Is Phnom Penh or Sliema cheaper to live in?

Phnom Penh is 56% cheaper than Sliema. The average monthly cost in Phnom Penh is $1,041, while Sliema costs $2,346 per month.

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

For digital nomads, Sliema offers faster internet at 130 Mbps. Phnom Penh is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Phnom Penh has a NomadIQ score of 6.4/10 while Sliema scores 6.7/10.

What is the rent difference between Phnom Penh and Sliema?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $622/month in Phnom Penh and $1,727/month in Sliema. Phnom Penh has 64% lower rent.

Is Phnom Penh or Sliema safer?

Sliema has a higher safety score of 6.7/10. Phnom Penh scores 4.9/10 for safety while Sliema scores 6.7/10.

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

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Phnom Penh if budget is important ($1,041/month). Choose Sliema for better safety. Sliema is better for remote work with 130 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Phnom Penh vs Sliema

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Phnom Penh

Cambodia

$1,041/mo6.4/10

Sliema

Malta

$2,346/mo6.7/10

Phnom Penh

Cambodia

$1,041/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Sliema

Malta

$2,346/moNomadIQ 6.7/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Phnom Penh

Sliema

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,041

$2,346

Phnom Penh

Rent (1BR)

$622

$1,727

Phnom Penh

Groceries

$220

$390

Phnom Penh

Transport

$80

$85

Phnom Penh

Healthcare

$90

$100

Phnom Penh

Safety Score

4.9/10

6.7/10

Sliema

Internet Speed

60 Mbps

130 Mbps

Sliema

NomadIQ Score

6.4/10

6.7/10

Sliema

Overall Winner: Phnom Penh

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

Which city is better for digital nomads?

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

Best for Budget

Phnom Penh

$1,041/mo

Best Internet

Sliema

130 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Sliema

6.7/10

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

Digital Nomad Analysis: Phnom Penh vs Sliema

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

Cost of Living: Phnom Penh offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,041/month compared to Sliema's $2,346/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Sliema provides faster connectivity at 130 Mbps compared to Phnom Penh's 60 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, Sliema offers better security than Phnom Penh (4.9/10).

Overall: Sliema's NomadIQ score of 6.7/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Phnom Penh is 56% cheaper than Sliema.

• Phnom Penh rent: $622/mo
• Sliema rent: $1,727/mo
• Difference: $1,105/mo

Safety Comparison

Sliema has a higher safety score (6.7/10) compared to Phnom Penh (4.9/10).

4.9/10

Phnom Penh

6.7/10

Sliema

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Sliema offers faster internet at 130 Mbps vs 60 Mbps.

60 Mbps

Phnom Penh

130 Mbps

Sliema

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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

Phnom Penh: Best for budget-conscious expats

Sliema: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Phnom Penh vs Sliema

Phnom Penh

Sliema

Phnom Penh

Sliema

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Phnom Penh

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Phnom Penh vs Sliema

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 Sliema