Is Phnom Penh or Siem Reap cheaper to live in?

Siem Reap is 31% cheaper than Phnom Penh. The average monthly cost in Siem Reap is $715, while Phnom Penh costs $1,041 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Phnom Penh offers faster internet at 60 Mbps. Siem Reap is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Phnom Penh has a NomadIQ score of 6.4/10 while Siem Reap scores 6.9/10.

What is the rent difference between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $622/month in Phnom Penh and $352/month in Siem Reap. Siem Reap has 43% lower rent.

Is Phnom Penh or Siem Reap safer?

Siem Reap has a higher safety score of 6.8/10. Phnom Penh scores 4.9/10 for safety while Siem Reap scores 6.8/10.

Should I move to Phnom Penh 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. Phnom Penh is better for remote work with 60 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Phnom Penh vs Siem Reap

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Phnom Penh

Cambodia

$1,041/mo6.4/10

Siem Reap

Cambodia

$715/mo6.9/10

Phnom Penh

Cambodia

$1,041/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Siem Reap

Cambodia

$715/moNomadIQ 6.9/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Phnom Penh

Siem Reap

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,041

$715

Siem Reap

Rent (1BR)

$622

$352

Siem Reap

Groceries

$220

$200

Siem Reap

Transport

$80

$70

Siem Reap

Healthcare

$90

$80

Siem Reap

Safety Score

4.9/10

6.8/10

Siem Reap

Internet Speed

60 Mbps

55 Mbps

Phnom Penh

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

6.9/10

Siem Reap

Overall Winner: Siem Reap

Based on our comparison, Siem Reap wins 7 out of 8 categories.Phnom Penh wins 1 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Siem Reap

$715/mo

Best Internet

Phnom Penh

60 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: Phnom Penh vs Siem Reap

When comparing Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh's $1,041/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Phnom Penh leads with 60 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 Phnom Penh (4.9/10).

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

Cost of Living Comparison

Siem Reap is 31% cheaper than Phnom Penh.

• Phnom Penh rent: $622/mo
• Siem Reap rent: $352/mo
• Difference: $271/mo

Safety Comparison

Siem Reap has a higher safety score (6.8/10) compared to Phnom Penh (4.9/10).

4.9/10

Phnom Penh

6.8/10

Siem Reap

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Phnom Penh offers faster internet at 60 Mbps vs 55 Mbps.

60 Mbps

Phnom Penh

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.

Phnom Penh: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Siem Reap: Best for budget-conscious expats

Phnom Penh vs Siem Reap

Phnom Penh

Siem Reap

Phnom Penh

Siem Reap

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Siem Reap

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Phnom Penh 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: Phnom Penh vs Siem Reap