Why Cambodia? The Short Version.
Cambodia is one of the last genuinely affordable, genuinely interesting countries in Southeast Asia. Thailand's cost of living has crept up. Bali is overrun and increasingly expensive for what you get. Vietnam has become more bureaucratic for visa runners. Cambodia is still wide open.
Phnom Penh in particular has the best expat infrastructure in the country — good hospitals, fast internet, an active expat community, phenomenal food, and a walkable city that doesn't feel like a tourist trap. Siem Reap is the obvious choice for temple junkies, and the south coast (Koh Rong, Kampot) is for those who want to slow down completely.
This guide focuses primarily on Phnom Penh — the capital and the de facto expat hub — with notes on other areas where relevant.
Cost of Living — Quick Snapshot
Here's what you can realistically expect to spend per month in Phnom Penh in 2026. These are actual observed prices, not guesses from a guidebook written in 2019.
Visas — What Actually Works in 2026
Cambodia is one of the most visa-friendly countries in Southeast Asia for long-term stays. The most common path for expats:
- e-Visa (30 days): Apply online at evisa.gov.kh before arrival. $36. Single entry. Good for your first visit to check things out.
- Ordinary Visa Type E (on arrival): Get this instead of the tourist visa if you plan to stay. $35 at the airport. Can be extended indefinitely.
- Annual extension via an agent: ~$285–$320/year for a business-class annual extension handled by a visa agent. Completely standard, everyone does it. You get a sticker in your passport and don't leave the country.
There is no official digital nomad or remote worker visa as of mid-2026, but the annual extension via agent is effectively that. Full deep-dive in the visa guide.
Read the full Cambodia Visa Guide →
Where to Live in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh has distinct neighbourhoods with very different vibes and price points.
The expat heartland. Packed with cafés, co-working spaces, Western restaurants, and expat-oriented services. Walkable. Rents are highest here: expect $450–$900/month for a decent 1BR.
South of BKK1, calmer and more local. Good restaurants, fewer crowds. 1BR from $350/month. Popular with expats who want the convenience of BKK1 without paying for it.
Along the Mekong. Good for short stays. Gets noisy at weekends. Not recommended as a long-term base unless you love the tourist strip.
Further south. Local market, good street food, lower rents. 20-min Grab from BKK1. Popular with people who have been here 2+ years.
Healthcare & Insurance
Phnom Penh has several international-standard hospitals that handle most routine and emergency care — Raffles Hospital, Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, and Calmette (government, very affordable). For serious cardiac or neurological issues, Bangkok is 6 hours away and the standard evacuation point.
Health insurance is essential. The most popular option among Cambodia-based expats and nomads is SafetyWing Nomad Insurance — ~$45/month for most ages under 40, covers emergency care across 185 countries, no home country care.
Honest Pros & Cons After 1 Year
Essential Tools for Moving to Cambodia
These are services I actually use. Some links are affiliate — they don't cost you extra and help keep this guide free.