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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)US$450/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)US$300/mo
Rent 3BR (centre)US$950/mo
Cost of living (national avg)16119 (USA=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap mealUS$3.00
Mid-range meal for 2US$10.00
Monthly groceries~US$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: World Bank ICP (cost of living, USA=100), Ookla (internet), OpenAQ (air quality) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

Living in Phnom Penh as a digital nomad offers genuine affordability, making your budget stretch impressively. It's a great fit for those looking to maximize savings or extend their travels without sacrificing comfort. You'll find a moderate but welcoming nomad community here, easy to plug into for networking or social events. Internet quality is generally reliable and fast enough for most remote work, a pleasant surprise for many first-timers. However, it’s not without its quirks. While daytime generally feels safe, exercising more caution at night is advisable. The city's air quality can also be a noticeable downside at times, something to consider if you're sensitive to pollution. Overall, it’s a dynamic, budget-friendly hub with decent infrastructure that suits adaptable nomads.

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Who this suits

Premium lifestyle

Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Phnom Penh.

Similar cities to consider

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 16119 (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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