Cost of living in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, the bustling capital of Cambodia, is a city rich in culture and history. As the economic and political center of the country, it attracts both expatriates and locals alike.
Understanding the cost of living in Phnom Penh is crucial for anyone considering moving to or investing in the city. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5 on average, with a range between $2 and $10.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $30, with prices ranging from $20 to $86.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7, with a range between $6 and $7.5.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.8 to $2.5, imported beer $2 to $4, cappuccino $1.2 to $5, and Coke/Pepsi $0.5 to $2.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.75 and $2.5 per liter, averaging $2.13.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1 and $4.5, with an average price of $1.85.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.45 to $2.7, averaging $1.9.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2 to $5 per kg, while oranges range from $2 to $7 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.99 and $2.5 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.5 to $2.8 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1 and $3, with a monthly pass priced between $9.2 and $12.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1 and $1.3 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.75, with a cost of $1 to $1.5 per km and $1 to $8 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $350 to $750, averaging $502.11.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $210 to $400, averaging $277.36.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $750 to $3000, averaging $1065.38.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $450 to $800, averaging $615.38.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2950, averaging $2316.57.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1000 to $2190, averaging $1492.5.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $57.95 and $150, averaging $94.32.
- Internet - Internet services range from $18 to $35, with an average cost of $22.3.
Cost of Living Rankings
Phnom Penh ranks 1st on the Cost of Living rankings in Cambodia. The cost of living indices for Cambodia are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Cambodia, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Phnom Penh offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, with low prices for dining and transportation.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Grocery prices are moderate, but imported goods can be more costly.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Phnom Penh presents a cost-effective living environment, especially for those accustomed to higher expenses in Western countries.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, options outside the centre offer more affordable alternatives.
Overall, Phnom Penh is an attractive destination for expatriates and locals seeking a vibrant city life without the high costs associated with other major cities.