Cost of living in Siem Reap
Siem Reap, a vibrant city in Cambodia, is known for its rich cultural heritage and proximity to the Angkor Wat temples. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both expatriates and locals planning their budgets.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Siem Reap, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.5 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 $24.16, with prices ranging from $17 to $86.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7, with a range between $6 and $8.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.5 to $2.5, imported beer $1.5 to $4, cappuccino $0.65 to $5, and Coke/Pepsi $0.5 to $2.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.2 and $2.5 per liter, averaging $1.77.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.8 and $4.5, with an average price of $1.42.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.45 to $2.7, averaging $1.66.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2 to $5.8 per kg, while oranges range from $2 to $7 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.99 and $4 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 $1.75.
- 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 $4.75 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 $180 to $350, averaging $272.86.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $150 to $300, averaging $202.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $300 to $800, averaging $475.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $200 to $600, averaging $325.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $500 to $1000, averaging $750.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $45 and $150, averaging $80.81.
- Internet - Internet services range from $18 to $60, with an average cost of $22.3.
Cost of Living Rankings
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
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"Key Takeaways"
Siem Reap offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western cities, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and budget-conscious travelers.
Dining out is affordable, with inexpensive meals available for as low as $2.5. Housing is also reasonably priced, especially outside the city centre.
Transportation costs are minimal, with affordable public transport and taxi services. However, owning a car can be expensive due to high vehicle prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Siem Reap provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, housing, and transportation options.
While some imported goods and vehicles may be costly, the overall expenses remain manageable for most residents.
Whether you're planning a short visit or a long-term stay, understanding these costs will help you budget effectively and enjoy your time in this culturally rich city.