Cost of Living: Cambodia vs United Kingdom

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Cambodia and United Kingdom.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Cambodia is 73.8% cheaper than United Kingdom. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 90.2% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United Kingdom, you would spend about $26 in Cambodia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 90.2%

Cambodia is 90.2% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 89.3%

Cambodia is 89.3% cheaper

Rent Per Month 72.3%

Cambodia is 72.3% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 73.8%

Cambodia is 73.8% cheaper than United Kingdom

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +0.2%

Is Cambodia cheaper than United Kingdom?

Yes, Cambodia is cheaper than United Kingdom

Overall, living costs in Cambodia are 73.8% lower than in United Kingdom.

Where Cambodia is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 90.2% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 89.3% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 72.3% cheaper

Where Cambodia is more expensive:

  • Transportation 0.2% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Cambodia: 3.00 $ United Kingdom: 20.35 $
85.3% cheaper in Cambodia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Cambodia: 411.67 $ United Kingdom: 1,411.39 $
70.8% cheaper in Cambodia

Monthly public transport pass

Cambodia: 10.60 $ United Kingdom: 94.95 $
88.8% cheaper in Cambodia

1 liter of milk

Cambodia: 2.12 $ United Kingdom: 1.69 $
25.4% more expensive in Cambodia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Cambodia is indeed cheaper than United Kingdom. You would save approximately 73.8% on living expenses by choosing Cambodia over United Kingdom. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

73.8%

Cambodia is 73.8% cheaper than United Kingdom

Restaurants

66.2%

Cambodia is 66.2% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Markets

61.8%

Cambodia is 61.8% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Other Expenses

90.2%

Cambodia is 90.2% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Transportation

0.2%

Cambodia is 0.2% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Household Utilities

72.1%

Cambodia is 72.1% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Mobile and Internet

49.4%

Cambodia is 49.4% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Sports And Leisure

26.9%

Cambodia is 26.9% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Childcare

67.5%

Cambodia is 67.5% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Clothing And Shoes

49.2%

Cambodia is 49.2% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Rent Per Month

72.3%

Cambodia is 72.3% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Property Prices

70.2%

Cambodia is 70.2% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Salaries And Financing

89.3%

Cambodia is 89.3% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Cambodia United Kingdom Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 3.00 $ 20.35 $ 85.3%
Cambodia is 85.3% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 27.50 $ 88.17 $ 68.8%
Cambodia is 68.8% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 7.00 $ 10.17 $ 31.2%
Cambodia is 31.2% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 2.29 $ 4.62 $ 50.4%
Cambodia is 50.4% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.86 $ 2.41 $ 64.3%
Cambodia is 64.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.74 $ 1.72 $ 57.0%
Cambodia is 57.0% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.73 $ 1.53 $ 52.3%
Cambodia is 52.3% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.83 $ 1.17 $ 56.4%
Cambodia is 56.4% more expensive
Milk (1L) 2.12 $ 1.69 $ 25.4%
Cambodia is 25.4% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.71 $ 1.67 $ 2.4%
Cambodia is 2.4% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 1.03 $ 2.21 $ 53.4%
Cambodia is 53.4% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 1.83 $ 4.03 $ 54.6%
Cambodia is 54.6% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 13.92 $ 9.73 $ 43.1%
Cambodia is 43.1% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 4.28 $ 8.96 $ 52.2%
Cambodia is 52.2% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 9.82 $ 16.31 $ 39.8%
Cambodia is 39.8% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 3.59 $ 2.97 $ 20.9%
Cambodia is 20.9% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 1.28 $ 1.64 $ 22.0%
Cambodia is 22.0% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 3.45 $ 2.88 $ 19.8%
Cambodia is 19.8% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.43 $ 3.54 $ 59.6%
Cambodia is 59.6% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.38 $ 1.65 $ 16.4%
Cambodia is 16.4% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.13 $ 1.55 $ 27.1%
Cambodia is 27.1% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.61 $ 1.14 $ 41.2%
Cambodia is 41.2% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 10.60 $ 94.95 $ 88.8%
Cambodia is 88.8% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 2.00 $ 20.33 $ 90.2%
Cambodia is 90.2% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.25 $ 3.26 $ 61.7%
Cambodia is 61.7% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 1.00 $ 5.43 $ 81.6%
Cambodia is 81.6% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.00 $ 2.41 $ 58.5%
Cambodia is 58.5% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 4.25 $ 27.13 $ 84.3%
Cambodia is 84.3% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.15 $ 1.95 $ 41.0%
Cambodia is 41.0% cheaper
New Economy Car 41,500.00 $ 38,367.32 $ 8.2%
Cambodia is 8.2% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 37,580.00 $ 40,488.21 $ 7.2%
Cambodia is 7.2% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 90.09 $ 322.47 $ 72.1%
Cambodia is 72.1% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 6.03 $ 17.46 $ 65.5%
Cambodia is 65.5% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 24.23 $ 42.38 $ 42.8%
Cambodia is 42.8% cheaper
Gym Membership 42.25 $ 46.25 $ 8.6%
Cambodia is 8.6% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 8.00 $ 15.82 $ 49.4%
Cambodia is 49.4% cheaper
Movie Ticket 5.00 $ 13.56 $ 63.1%
Cambodia is 63.1% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 328.89 $ 1,710.49 $ 80.8%
Cambodia is 80.8% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 6,938.89 $ 20,621.65 $ 66.4%
Cambodia is 66.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 23.15 $ 90.04 $ 74.3%
Cambodia is 74.3% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 22.11 $ 44.62 $ 50.4%
Cambodia is 50.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 70.62 $ 101.31 $ 30.3%
Cambodia is 30.3% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 56.50 $ 103.43 $ 45.4%
Cambodia is 45.4% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 411.67 $ 1,411.39 $ 70.8%
Cambodia is 70.8% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 246.64 $ 1,145.39 $ 78.5%
Cambodia is 78.5% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 750.85 $ 2,337.19 $ 67.9%
Cambodia is 67.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 461.01 $ 1,852.21 $ 75.1%
Cambodia is 75.1% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,983.33 $ 6,334.38 $ 68.7%
Cambodia is 68.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 1,415.00 $ 5,062.78 $ 72.1%
Cambodia is 72.1% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 336.37 $ 3,229.12 $ 89.6%
Cambodia is 89.6% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 11.09 5.75 92.9%
Cambodia is 92.9% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United Kingdom. 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 United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom

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.

United Kingdom

  • 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.