Cambodia flag

Cambodia

6.3/ 10 average score
Share

About Cambodia

Cambodia offers ancient temples, beautiful beaches, and rich history. From Angkor Wat to Phnom Penh, it's perfect for cultural exploration.

Quality of Life Ratings (Hover to see details)

Economy5.2
Health6.0
Safety6.5
Entertainment7.0
Cost of Living8.8
Freedom6.2
Infrastructure5.5
Climate8.5
Internet Speed5.8
English Speaking4.0
Housing Affordability8.8
Job Market5.4
Residency Pathway6.6
Tax Friendliness5.9
Expat Community5.3
Public Transport5.9

Sources: Numbeo, World Bank, OECD, WHO, UNDP, Eurostat, Speedtest Global Index

Last updated: May 10, 2026

Quick answers

  • Is Cambodia expensive to live in?

    In our data, Cambodia is usually cheaper than big US or Western European cities. Rent and daily costs are often fine outside the most central areas.

  • Can you live in Cambodia with only English?

    English is thin outside tourism and some offices. Learn basic phrases or pay for help, especially for rent, bills, and official visits.

  • Is Cambodia good for expats?

    Cambodia has smaller or split expat circles. People who stay often learn the language fast and join local life, not only expat bars.

  • What income do you need to live well in Cambodia?

    There is no one number. Many singles find Cambodia workable on less than London or San Francisco, especially without a car or outside the flashiest center. Families should add schools and housing on their own lines. Use our Cost of Living Calculator to tie the figures to your neighborhood and visa situation.

  • Is housing difficult in Cambodia?

    Housing in Cambodia is usually easier than in many global hotspots. Decent rentals exist without endless queues if you stay flexible on area or building age.

  • Is Cambodia safe to live in?

    Safety in Cambodia varies by area. Some places are calm; others have more theft or scams. Read recent reports and talk to people on the same street. Do not trust brochures alone.

Living in Cambodia in 2026: Cost, Safety, Lifestyle & Reality

Cost of Living in Cambodia

Cambodia scores 8.8/10 for cost of living in our ratings. For many expats and remote workers, that translates to relatively affordable day-to-day expenses compared to other popular destinations. In practice, Cambodia can differ from secondary cities on rent and commuting costs, so budget using city-level assumptions. Use our Cost of Living Calculator to compare Cambodia with your current location or other countries you are considering.

Who Should Consider Moving to Cambodia?

Cambodia offers ancient temples, beautiful beaches, and rich history. From Angkor Wat to Phnom Penh, it's perfect for cultural exploration. Cambodia tends to attract movers who value stability and predictable systems. If you value healthcare quality (rated 6/10), safety (6.5/10), and an evidence-based relocation plan, Cambodia is worth a closer look.

Pros and Cons

Pros include affordable living, favourable climate. On the downside, some note limited English in some areas. We recommend comparing Cambodia with similar options such as Tunisia and Russia on our compare page to see which fits your priorities.

Final Thoughts

For Cambodia, the strongest starting point is comparing Cambodia with your current city before committing to a full move. Our ratings and user reviews above give a snapshot. For deeper dives, read our guides such as Zero Income Tax Countries for Remote Workers (But There’s a Catch) – 2026 Guide and How Americans Can Legally Live Abroad Without Paying Double Taxes (2026 Guide). Combine that with the calculator and country comparisons to make an informed decision for 2026.

Local signals for planning a move

Built for Cambodia using our country score model and route coverage. Use this as a planning brief before checking neighborhoods, visas, and monthly budget details.

Budget reality

Lower-cost profile compared to many expat hubs.

Climate profile

Mostly warm conditions with heat management in peak months.

Language fit

English access is limited. Local language still helps with contracts and admin.

Safety baseline

Generally stable; neighborhood selection still matters.

Tax pressure

Tax impact is moderate and depends on residency setup.

Visa and residency

Public pathway entries are limited; verify official portals directly.

Focus cities: Major city options vary by lifestyle and budget. Local reality: car dependency can be higher, while housing tends to be manageable outside premium districts.

Quick Stats

Economy5.2
Health6
Safety6.5
Cost of Living8.8
Climate8.5

Should You Move Here?

Step 1 of 714%
Cambodia preview

Should you move to Cambodia?

Answer a few friendly questions and we will match your lifestyle priorities with real country scores.

Top 5 Cities

1

Phnom Penh

2.1M

Capital with Royal Palace and rivers

2

Siem Reap

245K

Tourism hub with Angkor Wat

3

Battambang

119K

Rice bowl with bamboo train

4

Sihanoukville

89K

Port city with beaches

5

Kampot

48K

Pepper city with French colonial charm

Highlights

Affordable Living
Great Climate

What people say about Cambodia

No comments yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Share your experience

0/400 characters