Cost Of Living For a Student in Cambodia 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Cambodia

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Cambodia?

Students in Cambodia spend around 1.7M KHR per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 250,000 KHR or as high as 11M KHR. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Cambodia?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Cambodia typically spend from 13% to 24% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 18% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 400,000 KHR with expenditure ranging from 60,000 KHR to 2.7M KHR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Cambodia ranges from 4% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 66,000 KHR with 10,000 KHR and 440,000 KHR being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 18,000 KHR to 780,000 KHR in a month on commuting with 120,000 KHR being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 4% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 10%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Cambodia is 330,000 KHR. The cost of groceries can range between 50,000 KHR to 2.2M KHR. Students spend on average about 23% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 17% and 27% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Cambodia allocate 6% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 15,000 KHR to 660,000 KHR with 100,000 KHR being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 13,000 KHR to 550,000 KHR with 83,000 KHR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 18% of the monthly expenditure of students with 11% and 23% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 320,000 KHR per month with 48,000 KHR being the minimum spent amount and 2.1M KHR being the maximum.

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

Affordable living in Cambodia

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Cambodia?

Around 53% of surveyed students 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 students 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 students 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 For Students

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 students of Cambodia whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes48%

No52%

Based on the survey, 52% of the students 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 student guardians and parents in 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 students 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%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Cambodia

Rent Cost in Cambodia

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

280,000 KHR

420,000 KHR

1.1M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$68

$100

$270

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

420,000 KHR

670,000 KHR

1.7M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$100

$160

$410

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

550,000 KHR

830,000 KHR

2.2M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$140

$200

$550

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

670,000 KHR

1.1M KHR

3M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$160

$270

$740

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

1.3M KHR

3.3M KHR

6.7M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$330

$820

$1,600

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1.1M KHR

1.7M KHR

4.8M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$270

$410

$1,200

House monthly rent cost

1.3M KHR

3.3M KHR

6.7M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$330

$820

$1,600

Villa monthly rent cost

1.7M KHR

4.2M KHR

6.7M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$410

$1,000

$1,600

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

55M KHR

83M KHR

170M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$14,000

$20,000

$41,000

1-bedroom apartment price

67M KHR

110M KHR

420M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$16,000

$27,000

$100,000

2-bedroom apartment price

110M KHR

330M KHR

670M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$27,000

$82,000

$160,000

3-bedroom apartment price

370M KHR

550M KHR

1,700M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$91,000

$140,000

$410,000

Townhouse price

480M KHR

1,100M KHR

4,200M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$120,000

$270,000

$1M

House price

550M KHR

3,300M KHR

4,800M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$140,000

$820,000

$1.2M

Villa price

670M KHR

3,700M KHR

5,500M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$160,000

$910,000

$1.4M

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.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Cambodia

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

10,000 KHR

66,000 KHR

440,000 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.5

$16

$110

Internet and cable cost

17,000 KHR

33,000 KHR

44,000 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.1

$8.2

$11

Mobile phone bill and charges

13,000 KHR

22,000 KHR

67,000 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.3

$5.5

$16

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 66,000 KHR. The cost of internet and WiFi 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

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

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

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.82

$1.6

$2.7

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

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.7

$4.1

$8.2

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

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.5

$8.2

$33

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

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.68

$1.1

$1.6

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

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.55

$0.65

$0.82

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

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.41

$0.55

$0.82

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

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.93

$1.2

$1.7

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

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.1

$1.6

$3.3

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

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.44

$0.60

$0.85

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

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.16

$0.22

$0.41

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

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.29

$0.38

$0.63

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

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Cambodia is around 27%. This means that students 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 students