Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Cambodia Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Cambodia Property Pack
As of September 2025, Cambodia offers some of the most competitive rental yields in Southeast Asia, with average rents ranging from $250-$400 for studios in Phnom Penh to $3,500+ for luxury villas.
The Cambodian rental market shows strong fundamentals with expats, locals, and corporate tenants driving demand across property types, while central Phnom Penh commands premium pricing and secondary cities like Siem Reap offer attractive investment opportunities for both short-term and long-term rentals.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Cambodia, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Cambodia's rental market offers yields of 6.96-7.68% with studios starting at $150/month in Siem Reap and luxury villas reaching $5,000/month in central Phnom Penh.
Total monthly costs for tenants include rent plus $160-270 in utilities, management fees, and taxes, while vacancy rates remain manageable at 8% for condos in the capital.
| City | Studio/1-Bed ($) | Luxury Condos ($) | Average Yield (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | $250-700 | $700-1,500 | 6.96-7.68 |
| Siem Reap | $150-500 | $500-900 | 7.9 |
| Sihanoukville | $200-600 | $600-1,200 | 7.9 |
| Smaller Towns | $100-300 | N/A | 8+ |
| Bangkok (Comparison) | $722 | $1,000+ | 4.5-5.5 |
| Manila (Comparison) | $950 | $1,200+ | 5-6 |
| Ho Chi Minh (Comparison) | $650 | $900+ | 5.1-6.2 |
What's the current average rent across Cambodia's main cities and towns?
As of September 2025, Cambodia's rental market shows clear pricing tiers across major urban centers.
Phnom Penh leads with studios and small apartments ranging from $250-$400 monthly, while one-bedroom mid-range units command $400-$700. Serviced and luxury condominiums in the capital reach $700-$1,500 per month.
Siem Reap offers more affordable options with budget studios starting at $150-$300 monthly and one-bedroom units priced between $300-$500. Serviced apartments in this tourist hub range from $500-$900 monthly.
Sihanoukville presents competitive rates with basic accommodation starting at $200-$350 monthly, one-bedroom units at $350-$600, and higher-end condominiums reaching $600-$1,200.
Rural areas and smaller towns offer the most budget-friendly options, with basic accommodation available for $100-$200 monthly, though these rarely attract international tenants.
How do rental prices differ by property type across condos, villas, shophouses, and serviced apartments?
| Property Type | Phnom Penh ($) | Siem Reap/Sihanoukville ($) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $250-400 | $150-350 | 25-40m², basic amenities |
| 1-Bed Apartments | $400-700 | $300-500 | 35-65m², mid-range serviced |
| Condominiums | $700-1,500 | $500-1,200 | Modern amenities, central locations |
| Villas | $1,500-4,000 | $700-2,000 | 180-350m², gardens, privacy |
| Shophouses | $1,600-2,500 | $900-1,800 | Mixed residential/commercial use |
| Serviced Apartments | $700-1,500 | $500-900 | Utilities and amenities included |
What's the typical rent range based on property size and surface area?
Rental pricing in Cambodia correlates directly with surface area and bedroom count across all major cities.
Studios spanning 25-40 square meters typically rent for $150-$400 monthly, making them the most affordable option for individual tenants. One-bedroom units covering 35-65 square meters command $400-$700 monthly and represent the sweet spot for young professionals and couples.
Two-bedroom apartments ranging from 60-95 square meters rent for $700-$1,200 monthly, attracting small families and sharing arrangements. Three-bedroom units spanning 85-130 square meters command $1,200-$2,500 monthly and appeal to larger families or corporate relocations.
Large villas covering 180-350 square meters command premium rents of $1,800-$4,000 monthly, primarily targeting high-income expats and diplomatic staff.
It's something we develop in our Cambodia property pack.
How does rent vary between central Phnom Penh, secondary cities, and rural areas?
Location significantly impacts rental pricing across Cambodia's property markets.
Central Phnom Penh commands the highest rents, with apartments typically ranging from $550-$1,500 monthly due to proximity to business districts, international schools, and expat amenities. Premium districts like BKK1 can reach $3,500-$5,000 monthly for luxury properties.
Secondary cities including Siem Reap and Sihanoukville offer rents 20-40% lower than Phnom Penh for comparable units. These markets benefit from tourism demand while maintaining more affordable living costs.
Rural areas present budget options under $200 monthly but rarely attract international tenants due to limited infrastructure and amenities. These properties primarily serve local populations seeking affordable housing.
The pricing gap reflects infrastructure quality, international amenities, and employment opportunities concentrated in urban centers.
Don't lose money on your property in Cambodia
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
What's the total monthly cost when factoring in management fees, utilities, and taxes?
Total monthly housing costs extend well beyond base rent in Cambodia's rental market.
Management fees for serviced properties add $50-$120 monthly, while utilities including electricity and water cost $90-$120 monthly for an 85-square-meter apartment. Internet services add another $20-$30 monthly.
Local taxes and withholding typically amount to 10% of rent for registered tenants, creating additional financial obligations. These costs can significantly impact total housing expenses.
For a typical $550 monthly apartment, tenants should budget $700-$900 monthly for total living costs including all fees and utilities. This represents a 27-64% increase over base rent.
Higher-end properties often include utilities and management in rent, while budget options typically require separate payment for all additional services.
How do mortgage costs compare with average rental income for investors?
Cambodia's mortgage market presents mixed investment scenarios for property buyers in 2025.
Average property prices in Phnom Penh reach $2,650 per square meter, creating mortgage payments of approximately $600-$800 monthly for a $114,000 loan covering principal and interest. These financing costs often align closely with rental income potential.
Rental income for comparable properties ranges from $550-$1,500 monthly depending on unit type and location. Mid-tier units typically generate rental income similar to mortgage payments, creating neutral cash flow scenarios.
Higher-end luxury properties often produce lower cash returns relative to purchase prices, while budget properties in secondary cities may offer positive cash flow from day one.
Investors must carefully analyze individual properties since mortgage costs frequently consume most or all rental income in the current market.
What are example rental prices for different property categories from studios to luxury villas?
Cambodia's rental market offers diverse options across price points and property types.
- Budget studio in Siem Reap: $175 monthly - basic furnishing, shared building amenities
- One-bedroom serviced apartment in Phnom Penh: $600 monthly - utilities included, modern amenities
- Traditional shophouse near central Phnom Penh: $1,500 monthly - mixed-use potential, authentic architecture
- Three-bedroom condominium in Sihanoukville: $900 monthly - beach proximity, modern construction
- Luxury villa in BKK1 district: $3,500-$5,000 monthly - premium location, extensive amenities
These examples demonstrate the wide range available to tenants with different budgets and location preferences throughout Cambodia.
What's the profile of main renter groups in Cambodia's current market?
Cambodia's rental market serves four distinct tenant categories as of September 2025.
Expats represent the premium segment, typically renting mid-to-upper tier apartments and condominiums in central areas with budgets ranging from $500-$1,500 monthly. This group prioritizes modern amenities, security, and proximity to international facilities.
Local Cambodians increasingly rent budget apartments, shophouses, and affordable condominium projects with budgets between $200-$600 monthly. This growing segment reflects urbanization and changing lifestyle preferences among young professionals.
Corporate tenants occupy serviced apartments and some villas with company-paid rents typically ranging from $800-$2,500 monthly. These arrangements often include utilities and maintenance services.
Students and digital nomads seek budget studios and shared accommodations, particularly in Siem Reap and Battambang, with monthly budgets between $100-$400. This segment values affordability over luxury amenities.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Cambodia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
What are the current vacancy rates and how do they differ by location and property type?
Cambodia's rental market shows manageable vacancy rates across most property segments in 2025.
Condominium vacancy rates in Phnom Penh currently stand at 8%, representing improvement from previous years as demand stabilizes and new supply moderates. This level indicates a balanced market without oversupply concerns.
Commercial properties show higher vacancy rates with office spaces reaching 35% and retail properties approaching 40% vacancy. These segments face greater challenges from economic adjustments and changing business patterns.
Serviced apartments maintain lower vacancy rates, especially high-quality units in central locations that benefit from consistent corporate and expat demand. Premium properties with modern amenities rarely experience extended vacancies.
Secondary cities like Siem Reap and Sihanoukville show seasonal variation in vacancy rates, with tourist-dependent properties experiencing higher occupancy during peak travel periods.
What's the average rental yield today compared to five years ago and one year ago?
| Year | Cambodia Average (%) | Phnom Penh (%) | Siem Reap/Coast (%) | Market Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7.5-8.2 | 7.2-7.8 | 8.0-9.0 | Pre-pandemic peak |
| 2024 | 7.4-7.9 | 6.9-7.4 | 7.5-8.2 | Recovery phase |
| 2025 (current) | 7.68 | 6.96 | 7.9 | Stabilized market |
| Net yields (after costs) | 5.5-6.2 | 5.0-5.5 | 6.0-6.4 | After taxes/management |
Cambodia maintains competitive yields compared to regional markets, though slight compression occurred as property prices appreciated faster than rents.
What are the smartest investment choices for short-term versus long-term rentals?
Investment strategy in Cambodia should align with rental duration preferences and risk tolerance.
Short-term rental investments perform best in vacation properties located in Siem Reap and coastal cities, particularly Airbnb-suitable serviced apartments near tourist attractions. These properties generate higher yields but require active management and face seasonal fluctuations.
Long-term rental investments should focus on affordable condominiums or borey houses in Phnom Penh suburbs and established areas of Sihanoukville. These properties attract stable local tenants and long-stay expats, providing predictable income with minimal management requirements.
Mixed-use shophouses offer flexibility for both residential and commercial tenants, though they require careful location selection near commercial districts. Properties in emerging neighborhoods can provide growth potential as urban development expands.
It's something we develop in our Cambodia property pack.
How do current rents and yields compare with regional cities and what's the forecast ahead?
| City | 1-Bed Rent ($/month) | Average Yield (%) | Vacancy (%) | Price/Sqm ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | 550 | 6.96-7.68 | 8 | 2,650 |
| Bangkok | 722 | 4.5-5.5 | 27 | 3,800 |
| Ho Chi Minh | 650 | 5.1-6.2 | 10-15 | 3,000-4,000 |
| Manila | 950 | 5.0-6.0 | 11-13 | 2,500-3,500 |
Cambodia offers superior yields compared to regional competitors while maintaining moderate rental rates.
One-year forecast indicates stable yields and moderate rental growth as economic recovery continues and tourism rebounds. Property prices may appreciate 3-5% annually while rents grow 2-4%.
Five-year outlook suggests steady property appreciation with growing local demand driving rental markets. Yields may compress slightly as prices outpace rental growth, but Cambodia should maintain yield advantages over regional markets.
Ten-year projections show potential for significant urban development and infrastructure improvements that could drive both property values and rental demand higher throughout Cambodia's major cities.
It's something we develop in our Cambodia property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Cambodia's rental market presents compelling opportunities for both investors and tenants in 2025. With yields ranging from 6.96% to 7.68% and diverse property options from $150 studios to $5,000 luxury villas, the market accommodates various budgets and investment strategies.
The combination of affordable entry points, growing local demand, and stable expat populations creates a favorable environment for property investment. Whether targeting short-term vacation rentals in tourist areas or long-term residential properties in urban centers, Cambodia offers competitive returns compared to regional alternatives while maintaining moderate rental costs for tenants.
Sources
- Cambodia Immigration - Rent Costs
- Thailand Construction - Phnom Penh Rent Analysis
- Fazwaz Cambodia - Rental Properties
- B2B Cambodia - Real Estate Review 2025
- Global Property Guide - Cambodia Rental Yields
- Kiri Post - Phnom Penh Rent Rankings
- Exiap - Cost of Living Cambodia
- DFDL - Taxation of Leases
- Cambodia Investment Review - CBRE Forecast 2025
- Dabest Properties - Cambodia Condo Trends