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Phnom Penh🇰🇭

Cambodia · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Timezone
Asia/Phnom_Penh
Nomad community
Medium

City metrics

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)$450/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)$300/mo
Rent 3BR (centre)$950/mo
Cost of living (national avg)36 (USA=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap meal$3.00
Mid-range meal for 2$10.00
Monthly groceries~$220

Infrastructure

Internet speed45 Mbps
Internet reliability6/100
Healthcare index50/100
Coworking spaces~10

Lifestyle

Safety index55/100
Air quality75 AQI — Moderate
Walkability45/100
Climate score72/100
English proficiencymoderate
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communityMedium
Visa easevery_easy
Budget score9/100
Lifestyle score7/100
Overall nomad score
7/100
Source: NoodlePants composite (World Bank ICP, Ookla, OpenAQ) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

This bustling Southeast Asian capital is a surprisingly affordable hub for nomads, especially if you're mindful of your budget. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center can be found for around $450, dropping to $300 outside. Eating out is a steal – a cheap meal is just $3, and even a mid-range restaurant won't break the bank at $10. Groceries run about $220/month. You'll find a moderate English-speaking population and a decent nomad community with 10 coworking spaces. Internet is solid at 45 Mbps, though reliability is just okay. Visa ease is excellent. This city suits those seeking a truly low-cost experience with good food and a vibrant expat scene. However, be prepared for unhealthy air quality, which is a significant honest caveat to consider when planning your stay. Overall, it’s a big win for your wallet, but your lungs might need a break.

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Who this suits

Budget nomad

Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Phnom Penh.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Phnom Penh as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Phnom Penh averages around $450 per month. The national cost-of-living index for Cambodia sits at 36 (USA=100) — sourced from World Bank ICP. City-level detail is coming as we gather it; for now this is a national figure. Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is Phnom Penh safe for digital nomads?+

Phnom Penh scores 55/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most central neighbourhoods are fine with normal big-city awareness.

How fast is the internet in Phnom Penh?+

Headline average internet speed in Phnom Penh is around 45 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

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