Cost Of Living in Cambodia 2025
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Cambodia
Whether you're living in Cambodia or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: KHR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: KHR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: KHR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: KHR
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: KHR
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Cambodia is 2.3M KHR. Expenses can range from 320,000 KHR at the minimum level to 15M KHR at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Cambodia is 3.8M KHR. Expenditure can range from 1.3M KHR to 20M KHR per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Cambodia is 5M KHR per month. Families spend anywhere from 1.8M KHR to 33M KHR.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Cambodia is 1.7M KHR. Students spend from 250,000 KHR to 11M KHR per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Cambodia
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
3,300 KHR | 6,700 KHR | 11,000 KHR |
Restaurant meal for one
11,000 KHR | 17,000 KHR | 33,000 KHR |
Fine dining meal for one
22,000 KHR | 33,000 KHR | 130,000 KHR |
Cappuccino or latte
2,800 KHR | 4,400 KHR | 6,700 KHR |
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
2,200 KHR | 2,700 KHR | 3,300 KHR |
12 eggs
1,700 KHR | 2,200 KHR | 3,300 KHR |
Fresh whole chicken
3,800 KHR | 4,900 KHR | 6,900 KHR |
Pack of beef
4,400 KHR | 6,700 KHR | 13,000 KHR |
Medium bag of rice
1,800 KHR | 2,400 KHR | 3,500 KHR |
Bag of tomatos
670 KHR | 890 KHR | 1,700 KHR |
Bag of apples
1,200 KHR | 1,600 KHR | 2,600 KHR |
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
2,800 KHR | 3,300 KHR | 6,700 KHR |
Average car full tank
17,000 KHR | 22,000 KHR | 44,000 KHR |
Average car 1-day rental
17,000 KHR | 22,000 KHR | 33,000 KHR |
Average car price
Bus ticket one way
550 KHR | 830 KHR | 1,700 KHR |
Car Service
22,000 KHR | 33,000 KHR | 67,000 KHR |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
19,000 KHR | 140,000 KHR | 900,000 KHR |
Utility Bill - Couple
50,000 KHR | 170,000 KHR | 1.1M KHR |
Utility Bill - Family
88,000 KHR | 250,000 KHR | 1.6M KHR |
Internet and cable
17,000 KHR | 33,000 KHR | 44,000 KHR |
Mobile phone charges
13,000 KHR | 22,000 KHR | 67,000 KHR |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
8,300 KHR | 11,000 KHR | 17,000 KHR |
One month gym membership
27,000 KHR | 33,000 KHR | 67,000 KHR |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
20,000 KHR | 28,000 KHR | 42,000 KHR |
Woman dress
18,000 KHR | 26,000 KHR | 83,000 KHR |
Woman shoes
18,000 KHR | 24,000 KHR | 55,000 KHR |
Men's shoes
15,000 KHR | 18,000 KHR | 37,000 KHR |
Men suit
17,000 KHR | 21,000 KHR | 110,000 KHR |
Regular t-shirt
8,300 KHR | 11,000 KHR | 33,000 KHR |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
280,000 KHR | 420,000 KHR | 1.1M KHR |
1-bedroom apartment
420,000 KHR | 670,000 KHR | 1.7M KHR |
2-bedroom apartment
550,000 KHR | 830,000 KHR | 2.2M KHR |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment
67M KHR | 110M KHR | 420M KHR |
2-bedroom apartment
110M KHR | 330M KHR | 670M KHR |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
330,000 KHR | 420,000 KHR | 550,000 KHR |
Double Bed
220,000 KHR | 330,000 KHR | 420,000 KHR |
Single Bed
200,000 KHR | 260,000 KHR | 330,000 KHR |
Living Room
370,000 KHR | 480,000 KHR | 1.7M KHR |
Dining Table
170,000 KHR | 220,000 KHR | 420,000 KHR |
Sofa or Couch
220,000 KHR | 300,000 KHR | 670,000 KHR |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
220,000 KHR | 330,000 KHR | 670,000 KHR |
Fridge or Freezer
200,000 KHR | 300,000 KHR | 420,000 KHR |
Washing Machine
260,000 KHR | 370,000 KHR | 670,000 KHR |
Stove or Cooker
240,000 KHR | 300,000 KHR | 420,000 KHR |
Mobile Phone
280,000 KHR | 330,000 KHR | 480,000 KHR |
Laptop or Computer
300,000 KHR | 370,000 KHR | 670,000 KHR |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Cambodia
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
86%
79% to 95%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
---|
< 50% | 5% |
50% - 60% | 9% |
60% - 70% | 16% |
70% - 80% | 25% |
80% - 90% | 19% |
90% - 100% | 10% |
100% - 110% | 6% |
110% - 120% | 4% |
120% - 130% | 3% |
130% - 140% | 2% |
> 140% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Cambodia is 86%
This means that on average, people spend around 86% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 16% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
71%
86%
Couple
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
75%
90%
Family
90%
Spending-Income-Ratio
83%
100%
How do people spend their money in Cambodia?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure24%
24% of total expenses on average (13% to 32%)
LOW | $19 75,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $240 980,000 KHR |
HIGH | $2,400 9.8M KHR |
| Per Month |
People living in Cambodia typically spend from 13% to 32% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 24% being the average. The average spend on housing is 980,000 KHR with expenditure ranging from 75,000 KHR to 9.8M KHR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)
LOW | $3.1 13,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $40 160,000 KHR |
HIGH | $400 1.6M KHR |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Cambodia ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 160,000 KHR with 13,000 KHR and 1.6M KHR being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
LOW | $6.2 25,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $80 330,000 KHR |
HIGH | $800 3.3M KHR |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 25,000 KHR to 3.3M KHR on commuting with 330,000 KHR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.
Food and Groceries Cost28%
28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)
LOW | $15 63,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $200 820,000 KHR |
HIGH | $2,000 8.2M KHR |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Cambodia is 820,000 KHR. The cost of groceries can range between 63,000 KHR to 8.2M KHR. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services10%
10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)
LOW | $4.3 18,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $56 230,000 KHR |
HIGH | $560 2.3M KHR |
| Per Month |
People in Cambodia allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 18,000 KHR to 2.3M KHR with 230,000 KHR being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping5%
5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)
LOW | $2.5 10,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $32 130,000 KHR |
HIGH | $320 1.3M KHR |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 10,000 KHR to 1.3M KHR with 130,000 KHR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.
Education and Schooling5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
LOW | $3.7 15,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $48 200,000 KHR |
HIGH | $480 2M KHR |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 200,000 KHR per month with 15,000 KHR being the minimum spent amount and 2M KHR being the maximum.
Other Expenses13%
13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)
LOW | $8 33,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $100 420,000 KHR |
HIGH | $1,000 4.2M KHR |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Cambodia every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Cambodia manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 52% of the surveyed people in Cambodia said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 48% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Cambodia
Group | Savers | Non Savers |
---|
Singles | 62% | 38% |
Couples | 57% | 43% |
Families | 52% | 48% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
81,000 KHR $20 | 1.1M KHR $260 | 11M KHR $2,600 |
For most people, 9% to 29% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 15% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 1.1M KHR on average with savings ranging from 81,000 KHR to 11M KHR.
62% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 57% of couples said the same. 52% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Cambodia?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
81,000 KHR $20 | 730,000 KHR $180 | 4.9M KHR $1,200 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
---|
0% - 10% | 32% |
10% - 20% | 25% |
20% - 30% | 16% |
30% - 40% | 13% |
40% - 50% | 10% |
> 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 12% to 31% of their monthly income to savings, with 19% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 730,000 KHR with 81,000 KHR and 4.9M KHR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
410,000 KHR $100 | 1.2M KHR $300 | 6.5M KHR $1,600 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
---|
0% - 10% | 36% |
10% - 20% | 27% |
20% - 30% | 19% |
30% - 40% | 8% |
40% - 50% | 7% |
> 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 10% to 30% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 1.2M KHR with 410,000 KHR and 6.5M KHR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
570,000 KHR $140 | 1.6M KHR $400 | 11M KHR $2,600 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
---|
0% - 10% | 39% |
10% - 20% | 30% |
20% - 30% | 20% |
30% - 40% | 5% |
40% - 50% | 4% |
> 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Cambodia can save anywhere between 8% to 27% of their monthly income, with 15% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 1.6M KHR with 570,000 KHR and 11M KHR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Cambodia
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Cambodia. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
Reason | % People |
---|
Low Income | 5% |
High Expenses | 8% |
Debt and Loans | 14% |
Lack of Budgeting Skills | 11% |
Impulsive Spending | 11% |
Financial Emergencies | 7% |
Living the moment | 6% |
Will do it later | 20% |
Inflation | 13% |
Social Pressure | 3% |
Market Instability | 2% |
Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 14% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 11% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 20% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Cambodia
Where do people choose to put their savings?
Saving Type | % People |
---|
Emergency Funds | 12% |
Gold | 12% |
Savings Accounts | 17% |
Retirement Accounts | 10% |
Cash Savings | 20% |
Real Estate | 9% |
Investment | 5% |
Stocks | 5% |
Bonds | 5% |
Mutual Funds | 2% |
Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Affordable living in Cambodia
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Cambodia?
Around 53% of surveyed residents think that living in Cambodia is affordable with proper budgeting while 47% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Cambodia
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options53%
Few low-cost options47%
Based on the survey, 53% of the people living in Cambodia have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 47% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Cambodia whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes48%
No52%
Based on the survey, 52% of the people living in Cambodia said that they don't have an emergency fund while 48% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Cambodia
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy48%
We asked residents of Cambodia whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 52% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 48% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of Cambodia have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 57% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 43% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance57%
Easily manages finances43%
Financial goals of people in Cambodia
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Cambodia, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
Financial Goal | % People |
---|
Emergency Fund | 8% |
Debt Reduction | 40% |
Retirement Savings | 10% |
Education Funding | 7% |
Homeownership | 18% |
Investing | 7% |
Travel or Lifestyle | 8% |
Healthcare Expenses | 13% |
Financial Independence | 6% |
Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 40% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 8% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 13% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Cambodia
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Cambodia and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in Cambodia is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:Age | Amount |
---|
25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Cambodia:Age | Amount |
---|
25 | 8.6M KHR |
30 | 17M KHR |
35 | 30M KHR |
40 | 43M KHR |
45 | 65M KHR |
50 | 91M KHR |
55 | 110M KHR |
60 | 130M KHR |
65 | 160M KHR |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Cambodia about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
Source | % People |
---|
Pensions | 12% |
Savings | 23% |
Investments | 12% |
Social Security | 7% |
Annuities | 7% |
Part-time Job | 14% |
Real Estate | 18% |
Dividends and Interest | 7% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Cambodia 180,000 KHR $45 | 1.7M KHR $410 | 11M KHR $2,700 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Cambodia
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 35% of the people in Cambodia have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 65% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Cambodia
Debt to income ratio
31%
23% to 40%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 31% of the people's monthly income in Cambodia goes to debt settlement.
Debt levels23>Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
> 60% | 3% |
50% - 60% | 16% |
40% - 50% | 14% |
30% - 40% | 16% |
20% - 30% | 11% |
10% - 20% | 14% |
0% - 10% | 26% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Cambodia pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 16% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 11% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Cambodia
Debt | % People |
Real Estate Mortgage | 9% |
Auto Loan | 17% |
Student Loan | 4% |
Credit Card | 29% |
Personal Loan | 41% |
9% of debtors in Cambodia confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 29% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 17% of people and personal loans rose at 41%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Cambodia.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Cambodia
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Cambodia how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
Frequency | % People |
Never | 51% |
Once a year | 23% |
Twice a year | 12% |
Three times a year | 9% |
Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Cambodia
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Cambodia
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
280,000 KHR | 420,000 KHR | 1.1M KHR |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
420,000 KHR | 670,000 KHR | 1.7M KHR |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
550,000 KHR | 830,000 KHR | 2.2M KHR |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
670,000 KHR | 1.1M KHR | 3M KHR |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
1.3M KHR | 3.3M KHR | 6.7M KHR |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
1.1M KHR | 1.7M KHR | 4.8M KHR |
House monthly rent cost
1.3M KHR | 3.3M KHR | 6.7M KHR |
Villa monthly rent cost
1.7M KHR | 4.2M KHR | 6.7M KHR |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Cambodia ranges between 280,000 KHR and 1.1M KHR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 420,000 KHR to 1.7M KHR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 550,000 KHR and 2.2M KHR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 670,000 KHR to 3M KHR. The average rent of a townhouse in Cambodia is around 1.7M KHR while house rental costs can be as high as 3.3M KHR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1.7M KHR to 6.7M KHR per month.
Apartment and house prices in Cambodia
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
1-bedroom apartment price
67M KHR | 110M KHR | 420M KHR |
2-bedroom apartment price
110M KHR | 330M KHR | 670M KHR |
3-bedroom apartment price
370M KHR | 550M KHR | 1,700M KHR |
$91,000 | $140,000 | $410,000 |
Townhouse price
480M KHR | 1,100M KHR | 4,200M KHR |
House price
550M KHR | 3,300M KHR | 4,800M KHR |
Villa price
670M KHR | 3,700M KHR | 5,500M KHR |
The average price of a studio apartment in Cambodia can range from 55M KHR to 170M KHR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 67M KHR to 420M KHR. A villa can cost you 3,700M KHR on average with prices ranging from 670M KHR to 5,500M KHR.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Cambodia will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
33 | x93 monthly income | 196 |
Property prices in Cambodia can be x93 to x196 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x93 multiples of the average monthly salary in Cambodia.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Cambodia is around 29%. This means that people pay 29% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 19% to 39% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
27% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
5,000 KHR | 65,000 KHR | 650,000 KHR |
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Cambodia
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Cambodia
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
19,000 KHR | 140,000 KHR | 900,000 KHR |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
50,000 KHR | 170,000 KHR | 1.1M KHR |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
88,000 KHR | 250,000 KHR | 1.6M KHR |
Internet and cable cost
17,000 KHR | 33,000 KHR | 44,000 KHR |
Mobile phone bill and charges
13,000 KHR | 22,000 KHR | 67,000 KHR |
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Cambodia ranges between 19,000 KHR and 900,000 KHR with average being 140,000 KHR, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 170,000 KHR with 50,000 KHR and 1.1M KHR being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 250,000 KHR. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 17,000 KHR to 44,000 KHR with 33,000 KHR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 22,000 KHR but can range between 13,000 KHR and 67,000 KHR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Cambodia is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Cambodia
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Cambodia
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
3,300 KHR | 6,700 KHR | 11,000 KHR |
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Cambodia is approximatly 6,700 KHR with meal cost ranging from 3,300 KHR to 11,000 KHR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
11,000 KHR | 17,000 KHR | 33,000 KHR |
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 11,000 KHR and 33,000 KHR with 17,000 KHR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Cambodia.
Fine dining meal for one price
22,000 KHR | 33,000 KHR | 130,000 KHR |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 22,000 KHR to 130,000 KHR with the average cost being 33,000 KHR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Cambodia.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
2,800 KHR | 4,400 KHR | 6,700 KHR |
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Cambodia is around 4,400 KHR. Price ranges between 2,800 KHR and 6,700 KHR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
2,200 KHR | 2,700 KHR | 3,300 KHR |
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Cambodia is 2,700 KHR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 3,300 KHR and the minimum being 2,200 KHR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
1,700 KHR | 2,200 KHR | 3,300 KHR |
A dozen eggs costs around 2,200 KHR on average with 1,700 KHR and 3,300 KHR being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
3,800 KHR | 4,900 KHR | 6,900 KHR |
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Cambodia is between 3,800 KHR and 6,900 KHR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 4,900 KHR.
Pack of beef price
4,400 KHR | 6,700 KHR | 13,000 KHR |
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 6,700 KHR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
1,800 KHR | 2,400 KHR | 3,500 KHR |
A bag of rice in Cambodia costs around 2,400 KHR on average with prices rangeing between 1,800 KHR and 3,500 KHR depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
670 KHR | 890 KHR | 1,700 KHR |
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 670 KHR to 1,700 KHR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
1,200 KHR | 1,600 KHR | 2,600 KHR |
A bag of apples costs 1,600 KHR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Cambodia is around 27%. This means that people spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 360,000 KHR per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 51,000 KHR and 2.4M KHR depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 530,000 KHR per month. That number can be get as low as 180,000 KHR or a high as 2.8M KHR. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 320,000 KHR to 5.9M KHR with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Cambodia
Housing cost for a single person30%
30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)
LOW | $28 110,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $200 810,000 KHR |
HIGH | $1,300 5.4M KHR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)
LOW | $4.7 19,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $33 140,000 KHR |
HIGH | $220 900,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
LOW | $6.3 25,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $44 180,000 KHR |
HIGH | $300 1.2M KHR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)
LOW | $13 51,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $89 360,000 KHR |
HIGH | $590 2.4M KHR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost12%
12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)
LOW | $7 29,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $50 200,000 KHR |
HIGH | $330 1.4M KHR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
LOW | $3.9 16,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $28 110,000 KHR |
HIGH | $190 750,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
LOW | $1.6 6,400 KHR |
AVERAGE | $11 45,000 KHR |
HIGH | $74 300,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses21%
21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
LOW | $14 57,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $100 410,000 KHR |
HIGH | $670 2.7M KHR |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Cambodia
Housing cost for a couple27%
27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)
LOW | $110 430,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $320 1.3M KHR |
HIGH | $1,700 6.8M KHR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
LOW | $12 50,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $42 170,000 KHR |
HIGH | $270 1.1M KHR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost9%
9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)
LOW | $37 150,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $110 450,000 KHR |
HIGH | $590 2.4M KHR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)
LOW | $43 180,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $130 530,000 KHR |
HIGH | $690 2.8M KHR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost14%
14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)
LOW | $34 140,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $100 410,000 KHR |
HIGH | $540 2.2M KHR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)
LOW | $19 75,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $56 230,000 KHR |
HIGH | $300 1.2M KHR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
LOW | $6.2 25,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $19 75,000 KHR |
HIGH | $99 400,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses20%
20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
LOW | $53 210,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $160 640,000 KHR |
HIGH | $840 3.4M KHR |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Cambodia
Housing cost for a family26%
26% of total expenses on average (21% to 36%)
LOW | $140 560,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $400 1.6M KHR |
HIGH | $2,600 10M KHR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)
LOW | $22 88,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $62 250,000 KHR |
HIGH | $400 1.6M KHR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)
LOW | $43 180,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $120 500,000 KHR |
HIGH | $800 3.3M KHR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost21%
21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)
LOW | $78 320,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $220 900,000 KHR |
HIGH | $1,400 5.9M KHR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses11%
11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)
LOW | $39 160,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $120 500,000 KHR |
HIGH | $640 2.6M KHR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)
LOW | $22 88,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $62 250,000 KHR |
HIGH | $400 1.6M KHR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)
LOW | $61 250,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $170 700,000 KHR |
HIGH | $1,100 4.6M KHR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses15%
15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)
LOW | $35 140,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $99 400,000 KHR |
HIGH | $640 2.6M KHR |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Cambodia
Housing costs for Student18%
18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)
LOW | $15 60,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $98 400,000 KHR |
HIGH | $650 2.7M KHR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
LOW | $2.5 10,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $16 66,000 KHR |
HIGH | $110 440,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
LOW | $4.3 18,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $29 120,000 KHR |
HIGH | $190 780,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure23%
23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)
LOW | $12 50,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $82 330,000 KHR |
HIGH | $540 2.2M KHR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost9%
9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
LOW | $3.7 15,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $25 100,000 KHR |
HIGH | $160 660,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
LOW | $3.1 13,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $20 83,000 KHR |
HIGH | $140 550,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Education Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
LOW | $12 48,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $78 320,000 KHR |
HIGH | $520 2.1M KHR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
LOW | $9.3 38,000 KHR |
AVERAGE | $61 250,000 KHR |
HIGH | $410 1.7M KHR |
| Per Month |