Cost of Living in Phnom Penh 2026: Rent, Bills & Real Numbers
Cost of Living in Phnom Penh 2026: Rent, Bills & Real Numbers
By Charlotte — Your Guide to Cambodia Real Estate
I’ve lived in Phnom Penh for years and helped hundreds of expats find homes here. Today I’m showing you exactly what I spend — rent, electricity, food, everything. No guesses. Real receipts.
If you’re researching whether you can afford life in Cambodia, this is the article I wish existed when I started.
Rent — The Biggest Line
Rent is your largest monthly expense, and the range is wider than most people expect. Here’s what you get at three budgets in Phnom Penh right now:
| Budget | What You Get | Where |
|---|---|---|
| $300-500 /month | Studio or basic 1-bedroom, older building | Toul Kork, Sen Sok, outer BKK |
| $600- 750 /month | Modern 1-bedroom, pool & gym, good location | BKK1, Tonle Bassac, Riverside |
| $1,400/month | Luxury 2-bedroom, high floor, full facilities | BKK1 premium buildings, Koh Pich |
The $600 tier is where most expats land. It gets you a proper one-bedroom in a central neighbourhood with decent amenities. The jump from $600 to $1,200 is mostly about space, view, and building prestige — not necessarily a better location.
What percentage of income should rent be? If you’re earning a Western salary remotely, aim for 25–30%. If you’re on a local or regional salary, be prepared for rent to take 40–50% — housing is the one cost that hasn’t stayed “cheap” in Phnom Penh.
Bills Nobody Talks About
This section catches every newcomer off guard. Here’s the real monthly picture:
| Bill | Low End | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $50 | $80–$150 | AC usage is the killer. Older buildings = higher bills |
| Water | $5 | $10–$15 | Usually negligible |
| Internet (fibre) | $15 | $25–$40 | Reliable, fast, good value |
| Mobile | $5 | $8–$15 | Smart or Metfone, data-heavy plans |
| Building maintenance | $0 | $30–$80 | Condos only. Ask before signing. |
Your total utilities will land between $100 and $200 per month for a typical one-bedroom — plus maintenance fees if you’re in a condo.
One thing to watch: some landlords mark up the electricity rate. The government rate is around $0.25/kWh. Ask what rate you’ll be charged before you sign. A marked-up rate on an inefficient AC unit can push your bill past $200 in hot season.
Daily Life Costs
Here’s where Cambodia still wins. Day-to-day living can be extremely affordable — or surprisingly expensive — depending on your choices.
| Expense | Local Option | Western Option |
|---|---|---|
| Meal out | $2–$3 (local restaurant) | $8–$15 (western cafe/restaurant) |
| Coffee | $1.5 (street coffee) | $3–$4 (specialty café) |
| Groceries (weekly) | $15–$25 (local market) | $50–$80 (supermarket) |
| Gym | $25–$35 (basic) | $40–$80 (premium) |
| Transport (monthly) | $40–$60 (Grab/tuktuk) | $100+ (own car with fuel) |
Realistic food budget: If you eat local most days with a few western meals, budget $250–$350/month. If you cook at home with supermarket ingredients and eat out western-style, push that to $450–$600.
Transport: Most expats use Grab (ride-hailing) or buy a motorbike. A second-hand motorbike runs $300–$800. Fuel is cheap — $20–$30 a month. Grab rides within the city typically cost $1–$4.
Visa costs (something everyone forgets to include): A one-year business visa extension runs around $290. Factor in about $25/month.
The Grand Total
Here’s what you actually need per month in Phnom Penh in 2026:
| Lifestyle | Monthly Total | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Minimum | $700–$900 | Studio in outer area, local food, no luxuries |
| Comfortable | $1,200–$1,600 | 1-bedroom in BKK1, mix of eating out, Grab transport, gym |
| Luxury | $2,000–$3,000+ | Premium condo, western food, frequent travel, full lifestyle |
Most single expats I know land in the Comfortable range — $1,200 to $1,600 — and live well. Couples can share housing costs and live comfortably on $1,800–$2,200 combined.
The Bottom Line
Phnom Penh is still one of the most affordable capital cities in Southeast Asia — but it’s not the $500-a-month paradise some YouTube videos claim. Come with realistic numbers, budget for the electricity surprise, and you’ll be fine.
Thinking about making the move? I help expats find the right apartment — at the right price, with the right landlord. Drop your budget in the comments or reach out directly. I’ll tell you exactly which neighbourhood fits.
About the Author
Charlotte – Property Consultant in Phnom Penh
I help local and international buyers navigate Cambodia’s real estate market, with a focus on BKK1, prime condominiums, and lifestyle-focused property selection.
If you’re considering a move to Phnom Penh or looking for investment opportunities, feel free to contact me for personalized advice.