Cost of Living: Cambodia vs United States

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

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Cambodia is 79.2% cheaper than United States. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 92.0% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United States, you would spend about $21 in Cambodia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Salaries And Financing 92.0%

Cambodia is 92.0% cheaper

Other Expenses 80.0%

Cambodia is 80.0% cheaper

Rent Per Month 78.0%

Cambodia is 78.0% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 79.2%

Cambodia is 79.2% cheaper than United States

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +41.2%

Is Cambodia cheaper than United States?

Yes, Cambodia is cheaper than United States

Overall, living costs in Cambodia are 79.2% lower than in United States.

Where Cambodia is cheaper:

  • Salaries And Financing 92.0% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 80.0% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 78.0% cheaper

Where Cambodia is more expensive:

  • Transportation 41.2% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Cambodia: 3.00 $ United States: 20.00 $
85.0% cheaper in Cambodia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Cambodia: 411.67 $ United States: 1,746.65 $
76.4% cheaper in Cambodia

Monthly public transport pass

Cambodia: 10.60 $ United States: 65.00 $
83.7% cheaper in Cambodia

1 liter of milk

Cambodia: 2.12 $ United States: 1.06 $
100.0% more expensive in Cambodia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Cambodia is indeed cheaper than United States. You would save approximately 79.2% on living expenses by choosing Cambodia over United States. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

79.2%

Cambodia is 79.2% cheaper than United States

Restaurants

64.3%

Cambodia is 64.3% cheaper than United States in this category

Markets

57.5%

Cambodia is 57.5% cheaper than United States in this category

Other Expenses

80.0%

Cambodia is 80.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Transportation

41.2%

Cambodia is 41.2% more expensive than United States in this category

Household Utilities

56.8%

Cambodia is 56.8% cheaper than United States in this category

Mobile and Internet

76.5%

Cambodia is 76.5% cheaper than United States in this category

Sports And Leisure

33.1%

Cambodia is 33.1% cheaper than United States in this category

Childcare

69.6%

Cambodia is 69.6% cheaper than United States in this category

Clothing And Shoes

42.2%

Cambodia is 42.2% cheaper than United States in this category

Rent Per Month

78.0%

Cambodia is 78.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Property Prices

42.9%

Cambodia is 42.9% cheaper than United States in this category

Salaries And Financing

92.0%

Cambodia is 92.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Cambodia United States Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 3.00 $ 20.00 $ 85.0%
Cambodia is 85.0% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 27.50 $ 75.00 $ 63.3%
Cambodia is 63.3% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 7.00 $ 11.50 $ 39.1%
Cambodia is 39.1% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 2.29 $ 5.24 $ 56.3%
Cambodia is 56.3% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.86 $ 2.56 $ 66.4%
Cambodia is 66.4% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.74 $ 2.09 $ 64.6%
Cambodia is 64.6% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.73 $ 2.23 $ 67.3%
Cambodia is 67.3% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.83 $ 4.38 $ 58.2%
Cambodia is 58.2% cheaper
Milk (1L) 2.12 $ 1.06 $ 100.0%
Cambodia is 100.0% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.71 $ 3.63 $ 52.9%
Cambodia is 52.9% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 1.03 $ 4.61 $ 77.7%
Cambodia is 77.7% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 1.83 $ 4.29 $ 57.3%
Cambodia is 57.3% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 13.92 $ 12.93 $ 7.7%
Cambodia is 7.7% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 4.28 $ 12.20 $ 64.9%
Cambodia is 64.9% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 9.82 $ 10.78 $ 8.9%
Cambodia is 8.9% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 3.59 $ 5.28 $ 32.0%
Cambodia is 32.0% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.28 $ 1.68 $ 23.8%
Cambodia is 23.8% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 3.45 $ 4.50 $ 23.3%
Cambodia is 23.3% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.43 $ 4.91 $ 70.9%
Cambodia is 70.9% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.38 $ 2.94 $ 53.1%
Cambodia is 53.1% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 1.13 $ 3.08 $ 63.3%
Cambodia is 63.3% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.61 $ 2.20 $ 26.8%
Cambodia is 26.8% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 10.60 $ 65.00 $ 83.7%
Cambodia is 83.7% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 2.00 $ 10.00 $ 80.0%
Cambodia is 80.0% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.25 $ 2.50 $ 50.0%
Cambodia is 50.0% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 1.00 $ 3.75 $ 73.3%
Cambodia is 73.3% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 1.00 $ 1.74 $ 42.5%
Cambodia is 42.5% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 4.25 $ 30.00 $ 85.8%
Cambodia is 85.8% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.15 $ 0.93 $ 23.7%
Cambodia is 23.7% more expensive
New Economy Car 41,500.00 $ 30,000.00 $ 38.3%
Cambodia is 38.3% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 37,580.00 $ 25,982.09 $ 44.6%
Cambodia is 44.6% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 90.09 $ 208.61 $ 56.8%
Cambodia is 56.8% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 6.03 $ 57.38 $ 89.5%
Cambodia is 89.5% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 24.23 $ 71.66 $ 66.2%
Cambodia is 66.2% cheaper
Gym Membership 42.25 $ 46.22 $ 8.6%
Cambodia is 8.6% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 8.00 $ 21.94 $ 63.5%
Cambodia is 63.5% cheaper
Movie Ticket 5.00 $ 14.44 $ 65.4%
Cambodia is 65.4% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 328.89 $ 1,372.78 $ 76.0%
Cambodia is 76.0% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 6,938.89 $ 22,512.19 $ 69.2%
Cambodia is 69.2% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 23.15 $ 52.18 $ 55.6%
Cambodia is 55.6% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 22.11 $ 42.56 $ 48.0%
Cambodia is 48.0% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 70.62 $ 89.93 $ 21.5%
Cambodia is 21.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 56.50 $ 113.60 $ 50.3%
Cambodia is 50.3% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 411.67 $ 1,746.65 $ 76.4%
Cambodia is 76.4% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 246.64 $ 1,440.62 $ 82.9%
Cambodia is 82.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 750.85 $ 2,896.11 $ 74.1%
Cambodia is 74.1% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 461.01 $ 2,403.74 $ 80.8%
Cambodia is 80.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,983.33 $ 3,233.83 $ 38.7%
Cambodia is 38.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 1,415.00 $ 2,715.21 $ 47.9%
Cambodia is 47.9% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 336.37 $ 4,329.01 $ 92.2%
Cambodia is 92.2% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 11.09 6.51 70.4%
Cambodia is 70.4% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

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

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.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

United States

Seasonal Cost Variations

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