City Guide 2026
Cambodia
Living in Phnom Penh
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,170
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
49/100
Use caution
Avg Temperature
28°C
82°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
85 Mbps
Good
Cost of Living in Phnom Penh
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $575 | $374 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,850 | $1,203 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$275/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Phnom Penh
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
26.2°
Feb
27.5°
Mar
28.9°
Apr
29.8°
May
29.6°
Jun
29.2°
Jul
28.7°
Aug
28.6°
Sep
28.2°
Oct
27.6°
Nov
26.8°
Dec
25.9°
Air Quality (AQI)
82
Poor
Avg Rain Days/mo
11
days per month
Beach Distance
175 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
80 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Phnom Penh
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
85 Mbps
Cultural Score
28/100
Nightlife
85/100
Outdoor Activities
48/100
English Proficiency
80/100
Expat Community
medium
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Tax Overview in Cambodia
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 20% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 20% |
| Dividend Tax | 20% |
| Interest Income | 20% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 20% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Qualified Investment Project (QIP)
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Phnom Penh?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Phnom Penh costs approximately $1,170-1,872/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $575/month.
Is Phnom Penh safe for expats?
Phnom Penh has a safety index of 49/100 (higher is safer). Phnom Penh requires heightened awareness. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, and take standard urban safety precautions. Healthcare quality is rated 58/100.
What is the weather like in Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh has an average annual temperature of 28°C (82°F). The warmest months reach 29.8°C and the coolest drop to 25.9°C. Air quality is moderate with an average AQI of 82.
What is the internet speed in Phnom Penh?
Average internet speed in Phnom Penh is 85 Mbps, which is good enough for most remote work needs. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Cambodia?
Cambodia uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 20% (long-term) and dividends at 20%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Qualified Investment Project (QIP)) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a visa to live in Phnom Penh long-term?
Cambodia does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 90 days. The typical residency pathway is: Typically 7 years of continuous residence..
Is Phnom Penh good for digital nomads?
Phnom Penh has decent internet at 85 Mbps, a medium expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 80/100. The cost of living index is 29/100 (NYC = 100), making it very affordable for remote workers.
Can You Retire on $X in Phnom Penh?
Run the FIRE math for Phnom Penh against the most-searched portfolio milestones — honest yes/no/tight verdicts with the numbers behind them.
Compare Phnom Penh with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.