Is Cape Town or Siem Reap cheaper to live in?

Siem Reap is 55% cheaper than Cape Town. The average monthly cost in Siem Reap is $715, while Cape Town costs $1,590 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Cape Town or Siem Reap?

For digital nomads, Cape Town offers faster internet at 120 Mbps. Siem Reap is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Cape Town has a NomadIQ score of 6.8/10 while Siem Reap scores 6.9/10.

What is the rent difference between Cape Town and Siem Reap?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $993/month in Cape Town and $352/month in Siem Reap. Siem Reap has 65% lower rent.

Is Cape Town or Siem Reap safer?

Siem Reap has a higher safety score of 6.8/10. Cape Town scores 2.7/10 for safety while Siem Reap scores 6.8/10.

Should I move to Cape Town or Siem Reap as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Siem Reap if budget is important ($715/month). Choose Siem Reap for better safety. Cape Town is better for remote work with 120 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Cape Town vs Siem Reap

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Cape Town

South Africa

$1,590/mo6.8/10

Siem Reap

Cambodia

$715/mo6.9/10

Cape Town

South Africa

$1,590/moNomadIQ 6.8/10

Siem Reap

Cambodia

$715/moNomadIQ 6.9/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Cape Town

Siem Reap

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,590

$715

Siem Reap

Rent (1BR)

$993

$352

Siem Reap

Groceries

$350

$200

Siem Reap

Transport

$90

$70

Siem Reap

Healthcare

$120

$80

Siem Reap

Safety Score

2.7/10

6.8/10

Siem Reap

Internet Speed

120 Mbps

55 Mbps

Cape Town

NomadIQ Score

6.8/10

6.9/10

Siem Reap

Overall Winner: Siem Reap

Based on our comparison, Siem Reap wins 7 out of 8 categories.Cape Town wins 1 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Cape Town and Siem Reap, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Siem Reap

$715/mo

Best Internet

Cape Town

120 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Siem Reap

6.9/10

Our Recommendation: Siem Reap is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Cape Town vs Siem Reap

When comparing Cape Town and Siem Reap for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Siem Reap is the more budget-friendly option at $715/month versus Cape Town's $1,590/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Cape Town leads with 120 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Siem Reap offers 55 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.8/10, Siem Reap offers better security than Cape Town (2.7/10).

Overall: Siem Reap's NomadIQ score of 6.9/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Siem Reap is 55% cheaper than Cape Town.

• Cape Town rent: $993/mo
• Siem Reap rent: $352/mo
• Difference: $642/mo

Safety Comparison

Siem Reap has a higher safety score (6.8/10) compared to Cape Town (2.7/10).

2.7/10

Cape Town

6.8/10

Siem Reap

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Cape Town offers faster internet at 120 Mbps vs 55 Mbps.

120 Mbps

Cape Town

55 Mbps

Siem Reap

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Siem Reap edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.

Cape Town: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Siem Reap: Best for budget-conscious expats

Cape Town vs Siem Reap

Cape Town

Siem Reap

Cape Town

Siem Reap

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Siem Reap

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Cape Town vs Siem Reap

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cape Town vs Siem Reap