Is Colon or Phnom Penh cheaper to live in?

Colon is 12% cheaper than Phnom Penh. The average monthly cost in Colon is $918, while Phnom Penh costs $1,041 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Colon or Phnom Penh?

For digital nomads, Colon offers faster internet at 65 Mbps. Colon is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Colon has a NomadIQ score of 6.1/10 while Phnom Penh scores 6.4/10.

What is the rent difference between Colon and Phnom Penh?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $386/month in Colon and $622/month in Phnom Penh. Colon has 38% lower rent.

Is Colon or Phnom Penh safer?

Phnom Penh has a higher safety score of 4.9/10. Colon scores 3.9/10 for safety while Phnom Penh scores 4.9/10.

Should I move to Colon or Phnom Penh as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Colon if budget is important ($918/month). Choose Phnom Penh for better safety. Colon is better for remote work with 65 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Colon vs Phnom Penh

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Colon

Panama

$918/mo6.1/10

Phnom Penh

Cambodia

$1,041/mo6.4/10

Colon

Panama

$918/moNomadIQ 6.1/10

Phnom Penh

Cambodia

$1,041/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Colon

Phnom Penh

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$918

$1,041

Colon

Rent (1BR)

$386

$622

Colon

Groceries

$351

$220

Phnom Penh

Transport

$48

$80

Colon

Healthcare

$85

$90

Colon

Safety Score

3.9/10

4.9/10

Phnom Penh

Internet Speed

65 Mbps

60 Mbps

Colon

NomadIQ Score

6.1/10

6.4/10

Phnom Penh

Overall Winner: Colon

Based on our comparison, Colon wins 5 out of 8 categories.Phnom Penh wins 3 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Colon and Phnom Penh, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Colon

$918/mo

Best Internet

Colon

65 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Phnom Penh

6.4/10

Our Recommendation: Choose Colon if budget is your top priority, or Colon if you need the fastest internet for remote work.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Colon vs Phnom Penh

When comparing Colon and Phnom Penh for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Colon offers a more affordable lifestyle at $918/month compared to Phnom Penh's $1,041/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Colon leads with 65 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Phnom Penh offers 60 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 4.9/10, Phnom Penh offers better security than Colon (3.9/10).

Overall: Phnom Penh's NomadIQ score of 6.4/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Colon is 12% cheaper than Phnom Penh.

• Colon rent: $386/mo
• Phnom Penh rent: $622/mo
• Difference: $237/mo

Safety Comparison

Phnom Penh has a higher safety score (4.9/10) compared to Colon (3.9/10).

3.9/10

Colon

4.9/10

Phnom Penh

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Colon offers faster internet at 65 Mbps vs 60 Mbps.

65 Mbps

Colon

60 Mbps

Phnom Penh

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Colon edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.

Colon: Best for budget-conscious expats

Phnom Penh: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Colon vs Phnom Penh

Colon

Phnom Penh

Colon

Phnom Penh

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Colon

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Colon vs Phnom Penh

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Colon vs Phnom Penh