Cost of Living: Cambodia vs Japan

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Cambodia and Japan.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Cambodia is 46.1% cheaper than Japan. The biggest difference is in Transportation, where costs are 91.0% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $54 in Cambodia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 84.1%

Cambodia is 84.1% cheaper

Property Prices 66.0%

Cambodia is 66.0% cheaper

Markets 54.3%

Cambodia is 54.3% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 46.1%

Cambodia is 46.1% cheaper than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +91.0%

Is Cambodia cheaper than Japan?

Yes, Cambodia is cheaper than Japan

Overall, living costs in Cambodia are 46.1% lower than in Japan.

Where Cambodia is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 84.1% cheaper
  • Property Prices 66.0% cheaper
  • Markets 54.3% cheaper

Where Cambodia is more expensive:

  • Transportation 91.0% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Cambodia: 3.00 $ Japan: 7.01 $
57.2% cheaper in Cambodia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Cambodia: 411.67 $ Japan: 624.64 $
34.1% cheaper in Cambodia

Monthly public transport pass

Cambodia: 10.60 $ Japan: 58.97 $
82.0% cheaper in Cambodia

1 liter of milk

Cambodia: 2.12 $ Japan: 1.56 $
35.9% more expensive in Cambodia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Cambodia is indeed cheaper than Japan. You would save approximately 46.1% on living expenses by choosing Cambodia over Japan. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

46.1%

Cambodia is 46.1% cheaper than Japan

Restaurants

26.1%

Cambodia is 26.1% cheaper than Japan in this category

Markets

54.3%

Cambodia is 54.3% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

52.4%

Cambodia is 52.4% cheaper than Japan in this category

Transportation

91.0%

Cambodia is 91.0% more expensive than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

49.6%

Cambodia is 49.6% cheaper than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

51.9%

Cambodia is 51.9% cheaper than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

38.0%

Cambodia is 38.0% cheaper than Japan in this category

Childcare

47.6%

Cambodia is 47.6% cheaper than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

25.9%

Cambodia is 25.9% cheaper than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

42.3%

Cambodia is 42.3% cheaper than Japan in this category

Property Prices

66.0%

Cambodia is 66.0% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

84.1%

Cambodia is 84.1% cheaper than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Cambodia Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 3.00 $ 7.01 $ 57.2%
Cambodia is 57.2% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 27.50 $ 35.03 $ 21.5%
Cambodia is 21.5% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 7.00 $ 5.61 $ 24.8%
Cambodia is 24.8% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 2.29 $ 3.36 $ 31.8%
Cambodia is 31.8% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.86 $ 1.12 $ 23.2%
Cambodia is 23.2% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.74 $ 0.82 $ 9.8%
Cambodia is 9.8% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.73 $ 0.94 $ 22.3%
Cambodia is 22.3% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 3.25 $ 2.32 $ 40.1%
Cambodia is 40.1% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.83 $ 8.42 $ 78.3%
Cambodia is 78.3% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 8.26 $ 11.20 $ 26.2%
Cambodia is 26.2% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.05 $ 2.04 $ 0.5%
Cambodia is 0.5% more expensive
Milk (1L) 2.12 $ 1.56 $ 35.9%
Cambodia is 35.9% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.71 $ 1.59 $ 7.5%
Cambodia is 7.5% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 1.03 $ 4.51 $ 77.2%
Cambodia is 77.2% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 1.83 $ 2.24 $ 18.3%
Cambodia is 18.3% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 13.92 $ 12.14 $ 14.7%
Cambodia is 14.7% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 4.28 $ 6.92 $ 38.2%
Cambodia is 38.2% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 9.82 $ 17.18 $ 42.8%
Cambodia is 42.8% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 3.59 $ 5.37 $ 33.1%
Cambodia is 33.1% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.28 $ 2.62 $ 51.1%
Cambodia is 51.1% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 3.45 $ 4.78 $ 27.8%
Cambodia is 27.8% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.43 $ 4.84 $ 70.5%
Cambodia is 70.5% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.38 $ 2.85 $ 51.6%
Cambodia is 51.6% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.13 $ 2.65 $ 57.4%
Cambodia is 57.4% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.61 $ 1.39 $ 15.8%
Cambodia is 15.8% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 10.60 $ 58.97 $ 82.0%
Cambodia is 82.0% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 2.00 $ 4.20 $ 52.4%
Cambodia is 52.4% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.25 $ 1.54 $ 18.8%
Cambodia is 18.8% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 1.00 $ 4.20 $ 76.2%
Cambodia is 76.2% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.00 $ 3.15 $ 68.3%
Cambodia is 68.3% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 4.25 $ 23.82 $ 82.2%
Cambodia is 82.2% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.15 $ 1.22 $ 5.7%
Cambodia is 5.7% cheaper
New Economy Car 41,500.00 $ 23,415.29 $ 77.2%
Cambodia is 77.2% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 37,580.00 $ 17,953.06 $ 109.3%
Cambodia is 109.3% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 90.09 $ 178.92 $ 49.6%
Cambodia is 49.6% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 6.03 $ 27.25 $ 77.9%
Cambodia is 77.9% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 24.23 $ 35.66 $ 32.1%
Cambodia is 32.1% cheaper
Gym Membership 42.25 $ 60.05 $ 29.6%
Cambodia is 29.6% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 8.00 $ 15.69 $ 49.0%
Cambodia is 49.0% cheaper
Movie Ticket 5.00 $ 13.31 $ 62.4%
Cambodia is 62.4% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 328.89 $ 348.57 $ 5.6%
Cambodia is 5.6% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 6,938.89 $ 13,519.03 $ 48.7%
Cambodia is 48.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 23.15 $ 49.02 $ 52.8%
Cambodia is 52.8% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 22.11 $ 32.77 $ 32.5%
Cambodia is 32.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 70.62 $ 63.16 $ 11.8%
Cambodia is 11.8% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 56.50 $ 87.75 $ 35.6%
Cambodia is 35.6% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 411.67 $ 624.64 $ 34.1%
Cambodia is 34.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 246.64 $ 424.63 $ 41.9%
Cambodia is 41.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 750.85 $ 1,366.33 $ 45.0%
Cambodia is 45.0% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 461.01 $ 825.90 $ 44.2%
Cambodia is 44.2% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,983.33 $ 6,447.80 $ 69.2%
Cambodia is 69.2% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 1,415.00 $ 3,555.73 $ 60.2%
Cambodia is 60.2% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 336.37 $ 2,177.14 $ 84.5%
Cambodia is 84.5% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 11.09 1.82 509.3%
Cambodia is 509.3% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Japan. Enter your monthly expenses in Cambodia to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Cambodia and Japan goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Cambodia vs Japan

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Cambodia

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

Japan

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Cambodia Cost of living in Japan

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