh
All figures in USD, per month, single person mid-lifestyle (1BR in a good area).
| Rent (1BR, good area) | $450 |
| Groceries & food | $250 |
| Transport | $50 |
| Utilities & internet | $100 |
| Going out / fun | $200 |
| Total monthly (mid lifestyle) | $1,050 |
| Annual | $12,600 |
Lean lifestyle multiplier 0.7×. Comfortable 1.4×. Couple multiplier 1.55×. Family of 4: 2.2×.
Pros
- USD is the default daily currency — no exchange headaches
- E-class visa extension is the easiest long-stay in Asia (~USD 285/yr)
- English is common in the expat-facing economy
- Cost of living is genuinely low for a capital city
Cons
- Healthcare is poor — any serious issue = Bangkok (1h flight) or Ho Chi Minh
- Petty crime (phone snatching) is a real concern
- Electricity outages still happen in the wet season
- Infrastructure feels 10–15 years behind Bangkok
Best neighborhoods in Phnom Penh
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 Phnom Penh playbook — coming soon
Bangkok, Bali and Tokyo guides are live now. Phnom Penh is being written next. In the meantime, browse the guides that are ready — or bookmark this page and check back.
Phnom Penh FAQs
How does the E-class visa extension work?
Enter on E (business) visa (~USD 35), then extend via an agent for 6 or 12 months (~USD 175 / 285). Multi-entry included.
Do I need USD or Riel?
USD for almost everything. Small change comes back in Riel (~4000 KHR per USD).
Is petty crime really that bad?
Snatch theft (phones, bags from motorbike passengers) is common. Don't walk with phones out in Chamkarmon at night.
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 Phnom Penh before committing to a lease.
EU-based nomad health plan. Good for 30+ and families.
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