Cost Of Living in Phnom Penh 2024
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Phnom Penh
Whether you're living in Phnom Penh 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 Expenditure3.4M KHR
per month$850260,000 KHR $65
$8,500 34M KHR
Single2.4M KHR
per month$590790,000 KHR $200
$3,900 16M KHR
Couple4M KHR
per month$9801.3M KHR $330
$5,200 21M KHR
Family5.3M KHR
per month$1,3001.9M KHR $460
$7,200 29M KHR
Student1.6M KHR
per month$390630,000 KHR $160
$700 2.8M 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 Phnom Penh is 2.4M KHR. Expenses can range from 790,000 KHR at the minimum level to 16M KHR at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Phnom Penh is 4M KHR. Expenditure can range from 1.3M KHR to 21M KHR per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Phnom Penh is 5.3M KHR per month. Families spend anywhere from 1.9M KHR to 29M KHR.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Phnom Penh is 1.6M KHR. Students spend from 630,000 KHR to 2.8M 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 Phnom Penh
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Large bottle of water
Fast food combo meal | 3,200 KHR | 6,400 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 |
Soda or Soft Drink
Cappuccino or latte | 2,600 KHR | 4,200 KHR | 6,400 KHR |
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle | 2,100 KHR | 2,500 KHR | 3,200 KHR |
Loaf of bread
12 eggs | 1,600 KHR | 2,100 KHR | 3,200 KHR |
Fresh whole chicken | 3,600 KHR | 4,700 KHR | 6,600 KHR |
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb | 4,200 KHR | 6,400 KHR | 13,000 KHR |
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb | 1,700 KHR | 2,300 KHR | 3,300 KHR |
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb | 640 KHR | 850 KHR | 1,600 KHR |
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb | 1,100 KHR | 1,500 KHR | 2,400 KHR |
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride | 2,800 KHR | 3,300 KHR | 6,700 KHR |
Average car full tank | 16,000 KHR | 21,000 KHR | 42,000 KHR |
Average car 1-day rental | 18,000 KHR | 23,000 KHR | 35,000 KHR |
Average car price
Bus ticket one way | 580 KHR | 880 KHR | 1,800 KHR |
Car Service | 23,000 KHR | 35,000 KHR | 70,000 KHR |
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual | 48,000 KHR | 140,000 KHR | 950,000 KHR |
Utility Bill - Couple | 66,000 KHR | 200,000 KHR | 1.1M KHR |
Utility Bill - Family | 56,000 KHR | 160,000 KHR | 870,000 KHR |
Internet and cable | 16,000 KHR | 32,000 KHR | 42,000 KHR |
Mobile phone charges | 13,000 KHR | 21,000 KHR | 64,000 KHR |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket | 7,900 KHR | 11,000 KHR | 16,000 KHR |
One month gym membership | 28,000 KHR | 35,000 KHR | 70,000 KHR |
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants | 21,000 KHR | 29,000 KHR | 44,000 KHR |
Woman dress | 19,000 KHR | 27,000 KHR | 88,000 KHR |
Woman shoes | 18,000 KHR | 25,000 KHR | 58,000 KHR |
Men's shoes | 16,000 KHR | 19,000 KHR | 39,000 KHR |
Men suit | 18,000 KHR | 22,000 KHR | 120,000 KHR |
Regular t-shirt | 8,800 KHR | 12,000 KHR | 35,000 KHR |
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment | 290,000 KHR | 440,000 KHR | 1.2M KHR |
1-bedroom apartment | 440,000 KHR | 700,000 KHR | 1.8M KHR |
2-bedroom apartment | 580,000 KHR | 880,000 KHR | 2.3M KHR |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment | 70M KHR | 120M KHR | 440M KHR |
2-bedroom apartment | 120M KHR | 350M KHR | 700M KHR |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed | 320,000 KHR | 400,000 KHR | 530,000 KHR |
Double Bed | 210,000 KHR | 320,000 KHR | 400,000 KHR |
Single Bed | 190,000 KHR | 240,000 KHR | 320,000 KHR |
Living Room | 350,000 KHR | 450,000 KHR | 1.6M KHR |
Dining Table | 160,000 KHR | 210,000 KHR | 400,000 KHR |
Sofa or Couch | 210,000 KHR | 290,000 KHR | 640,000 KHR |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set | 210,000 KHR | 320,000 KHR | 640,000 KHR |
Fridge or Freezer | 190,000 KHR | 290,000 KHR | 400,000 KHR |
Washing Machine | 240,000 KHR | 350,000 KHR | 640,000 KHR |
Stove or Cooker | 230,000 KHR | 290,000 KHR | 400,000 KHR |
Mobile Phone | 260,000 KHR | 320,000 KHR | 450,000 KHR |
Laptop or Computer | 290,000 KHR | 350,000 KHR | 640,000 KHR |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Phnom Penh
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
91%
83% to 100%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 4% |
| 50% - 60% | 8% |
| 60% - 70% | 15% |
| 70% - 80% | 24% |
| 80% - 90% | 21% |
| 90% - 100% | 11% |
| 100% - 110% | 6% |
| 110% - 120% | 4% |
| 120% - 130% | 3% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Phnom Penh is 91%
This means that on average, people spend around 91% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 15% 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
82%
Spending-Income-Ratio
75%
90%
Couple
86%
Spending-Income-Ratio
79%
95%
Family
95%
Spending-Income-Ratio
88%
110%
How do people spend their money in Phnom Penh?
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 Expenditure23%
23% of total expenses on average (12% to 31%)
| LOW | $20 79,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $250 1M KHR |
| HIGH | $2,500 10M KHR |
| Per Month |
People living in Phnom Penh typically spend from 12% to 31% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1M KHR with expenditure ranging from 79,000 KHR to 10M 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, Water8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)
| LOW | $3.3 13,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $42 170,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $420 1.7M KHR |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Phnom Penh ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 170,000 KHR with 13,000 KHR and 1.7M KHR being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | $6.5 26,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $85 340,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $850 3.4M 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 26,000 KHR to 3.4M KHR on commuting with 340,000 KHR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 10%.
Food and Groceries Cost29%
29% of total expenses on average (21% to 35%)
| LOW | $16 66,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $210 860,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $2,100 8.6M KHR |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Phnom Penh is 860,000 KHR. The cost of groceries can range between 66,000 KHR to 8.6M KHR. People spend on average about 29% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 21% and 35% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services11%
11% of total expenses on average (6% to 14%)
| LOW | $4.6 19,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $59 240,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $590 2.4M KHR |
| Per Month |
People in Phnom Penh allocate 6% to 14% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 19,000 KHR to 2.4M KHR with 240,000 KHR being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $2.6 11,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $34 140,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $340 1.4M 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 11,000 KHR to 1.4M KHR with 140,000 KHR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.
Education and Schooling5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $3.9 16,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $51 210,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $510 2.1M 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 210,000 KHR per month with 16,000 KHR being the minimum spent amount and 2.1M KHR being the maximum.
Other Expenses14%
14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $8.5 34,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $110 450,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $1,100 4.5M KHR |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 55% of the surveyed people in Phnom Penh said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 45% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Phnom Penh
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 65% | 35% |
| Couples | 60% | 40% |
| Families | 54% | 46% |
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
86,000 KHR
$21 | 1.1M KHR
$270 | 11M KHR
$2,700 |
For most people, 9.5% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 16% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 1.1M KHR on average with savings ranging from 86,000 KHR to 11M KHR.
65% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 60% of couples said the same. 54% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Phnom Penh?
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
260,000 KHR
$63 | 770,000 KHR
$190 | 5.2M KHR
$1,300 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 33% |
| 10% - 20% | 26% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 12% |
| 40% - 50% | 9% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 13% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 20% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 770,000 KHR with 260,000 KHR and 5.2M KHR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
430,000 KHR
$110 | 1.3M KHR
$320 | 6.9M KHR
$1,700 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 37% |
| 10% - 20% | 28% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 7% |
| 40% - 50% | 6% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 11% to 32% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 1.3M KHR with 430,000 KHR and 6.9M KHR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
600,000 KHR
$150 | 1.7M KHR
$420 | 9.4M KHR
$2,300 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 40% |
| 10% - 20% | 31% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 4% |
| 40% - 50% | 3% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Phnom Penh can save anywhere between 8.4% to 29% of their monthly income, with 16% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 1.7M KHR with 600,000 KHR and 9.4M KHR being the minimum and maximum respectively.
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 Phnom Penh
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Phnom Penh?
Around 56% of surveyed residents think that living in Phnom Penh is affordable with proper budgeting while 44% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Phnom Penh
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 options56%
Few low-cost options44%
Based on the survey, 56% of the people living in Phnom Penh have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 44% 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 Phnom Penh whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes51%
No49%
Based on the survey, 49% of the people living in Phnom Penh said that they don't have an emergency fund while 51% 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 asked the 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 Phnom Penh
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Phnom Penh, 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 | 9% |
| Debt Reduction | 44% |
| Retirement Savings | 11% |
| Education Funding | 6% |
| Homeownership | 19% |
| Investing | 6% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 6% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 15% |
| Financial Independence | 4% |
Around 9% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 44% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 11% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 6% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 19% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 6% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 15% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Saving Challenges in Phnom Penh
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Phnom Penh. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 4% |
| High Expenses | 7% |
| Debt and Loans | 12% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 12% |
| Impulsive Spending | 12% |
| Financial Emergencies | 7% |
| Living the moment | 5% |
| Will do it later | 21% |
| Inflation | 14% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 2% |
Around 4% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 7% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 12% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% 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. 12% 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. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 21% 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. 14% 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 societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Phnom Penh
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 13% |
| Gold | 13% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 9% |
| Cash Savings | 22% |
| Real Estate | 9% |
| Investment | 5% |
| Stocks | 4% |
| Bonds | 4% |
| Mutual Funds | 2% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Phnom Penh
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 9.1M KHR |
| 30 | 18M KHR |
| 35 | 32M KHR |
| 40 | 46M KHR |
| 45 | 68M KHR |
| 50 | 96M KHR |
| 55 | 110M KHR |
| 60 | 140M KHR |
| 65 | 170M KHR |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Phnom Penh about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 11% |
| Savings | 24% |
| Investments | 11% |
| Social Security | 6% |
| Annuities | 6% |
| Part-time Job | 16% |
| Real Estate | 19% |
| Dividends and Interest | 6% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Phnom Penh 580,000 KHR
$140 | 1.8M KHR
$430 | 12M KHR
$2,900 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Phnom Penh
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 37% of the people in Phnom Penh have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 63% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Phnom Penh
Debt to income ratio
33%
24% to 42%
( 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 33% of the people's monthly income in Phnom Penh goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 19% |
| 40% - 50% | 15% |
| 30% - 40% | 17% |
| 20% - 30% | 9% |
| 10% - 20% | 11% |
| 0% - 10% | 25% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Phnom Penh pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 19% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 15% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 17% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 9% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Phnom Penh
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 7% |
| Auto Loan | 14% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 31% |
| Personal Loan | 44% |
7% of debtors in Phnom Penh confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 31% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 14% of people and personal loans rose at 44%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Phnom Penh.
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 Phnom Penh
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Phnom Penh 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 | 49% |
| Once a year | 24% |
| Twice a year | 13% |
| Three times a year | 9% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Phnom Penh
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Phnom Penh
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment | 290,000 KHR | 440,000 KHR | 1.2M KHR |
1-bedroom apartment | 440,000 KHR | 700,000 KHR | 1.8M KHR |
2-bedroom apartment | 580,000 KHR | 880,000 KHR | 2.3M KHR |
3-bedroom apartment | 700,000 KHR | 1.2M KHR | 3.2M KHR |
Furnished apartment
Townhouse
House
Villa The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Phnom Penh ranges between 290,000 KHR and 1.2M KHR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 440,000 KHR to 1.8M KHR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 580,000 KHR and 2.3M KHR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 700,000 KHR to 3.2M KHR. The average rent of a townhouse in Phnom Penh is around 1.8M KHR while house rental costs can be as high as 3.5M KHR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1.8M KHR to 7M KHR per month.
Apartment and house prices in Phnom Penh
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment | 70M KHR | 120M KHR | 440M KHR |
2-bedroom apartment | 120M KHR | 350M KHR | 700M KHR |
3-bedroom apartment | 390M KHR | 580M KHR | 1,800M KHR |
| $96,000 | $140,000 | $430,000 |
Townhouse | 500M KHR | 1,200M KHR | 4,400M KHR |
House | 580M KHR | 3,500M KHR | 5,000M KHR |
Villa | 700M KHR | 3,900M KHR | 5,800M KHR |
The average price of a studio apartment in Phnom Penh can range from 58M KHR to 180M KHR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 70M KHR to 440M KHR. A villa can cost you 3,900M KHR on average with prices ranging from 700M KHR to 5,800M KHR.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Phnom Penh 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
| 35 | x98 monthly income | 207 |
Property prices in Phnom Penh can be x98 to x207 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x98 multiples of the average monthly salary in Phnom Penh.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Phnom Penh is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% to 41% 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
28% 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.
| 5,300 KHR | 69,000 KHR | 690,000 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.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Phnom Penh
Housing29%
29% of total expenses on average (17% to 41%)
| LOW | $70 290,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $210 860,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $1,400 5.7M KHR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water9%
9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)
| LOW | $12 48,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $35 140,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $230 950,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 10%)
| LOW | $16 64,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $47 190,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $310 1.3M KHR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries20%
20% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)
| LOW | $31 130,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $94 380,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $630 2.5M KHR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare13%
13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)
| LOW | $18 72,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $53 210,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $350 1.4M KHR |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)
| LOW | $9.8 40,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $29 120,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $200 790,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Education1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $3.9 16,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $12 48,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $78 320,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses22%
22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $35 140,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $110 430,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $700 2.9M KHR |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Phnom Penh
Housing26%
26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)
| LOW | $110 440,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $320 1.3M KHR |
| HIGH | $1,700 7M KHR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water8%
8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $16 66,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $49 200,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $260 1.1M KHR |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel8%
8% of total expenses on average (2% to 13%)
| LOW | $39 160,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $120 480,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $630 2.5M KHR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries18%
18% of total expenses on average (13% to 23%)
| LOW | $46 190,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $140 560,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $730 3M KHR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare15%
15% of total expenses on average (9% to 19%)
| LOW | $36 150,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $110 440,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $570 2.3M KHR |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping3%
3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $20 79,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $59 240,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $310 1.3M KHR |
| Per Month |
Education1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $6.5 26,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $20 79,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $100 420,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses21%
21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)
| LOW | $55 230,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $170 680,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $890 3.6M KHR |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Phnom Penh
Housing25%
25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)
| LOW | $150 590,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $420 1.7M KHR |
| HIGH | $2,300 9.3M KHR |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $36 150,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $100 420,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $570 2.3M KHR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries22%
22% of total expenses on average (15% to 28%)
| LOW | $82 330,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $230 950,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $1,300 5.2M KHR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare12%
12% of total expenses on average (8% to 17%)
| LOW | $36 150,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $100 420,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $570 2.3M KHR |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $23 93,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $65 260,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $360 1.5M KHR |
| Per Month |
Education13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)
| LOW | $64 260,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $180 740,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $1,000 4.1M KHR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses16%
16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $55 220,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $160 640,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $860 3.5M KHR |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Phnom Penh
Housing17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)
| LOW | $37 150,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $93 380,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $170 680,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $6.2 25,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $16 63,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $28 110,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Transport, Fuel3%
3% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)
| LOW | $11 44,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $27 110,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $49 200,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries24%
24% of total expenses on average (18% to 28%)
| LOW | $31 130,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $78 320,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $140 570,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Healthcare10%
10% of total expenses on average (7% to 13%)
| LOW | $9.3 38,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $23 95,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $42 170,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Leisure, Shopping2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $7.8 32,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $19 79,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $35 140,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Education18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $30 120,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $74 300,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $130 540,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $23 95,000 KHR |
| AVERAGE | $58 240,000 KHR |
| HIGH | $100 430,000 KHR |
| Per Month |
