Living in Cambodia Is Ridiculously Cheap: An Expat's Budget

After a year of living in Siem Reap, Cambodia as an expat, I'd like to share my budget for 2023 / 2024 to show you just how great the cost of living is. Cambodia is massively underrated as a cheap and fun destination for expats, retirees, and digital nomads.

00:00 Start
00:37 Housing
01:55 Electricity
02:40 Other Utilities
03:10 Phone Bill
03:38 Food
05:26 Visa & Healthcare
06:43 Other Minor Expenses
08:25 Transportation
09:37 Fun/Miscellaneous

[Allen_in_Asia]

It breaks down all of my grocery costs, so that you know EXACTLY how much each different kind of food costs compared to America.

[themaven]

As someone who has lived in Phnom Penh for 16 years, I always caution people that transportation is going to be one of their highest costs, especially if they commute to work. I bought a motorcycle so my transportation is less than $20 per month, but most people will use taxis (Grab or PassApp) which can add up to $100-200 per month. Everything else you talked about is spot on! In addition, never choose where you live based on the apartment or house alone. It can be perfect, but then you end up with higher transportation costs or nasty neighbors. Instead, you should stay in a hotel or guesthouse for one month to understand the areas of the city and what your lifestyle will be. Do you eat out and never cook? Then live near your favorite restaurants. Do you love to cook? Then live near your favorite market. There will always be places available that you find by walking up and down the streets where you want to live and looking for rent signs in the windows or asking the neighbors. Even Siem Reap is starting to sprawl, so if someone wants to be able to walk everywhere, they need to consider the same things.

[annawelshmen]

I have been following your channel i must say i love the houses, yes houses might be quite expensive but there is always a way out...I'm 47yrs old $73, 000 biweekly and I'm retired, this video have inspired me greatly in many ways!!!

[cambodiyeah]

Good stuff! I lived in Siem Reap about 5 years ago and am returning in a few months for good. You give a very realistic expectation of cost of living. I can't wait to return!

[wesgraham]

Older guys like me have it made in the longterm visa department. If you’re 55 or older it’s only $$290 for a 1-year ER retirement visa through any travel agency. No financial requirements.

[Allen_in_Asia]

Since lots of people keep leaving the same comments about the $50 that I give to my fiance: That money that I give her is IN ADDITION to paying for 100% the rent, utilities, much of the food, and the occasional vacation. She is a happy, self-sufficient woman with a well-paying job. If you don't think I'm doing enough, you're certainly entitled to your opinion, but I can assure you that she is well taken care of.

[mick]

Bro, if you think 7-12$ is approaching western costs for a sit down meal, you haven't been here in awhile. Try 3-4 times that

[edwardhindseh]

I used to live in The capital but now live in Siem Reap. I have large house and live a live in housekeep that total is $575.00 per month. I gave my housekeeper a raise. My food budget is $50.00 per weeks, electric is about $110.00 per month. Wyfi is $103.00 every three months and I have Netflix.

[MJFUYT]

Excellent commentary and content. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Like & subscribed.

[edtravels]

I have lived in Siem Reap for 7 years and I love this video. THanks for sharing

[BangTaoBeach]

What kind of visa did you get? Most people that are old enough to get an ER multiple entry one year visa pay an agent around $290 for a year. I use Cam Smile Visa Service and Tour. They are very good.

[ronwagoner]

I really appreciate including a category for your cat. That's very, very important to me. I can't live without my cats and other videos NEVER include that.

[KBTLE]

An excellent video young man ! -- "short and sweet" as the old saying goes. -- The facts laid out in an orderly and concise way. -- I'm impressed - w/o a lot of babble and irrelevant BS so many seem inclined to do on here ! -- And appreciative. -- I'm old and frugal by myself looking for a comfortable economical area with warm weather to spend my final days. A $1500 / month budget to stretch for all my needs. No other place on earth looks as appealing as Siem Reap in my years worth of almost daily searching ! You are the "icing on the cake" and sealed the deal over the Philippines for me. -- Thank you. -- Perhaps we can meet some day next year when/if I make it over there. I subscribed for future content and I'm selective.

[larryp]

We have a fast food restaurant here in the USA called Wendy's. Yesterday I went into one and was shocked to see that a 5 piece chicken combo, fries and coke, was $17.99.
Most times it's around $8-14.. but now it's crazy without a promo or coupon
California is starting a minimum wage of $20 starting April

[JohnNy-ninp]

My colleague heard about this story anh he has decided to send his wife and children to Cambodia to save money.

[penquinbumbum]

Very informative. Certainly something to keep in mind should I wish to go to Siem Reap for a month next year.

[littlecatfeet]

Thank you for this detailed look into Cambodia. Me and hubby are only going for a holiday, not to live, but it’s nice to get an idea about how much we’ll be spending for an average length holiday (4-5 weeks). Of course, I ended up wanting to live in every country I visited and I’m sure Cambodia will be no different.

[KhmerKandal]

Hopefully, the Healthcare System will be improving as more expats are residing in Cambodia.

[ShogunLopez]

Im here from the goat format channel. I love this content. Congratulations, man. And good luck

[MrElliottjc]

I lived in Cambodia in the early to mind nineties when beer was a dollar a can. Great to see that at least this hasn't changed :-)