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
Cambodia has become one of the most affordable and welcoming retirement destinations in Southeast Asia, offering a cost of living roughly 50% lower than the United States and a straightforward visa process for retirees aged 55 and over.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about retiring in Cambodia in 2026, from realistic monthly budgets to housing costs, healthcare, taxes, and visa requirements.
We update this blog post regularly with the latest data on housing prices in Cambodia and cost of living figures.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Cambodia.
How much money do I need to retire in Cambodia right now?
What's the absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Cambodia?
The absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Cambodia as a single retiree is around $900 (approximately 3,700,000 KHR or 860 EUR), which covers basic expenses in outer Phnom Penh districts or smaller cities like Battambang and Kampot.
At this survival level, you would cover a simple studio or one-bedroom apartment outside prime expat zones for $250 to $350, basic utilities with limited air conditioning for $70 to $120, mostly local Khmer food for $200 to $300, tuk-tuk transportation for $40 to $80, minimal healthcare visits, and visa fees averaged monthly.
Living on this minimum budget in Cambodia means accepting significant lifestyle trade-offs: you would need to skip Western restaurants almost entirely, carefully limit your air conditioning usage since electricity drives costs up quickly, avoid imported groceries, and accept that any unexpected medical expense or emergency could strain your finances.
What lifestyle do I get with $2,000/month in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $2,000 per month (approximately 8,200,000 KHR or 1,900 EUR) in Cambodia gives you a comfortable "expat-lite" lifestyle in Phnom Penh or a very comfortable life in Siem Reap or Kampot.
With this budget, you can rent a modern one-bedroom condo in central Phnom Penh neighborhoods like Chamkarmon or Daun Penh for $450 to $800 (1,850,000 to 3,300,000 KHR or 430 to 760 EUR), which leaves enough for a mix of local and Western meals, regular Grab rides, and occasional weekend trips.
At the $2,000 level in Cambodia, you can enjoy gym memberships at modern fitness centers, regular dinners at both local and mid-range Western restaurants, and visits to the many riverside cafes and rooftop bars that Phnom Penh is known for.
The main limitation at this budget in Cambodia is that you will need to watch your air conditioning usage carefully, limit imported groceries, and probably self-insure for routine medical care while purchasing only evacuation coverage, since comprehensive international health insurance would eat significantly into your monthly allowance.
What lifestyle do I get with $3,000/month in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $3,000 per month (approximately 12,300,000 KHR or 2,850 EUR) in Cambodia delivers a comfortable expat standard of living, including access to the best neighborhoods in Phnom Penh.
At this level, you can afford a modern one-bedroom in the prime expat areas of BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) or Tonle Bassac for $700 to $1,200 (2,870,000 to 4,920,000 KHR or 665 to 1,140 EUR), or upgrade to a spacious two-bedroom in Chamkarmon or Toul Kork for similar prices.
With $3,000 per month in Cambodia, you unlock frequent dining at Phnom Penh's excellent international restaurants (French, Italian, Japanese), regular visits to rooftop bars along the Mekong riverfront, coworking memberships, quality gym facilities, and occasional domestic flights to Siem Reap or the beaches of Sihanoukville and Kep.
The key upgrade compared to a $2,000 budget in Cambodia is the ability to comfortably afford solid international health insurance with evacuation coverage, run air conditioning without stress, eat imported foods regularly, and build a meaningful emergency fund each month.
What lifestyle do I get with $5,000/month in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $5,000 per month (approximately 20,500,000 KHR or 4,750 EUR) in Cambodia delivers high comfort with significant flexibility, while $10,000 per month (41,000,000 KHR or 9,500 EUR) places you firmly in the luxury category by Cambodian standards.
At $5,000 per month, you can rent a premium two or three-bedroom apartment in BKK1 or Tonle Bassac for $1,500 to $2,500 (6,150,000 to 10,250,000 KHR or 1,425 to 2,375 EUR), while at $10,000 per month you can access high-end villas, penthouse-style condos, or serviced apartments with hotel-level amenities in Phnom Penh's most desirable riverside locations.
At the $5,000 to $10,000 per month range in Cambodia, you can enjoy regular household staff for cleaning and cooking, a driver on demand, premium gym and spa memberships at facilities like Sofitel or Rosewood, frequent regional travel to Thailand, Vietnam, or Singapore, top-tier private healthcare at Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, and fine dining at the best restaurants in the city without checking prices.
How much for a "comfortable" retirement in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a comfortable retirement in Cambodia requires approximately $2,500 to $3,500 per month (10,250,000 to 14,350,000 KHR or 2,375 to 3,325 EUR) for a single person living in Phnom Penh.
We recommend adding a 25% buffer to your comfortable budget, which means setting aside an additional $625 to $875 per month (2,560,000 to 3,590,000 KHR or 595 to 830 EUR), to cover inflation drift, healthcare variability, and potential rent increases when changing apartments.
A comfortable retirement budget in Cambodia covers expenses that a basic budget does not, including comprehensive international health insurance with evacuation coverage ($150 to $300 per month), regular dining at Western restaurants, leisure activities like gym memberships and hobby classes, a meaningful travel allowance, and the ability to run air conditioning freely without monitoring your electricity bill.
How much for a "luxury" retirement in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a luxury retirement in Cambodia requires approximately $6,000 to $10,000 per month (24,600,000 to 41,000,000 KHR or 5,700 to 9,500 EUR) for a single person in Phnom Penh.
A luxury retirement in Cambodia includes premium housing such as a penthouse or villa rental for $3,000 to $5,000 per month (12,300,000 to 20,500,000 KHR or 2,850 to 4,750 EUR), household staff (cook, cleaner, driver) for $500 to $800 combined, top-tier international health insurance, unlimited dining at fine restaurants, and frequent international travel throughout Southeast Asia.
The neighborhoods most popular among retirees seeking a luxury lifestyle in Cambodia are BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1) for its walkable expat scene and high-end cafes, Tonle Bassac for its embassy-adjacent prestige and riverside dining, and the emerging Diamond Island area for modern high-rise living with river views.
The main advantage of a luxury budget in Cambodia beyond comfort and convenience is the freedom to access the best private healthcare regionally, including same-week appointments at Bangkok's Bumrungrad Hospital for specialized treatments, without financial stress or insurance limitations.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Cambodia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What are the real monthly expenses for retirees in Cambodia in 2026?
What is a realistic monthly budget breakdown by category in Cambodia?
A realistic monthly budget breakdown for a retiree in Cambodia at the comfortable level ($3,000 or 2,850 EUR) looks approximately like this: housing $1,200 (40%), utilities and phone $180 (6%), food $550 (18%), transport $200 (7%), healthcare and insurance $250 (8%), visa and admin $40 (1%), lifestyle and leisure $450 (15%), and miscellaneous $130 (5%).
Housing typically accounts for 35% to 45% of a retiree's total monthly budget in Cambodia, with rent for a one-bedroom in Phnom Penh's central areas running $700 to $1,200 (2,870,000 to 4,920,000 KHR or 665 to 1,140 EUR), making it the single largest expense category.
Food and groceries typically represent 15% to 25% of the total monthly budget in Cambodia, with costs ranging from $300 to $700 (1,230,000 to 2,870,000 KHR or 285 to 665 EUR) depending on how often you eat local food versus Western restaurants and imported groceries.
The budget category that varies most depending on personal lifestyle in Cambodia is utilities, specifically electricity for air conditioning, which can swing from $80 per month with light usage to over $300 per month if you run AC heavily in Phnom Penh's hot season.
What fees surprise foreigners most after moving to Cambodia?
The top three hidden or overlooked fees that foreigners typically underestimate in Cambodia are: (1) electricity costs if you run air conditioning heavily, which can easily reach $200 to $300 per month versus $80 expected, (2) upfront rental deposits requiring two to three months' rent plus potential agent fees, and (3) the true all-in cost of visa extensions when using agents for convenience.
When first arriving in Cambodia, foreigners should budget for one-time setup and administrative fees totaling approximately $500 to $1,500 (2,050,000 to 6,150,000 KHR or 475 to 1,425 EUR), which includes security deposits, SIM card and phone setup, basic furniture or household items if renting unfurnished, initial visa extension fees, and any required medical checks or document translations.
What's the average rent for a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Phnom Penh is approximately $900 (3,690,000 KHR or 855 EUR) as a planning average for a clean, well-managed building, while a two-bedroom averages around $1,400 (5,740,000 KHR or 1,330 EUR).
For a one-bedroom in Cambodia, the realistic rent range spans from $400 (1,640,000 KHR or 380 EUR) in budget neighborhoods like outer Toul Kork or Sen Sok, up to $1,800 (7,380,000 KHR or 1,710 EUR) for premium units in BKK1 or Tonle Bassac with river views and full amenities.
For a two-bedroom in Cambodia, expect to pay anywhere from $550 (2,255,000 KHR or 520 EUR) in family-friendly value areas like Toul Kork, up to $2,800 (11,480,000 KHR or 2,660 EUR) for high-end units in prime BKK1 or Tonle Bassac locations.
The neighborhoods offering the best value for retirees seeking affordable rent in Cambodia are Toul Kork (quieter, more space for money, popular with longer-stay expats), outer Chamkarmon (still central but lower rents than BKK1), and Daun Penh's less touristy streets (riverside-adjacent with a mix of old and new buildings).
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the latest rent data in Cambodia.
What do utilities cost monthly in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total monthly utilities cost for a typical retiree apartment in Cambodia ranges from $100 to $300 (410,000 to 1,230,000 KHR or 95 to 285 EUR), with the wide range driven almost entirely by air conditioning usage.
The typical monthly breakdown for utilities in Cambodia is: electricity $60 to $250 (246,000 to 1,025,000 KHR or 57 to 237 EUR) depending on AC use, water $5 to $15 (20,500 to 61,500 KHR or 5 to 14 EUR), and cooking gas around $5 to $10 (20,500 to 41,000 KHR or 5 to 10 EUR) if not using electric appliances.
Internet service in Cambodia typically costs $20 to $40 per month (82,000 to 164,000 KHR or 19 to 38 EUR) for reliable fiber connections, while mobile phone plans run as low as $6 to $15 per month (24,600 to 61,500 KHR or 6 to 14 EUR) for generous data packages, and many apartment buildings include basic internet in the rent.
What's the monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, a combined monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Cambodia ranges from $250 to $900 (1,025,000 to 3,690,000 KHR or 237 to 855 EUR), depending on whether you eat mostly local food and use tuk-tuks or prefer Western dining and regular Grab cars.
For a single retiree cooking at home in Cambodia, the realistic monthly grocery budget ranges from $150 to $300 (615,000 to 1,230,000 KHR or 142 to 285 EUR) if focused on local markets and produce, or $300 to $500 (1,230,000 to 2,050,000 KHR or 285 to 475 EUR) if you regularly buy imported Western goods from supermarkets like Lucky or Aeon.
Dining out regularly in Cambodia versus cooking at home makes a significant difference: local Khmer meals cost $2 to $5 each while mid-range Western restaurant dishes run $8 to $15, meaning a retiree who dines out daily at Western spots might spend $400 to $700 per month (1,640,000 to 2,870,000 KHR or 380 to 665 EUR) on food alone compared to $200 to $350 (820,000 to 1,435,000 KHR or 190 to 332 EUR) cooking locally at home.
Monthly transportation in Cambodia costs approximately $40 to $120 (164,000 to 492,000 KHR or 38 to 114 EUR) using tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis, or $150 to $300 (615,000 to 1,230,000 KHR or 142 to 285 EUR) if you rely heavily on Grab car rides, while owning a scooter adds fuel costs of about $20 to $40 per month plus one-time purchase costs of $800 to $2,000 for a reliable used bike.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Cambodia
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
Can I retire in Cambodia if I want to buy property in 2026?
What's the average home price in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price for a condominium (the main ownership pathway for foreigners) in Phnom Penh ranges from $80,000 to $160,000 (328,000,000 to 656,000,000 KHR or 76,000 to 152,000 EUR) for a typical one or two-bedroom unit in a well-managed building.
The realistic price range in Cambodia spans from $60,000 (246,000,000 KHR or 57,000 EUR) for basic condos in emerging areas like Sen Sok, to $250,000 or more (1,025,000,000 KHR or 237,500 EUR) for premium units in BKK1 or Tonle Bassac, with pricing averaging $1,400 to $1,600 per square meter for mid-market and up to $2,650 per square meter for high-end developments.
For retirees in Cambodia, condominiums offer the best value because they are the only property type foreigners can legally own outright (from the first floor up), they come with building amenities like pools and gyms, and they require less maintenance than houses or villas which would require a local nominee structure or long-term lease arrangement.
Please note that you will find all the information you need in our pack about properties in Cambodia.
What down payment do foreigners usually need in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners buying property in Cambodia typically need a down payment of 20% to 40%, meaning $16,000 to $64,000 (65,600,000 to 262,400,000 KHR or 15,200 to 60,800 EUR) on a $160,000 condo, depending on whether you use a developer payment plan or seek bank financing.
Foreigners in Cambodia generally face higher down payment requirements than locals when seeking bank mortgages (often 30% to 40% versus 20% to 30% for Cambodians), but many new developments offer attractive payment plans directly with 10% to 20% down and 0% interest installments over 24 to 48 months before handover, which is how most foreign buyers structure their purchases.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the mortgage process in our pack about properties in Cambodia.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Cambodia.
What's the all-in monthly cost to own in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the all-in monthly cost to own a typical $120,000 condo in Cambodia (paid in cash, which is common for foreign retirees) ranges from $350 to $750 (1,435,000 to 3,075,000 KHR or 332 to 712 EUR), including all recurring expenses but excluding any mortgage payment.
The specific costs included in this monthly ownership figure in Cambodia are: building management and maintenance fees $50 to $150 (205,000 to 615,000 KHR or 47 to 142 EUR), utilities $120 to $250 (492,000 to 1,025,000 KHR or 114 to 237 EUR), optional home insurance $10 to $30 (41,000 to 123,000 KHR or 10 to 28 EUR), and a repairs reserve $30 to $80 (123,000 to 328,000 KHR or 28 to 76 EUR).
Monthly property tax in Cambodia is minimal for residential condos (the 0.1% annual property tax on assessed value translates to just a few dollars per month), while HOA or management fees typically run $50 to $150 per month (205,000 to 615,000 KHR or 47 to 142 EUR) depending on building amenities like pools, gyms, and security.
The hidden ownership cost that catches new buyers off guard in Cambodia is the one-time transfer tax of 4% of the property value due at purchase (so $4,800 on a $120,000 condo), plus legal fees, title registration, and potential agent commissions that can add another 1% to 3% to closing costs.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees in Cambodia.
Is buying cheaper than renting in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, renting is generally cheaper on a month-to-month basis in Cambodia ($900 to $1,400 for a typical one or two-bedroom, or 3,690,000 to 5,740,000 KHR, or 855 to 1,330 EUR), while owning with cash has lower monthly carrying costs ($350 to $750, or 1,435,000 to 3,075,000 KHR, or 332 to 712 EUR) but requires significant upfront capital.
The typical break-even point where buying becomes cheaper than renting in Cambodia is approximately 7 to 12 years, depending on purchase price, rental comparables, maintenance costs, and whether the property appreciates or depreciates over time.
The key factors that make buying more or less attractive than renting for retirees in Cambodia include: (1) the current buyer-friendly market which creates good negotiating conditions but also raises resale uncertainty, (2) the inability for foreigners to own land, limiting exit options compared to a house in your home country, and (3) the value of keeping capital liquid given Cambodia's still-developing banking and legal systems.
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 visas, taxes, and healthcare costs should I plan for in Cambodia in 2026?
What retirement visa options exist in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main retirement visa option in Cambodia is the ER (retirement) extension under the Ordinary E-class visa, which costs approximately $290 to $350 per year (1,189,000 to 1,435,000 KHR or 275 to 332 EUR) including government fees and typical agent assistance.
To qualify for the ER retirement visa in Cambodia, you must be at least 55 years old, provide proof of retirement status (pension documentation or financial statements), and demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself, though there is no official minimum income threshold like Thailand's 65,000 baht monthly requirement.
The typical annual visa renewal process in Cambodia involves submitting your passport, photos, and supporting documents (pension proof, health certificate if requested) either directly to the Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh or through a visa agent, with renewal fees of approximately $275 to $300 per year (1,127,500 to 1,230,000 KHR or 261 to 285 EUR) and processing taking 7 to 15 days.
The most common visa mistake foreign retirees make in Cambodia is entering on a Tourist (T-class) visa instead of an Ordinary (E-class) visa, because the Tourist visa cannot be extended to the ER retirement category, forcing you to leave the country and re-enter correctly.
Please note that we keep this page updated with the residency pathways in Cambodia.
Do I pay tax on foreign income in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign income taxation in Cambodia depends on your tax residency status: if you spend 182 days or more in Cambodia per year, you become tax resident and foreign-source income may theoretically be taxable, though in practice Cambodia has historically focused enforcement on locally earned income rather than foreign pensions or investment returns.
Foreign pensions, investment dividends, and Social Security payments are generally not actively taxed by Cambodian authorities for retirees who are not working locally, but the legal framework does allow for taxation of worldwide income for tax residents, so the situation involves some ambiguity that warrants professional advice for complex financial situations.
Cambodia has limited tax treaties with other countries (no treaty with the United States, for example), which means you cannot always offset Cambodian taxes against home country taxes, and you should verify treaty status with your specific country through official sources like the General Department of Taxation.
The single most important tax rule foreign retirees should understand before moving to Cambodia is that if you do not work in Cambodia and your income comes entirely from abroad (pensions, investments, Social Security), you are unlikely to face any practical tax burden, but you should still budget $500 to $1,500 per year for professional tax advice if your situation is complex.
What health insurance do retirees need in Cambodia in 2026?
As of early 2026, retirees in Cambodia typically need international private health insurance with medical evacuation coverage, which costs approximately $100 to $400 per month (410,000 to 1,640,000 KHR or 95 to 380 EUR) depending on age, coverage level, and whether you include outpatient and dental benefits.
Foreigners in Cambodia can technically access public healthcare facilities, but the public system remains underfunded and overcrowded, so most expats rely on private hospitals like Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Royal Rattanak Hospital, or clinics like Intercare for routine care, and evacuate to Bangkok or Singapore for serious medical events.
A realistic total annual healthcare budget for a healthy retiree in Cambodia, including insurance premiums, out-of-pocket costs, medications, and routine checkups, runs approximately $2,500 to $6,000 per year (10,250,000 to 24,600,000 KHR or 2,375 to 5,700 EUR), or $200 to $500 per month, with higher budgets needed for retirees with chronic conditions or those wanting comprehensive coverage including dental and vision.
Buying real estate in Cambodia can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Cambodia, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source Name | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| IPS Cambodia Real Estate | Long-standing Cambodia brokerage with detailed on-the-ground rental data by neighborhood. | We used it to build credible rent bands for 1BR and 2BR in specific Phnom Penh districts like BKK1, Tonle Bassac, Chamkarmon, and Toul Kork. These rents became the biggest input into our monthly retirement budgets. |
| Knight Frank Cambodia | Major global real estate consultancy with transparent market reporting. | We used it to triangulate condo pricing per square meter and payment-plan norms. We then translated those ranges into purchase and ownership costs for retirees. |
| World Bank Open Data | Top-tier international organization with standardized country statistics. | We used it to calibrate inflation risk and the buffer retirees should add to budgets. We stress-tested monthly budgets using a conservative inflation cushion. |
| PwC Cambodia Tax Summaries | Leading global professional services firm with regularly reviewed tax summaries. | We used it to frame how Cambodia taxes individuals and foreign income. We converted that into practical planning steps and risks for retirees. |
| Royal Embassy of Cambodia (Berlin) | Official embassy channel, one of the safest ways to confirm visa categories. | We used it to confirm the ER retirement extension exists and is renewable. We turned that into annual visa cost planning guidance. |
| Cambodia Ministry of Health | Official health ministry and right source for national health system direction. | We used it to anchor that the public system exists but varies by facility. We recommended a realistic private-care-and-evacuation budget for retirees. |
| GlobalPetrolPrices | Widely used benchmark site with transparent residential electricity price estimates. | We used it to translate AC-heavy versus light usage into dollar ranges. We kept utility budgets conservative and cross-checked with typical expat bills. |
| Numbeo | Crowdsourced cost of living database with regularly updated entries. | We used it to validate food, transport, and daily expense ranges. We cross-referenced with our own expat surveys for accuracy. |
| Global Property Guide | Established international housing market publisher citing named data sources like CBRE. | We used it to triangulate Phnom Penh high-end condo pricing levels. We blended it with Knight Frank data to produce confident price estimates. |
| Khmer Times | Major English-language Cambodian news source with local market knowledge. | We used it to cross-check visa processes, healthcare options, and neighborhood recommendations. We validated our findings against their 2026 retirement guide. |
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Cambodia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
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