Cost of Living in Phnom Penh in 2025
- Isabella
- Sep 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s lively capital, has long attracted expats, digital nomads, and travelers who want an affordable yet comfortable lifestyle in Southeast Asia. In 2025, the city still offers great value for money, but costs vary depending on where you live and how you spend. Whether you’re considering relocating, staying long-term, or just curious about daily expenses, here’s a complete look at the cost of living in Phnom Penh in 2025.
Housing & Accommodation
Rent is often the biggest expense for anyone living in Phnom Penh.
A studio or small one-bedroom in the city center (BKK1, Riverside, Tonle Bassac) costs around $480–$900 per month.
In quieter neighborhoods outside the center, you can find a one-bedroom for $270–$400.
Families or those needing more space should expect to pay $900–$1,200+ for a two- or three-bedroom apartment.
Luxury serviced apartments and villas with gyms, pools, and 24-hour security can go upwards of $1,500–$5,000+.
On top of rent, budget $80–$160 per month for utilities such as electricity, water, trash collection, and internet—more if you run the air-conditioner all day.
Food & Dining
Phnom Penh is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from street food to international dining.
A local restaurant meal costs about $3.50–$5.
Western or mid-range meals fall between $7–$15.
A cup of cappuccino averages $2.50–$4, while a local beer is about $1–$1.50.
Groceries are affordable if you stick to local markets. Expect to spend $150–$250 per month for one person. Imported items like cheese, wine, or Western snacks will quickly raise the bill.
Transportation
Getting around Phnom Penh is simple and inexpensive.
Tuk-tuks cost about $1–$3 for a short ride.
Ride-hailing apps like Grab or PassApp are popular and often cheaper.
Public buses are still underused but cost just $0.25–$2 per ride, with monthly passes at around $10–$15.
Gasoline prices hover around $1.10–$1.30 per liter.
Most expats don’t own cars, relying instead on tuk-tuks or motorbikes.
Utilities & Internet
Electricity, water, and garbage collection: $50–$100 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
High-speed internet: $15–$30 per month.
Mobile data plans: $5–$10 monthly, depending on usage.
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Life in Phnom Penh can be as quiet or as lively as you want it to be.
Gym memberships: $30–$45/month.
Movie tickets: $4–$6.
A night out with dinner and drinks: $20–$50, depending on venue.
The city has everything from rooftop bars to affordable spas, so entertainment costs are flexible based on lifestyle.
Education & Healthcare
For families, these are two important considerations:
Preschools: $200–$500/month.
International schools: $7,000–$12,000 annually.
Private healthcare: Doctor visits range $25–$50, with higher costs for specialists. Health insurance is highly recommended.
Example Monthly Budgets
Budget lifestyle: $700–$1,000(simple apartment outside center, mostly local food, minimal extras)
Mid-range comfort: $1,200–$1,500(good one-bedroom in central area, mix of local and Western dining, entertainment, gym)
Family/expat comfort: $1,800–$2,500+(larger home, international school, Western groceries, frequent travel or nights out)
Final Thoughts
In 2025, Phnom Penh remains an affordable city compared to other Asian capitals, but costs are rising, especially in popular expat neighborhoods. A single person can live well on $1,200 per month, while families should budget more depending on schooling and housing preferences.
If you’re seeking a balance of affordability, comfort, and culture, Phnom Penh continues to be one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations.
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