Cost Of Living For a Student in Phnom Penh 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Phnom Penh

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

Students in Phnom Penh spend around 1.8M KHR per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 260,000 KHR or as high as 12M KHR. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Phnom Penh?

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

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Phnom Penh typically spend from 12% to 23% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 17% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 420,000 KHR with expenditure ranging from 64,000 KHR to 2.8M 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 Phnom Penh ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 70,000 KHR with 11,000 KHR and 470,000 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 19,000 KHR to 820,000 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 3% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 9%.

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 Phnom Penh is 350,000 KHR. The cost of groceries can range between 53,000 KHR to 2.3M KHR. Students spend on average about 24% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 28% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Phnom Penh allocate 7% to 13% 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 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 16,000 KHR to 700,000 KHR with 110,000 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 580,000 KHR with 88,000 KHR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 2% 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 330,000 KHR per month with 50,000 KHR being the minimum spent amount and 2.2M 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 Phnom Penh

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Phnom Penh?

Around 56% of surveyed students 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 students 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 students 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 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 Phnom Penh whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes51%

No49%

Based on the survey, 49% of the students 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 student guardians and parents in Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh

Rent Cost in Phnom Penh

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

290,000 KHR

440,000 KHR

1.2M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$72

$110

$290

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

440,000 KHR

700,000 KHR

1.8M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$110

$170

$430

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

580,000 KHR

880,000 KHR

2.3M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$140

$220

$580

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

700,000 KHR

1.2M KHR

3.2M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$170

$290

$780

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

1.4M KHR

3.5M KHR

7M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$350

$860

$1,700

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1.2M KHR

1.8M KHR

5M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$290

$430

$1,200

House monthly rent cost

1.4M KHR

3.5M KHR

7M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$350

$860

$1,700

Villa monthly rent cost

1.8M KHR

4.4M KHR

7M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$430

$1,100

$1,700

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 price

58M KHR

88M KHR

180M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$14,000

$22,000

$43,000

1-bedroom apartment price

70M KHR

120M KHR

440M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$17,000

$29,000

$110,000

2-bedroom apartment price

120M KHR

350M KHR

700M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$29,000

$86,000

$170,000

3-bedroom apartment price

390M KHR

580M KHR

1,800M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$96,000

$140,000

$430,000

Townhouse price

500M KHR

1,200M KHR

4,400M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$120,000

$290,000

$1.1M

House price

580M KHR

3,500M KHR

5,000M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$140,000

$860,000

$1.2M

Villa price

700M KHR

3,900M KHR

5,800M KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$170,000

$960,000

$1.4M

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.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

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

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.

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 Phnom Penh

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Phnom Penh

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

11,000 KHR

70,000 KHR

470,000 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.6

$17

$110

Internet and cable cost

16,000 KHR

32,000 KHR

42,000 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.9

$7.8

$10

Mobile phone bill and charges

13,000 KHR

21,000 KHR

64,000 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.1

$5.2

$16

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 70,000 KHR. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 16,000 KHR to 42,000 KHR with 32,000 KHR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 21,000 KHR but can range between 13,000 KHR and 64,000 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 Phnom Penh is around 6.3%. This means that people pay 6.3% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.2% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Phnom Penh

Prices and cost of goods and services in Phnom Penh

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

3,200 KHR

6,400 KHR

11,000 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.78

$1.6

$2.6

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Phnom Penh is approximatly 6,400 KHR with meal cost ranging from 3,200 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 Phnom Penh.

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 Phnom Penh.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

2,600 KHR

4,200 KHR

6,400 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.65

$1

$1.6

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Phnom Penh is around 4,200 KHR. Price ranges between 2,600 KHR and 6,400 KHR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

2,100 KHR

2,500 KHR

3,200 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.52

$0.62

$0.78

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Phnom Penh is 2,500 KHR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 3,200 KHR and the minimum being 2,100 KHR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

1,600 KHR

2,100 KHR

3,200 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.39

$0.52

$0.78

A dozen eggs costs around 2,100 KHR on average with 1,600 KHR and 3,200 KHR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

3,600 KHR

4,700 KHR

6,600 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.89

$1.1

$1.6

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Phnom Penh is between 3,600 KHR and 6,600 KHR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 4,700 KHR.

Pack of beef price

4,200 KHR

6,400 KHR

13,000 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1

$1.6

$3.1

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 6,400 KHR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

1,700 KHR

2,300 KHR

3,300 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.42

$0.57

$0.81

A bag of rice in Phnom Penh costs around 2,300 KHR on average with prices rangeing between 1,700 KHR and 3,300 KHR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

640 KHR

850 KHR

1,600 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.16

$0.21

$0.39

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 640 KHR to 1,600 KHR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1,100 KHR

1,500 KHR

2,400 KHR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.28

$0.37

$0.60

A bag of apples costs 1,500 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 Phnom Penh is around 29%. This means that students spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 35% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students