Use the sliders below to build your personal monthly budget for Phnom Penh. All prices are real 2026 observations — not travel blog guesses.
Estimates. Comparison cities use published expat averages for a comparable lifestyle.
Cambodia's electricity rates are among the highest in Southeast Asia — around $0.18–0.22/kWh. Air con running 24/7 can add $100–$180/month to your bill. A ceiling fan + selective AC use keeps this under $60. Many expat apartments have shared electricity that landlords markup on top.
A serviced apartment on the tourist strip in BKK1 will cost $600+. A locally-marketed apartment one block off the main road costs $380 for the same size. The trick: look on local Facebook groups (Phnom Penh Expats, Boombastic) rather than expat listing sites — you'll save $100–$200/month.
A bowl of noodles from a local spot is $1.50–$2.50. A burger at a Western café is $8–$12. If you eat local 60% of the time, your food budget sits around $150–$200. If you eat Western 90% of the time, expect $400–$600. The good news: local food in Cambodia is genuinely excellent.
Grab (the Uber of SEA) is available across Phnom Penh and extremely cheap — $1–$2 for most city trips. Many expats rent a motorbike ($80–$120/month) for full independence and savings. Ride at your own risk — Phnom Penh traffic laws are more suggestions than rules.
Bottom line: A single person can live a genuinely comfortable life in Phnom Penh on $1,200–$1,600/month. A frugal lifestyle (local food, fan, bike) can get to $750. Going full Western (AC, Western food, active nightlife) pushes $2,000+. Couples share rent and many fixed costs, making Cambodia even more affordable.