Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Cambodia Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Phnom Penh's property market is included in our pack
If you're looking to rent or invest in Phnom Penh in 2026, you need to know what rents actually look like right now.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest rental data, neighborhood insights, and cost breakdowns for Phnom Penh's residential market.
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 Phnom Penh.
Insights
- Phnom Penh serviced apartments run at about 54% occupancy in 2026, which means landlords compete hard on quality and amenities rather than just raising prices across the board.
- A 1-bedroom apartment in Phnom Penh typically rents for around $600 per month, but the same unit in BKK1 can cost 50% more than one in Toul Kork.
- Rent growth in Phnom Penh in 2026 is expected to stay between 1% and 4%, driven by steady economic expansion rather than a property boom.
- The rent per square meter in Phnom Penh ranges from $7 to $20 depending on building class, with a citywide average around $11 per sqm per month.
- Expat tenants in Phnom Penh cluster heavily in BKK1, Tonle Bassac, and Daun Penh because these areas have English-friendly services and international-standard buildings.
- Furnished apartments dominate Phnom Penh's rental market, especially in prime areas where tenants expect turnkey living and short notice periods.
- Reliable generator backup and good building management are the top rent boosters in Phnom Penh because tenants pay a premium to avoid power and maintenance headaches.
- Peak rental demand in Phnom Penh hits in August through October and again in January through February, driven by school relocations and expat contract rotations.
- Property taxes in Phnom Penh are low by global standards, with landlords paying just 0.1% annually on assessed values above roughly $25,000.
- Electricity in Phnom Penh costs around $0.15 per kWh, so air conditioning usage can push monthly utility bills up significantly for tenants.
What are typical rents in Phnom Penh as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Phnom Penh as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Phnom Penh is approximately $400 (around 1,640,000 KHR or €370).
Most studio rentals in Phnom Penh fall within a range of $300 to $550 per month (roughly 1,230,000 to 2,255,000 KHR, or €275 to €505), depending on location and building quality.
The main factors causing studio rents to vary in Phnom Penh include whether the building offers serviced amenities like a pool and gym, proximity to expat hubs like BKK1 or Tonle Bassac, and whether the unit comes fully furnished with reliable air conditioning.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Phnom Penh as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Phnom Penh is approximately $600 (around 2,460,000 KHR or €550).
Most 1-bedroom apartments in Phnom Penh rent between $450 and $900 per month (roughly 1,845,000 to 3,690,000 KHR, or €415 to €830), with the range depending heavily on neighborhood and amenities.
The cheapest 1-bedroom rents in Phnom Penh tend to be in emerging areas like Sen Sok and Chbar Ampov, while the highest rents cluster in prime central neighborhoods like BKK1 and Tonle Bassac where expat demand is strongest.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Phnom Penh as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Phnom Penh is approximately $1,050 (around 4,305,000 KHR or €965).
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Phnom Penh rent between $750 and $1,600 per month (roughly 3,075,000 to 6,560,000 KHR, or €690 to €1,470), with significant variation based on location and building quality.
For 2-bedroom units, the most affordable options are typically found in Toul Kork, Sen Sok, and Chbar Ampov, while the most expensive 2-bedroom rentals in Phnom Penh are concentrated in BKK1, Tonle Bassac, and the Koh Pich (Diamond Island) area where modern towers attract premium tenants.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Phnom Penh.
What's the average rent per square meter in Phnom Penh as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average rent per square meter in Phnom Penh is approximately $11 per month (around 45,100 KHR or €10 per sqm).
Rent per square meter in Phnom Penh ranges from about $7 to $20 per month (roughly 28,700 to 82,000 KHR, or €6.50 to €18.50 per sqm), depending on whether the building is basic local stock or a premium serviced apartment.
Compared to other major cities in Southeast Asia, Phnom Penh's rent per square meter sits below Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City but above many secondary Cambodian cities like Siem Reap or Sihanoukville for equivalent quality.
Properties that push rent per square meter above average in Phnom Penh typically feature serviced amenities like pools and gyms, professional management, reliable backup power, and prime locations within walking distance of restaurants and international services.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Phnom Penh in 2026?
As of January 2026, average rents in Phnom Penh have increased by approximately 2% compared to the same time last year.
The main factors keeping rent growth modest in Phnom Penh include significant new supply in the serviced apartment sector, occupancy rates hovering around 54%, and landlords competing on quality and amenities rather than raising prices uniformly.
This year's rent change in Phnom Penh is consistent with the previous year's trend of slow, steady growth rather than sharp increases, as the market continues to absorb new condo and apartment supply across central and emerging districts.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Phnom Penh in 2026?
As of January 2026, projected rent growth in Phnom Penh is expected to fall between 1% and 4% over the coming year.
Key factors likely to influence rent growth in Phnom Penh include continued economic expansion (though at a softer pace than earlier forecasts), stable expat and business traveler demand, and ongoing new residential supply entering the market.
Neighborhoods in Phnom Penh expected to see the strongest rent growth are well-managed properties in BKK1, Tonle Bassac, and riverside Daun Penh where tenants pay premiums for move-in-ready units with modern amenities.
The main risks that could cause rent growth in Phnom Penh to differ from projections include a slowdown in regional business activity, oversupply in specific building segments, or changes to expat employment patterns in Cambodia.
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.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Phnom Penh as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Phnom Penh as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Phnom Penh are BKK1 (Boeung Keng Kang 1), Tonle Bassac, and Daun Penh/Riverside, where 1-bedroom apartments typically start at $700 to $900 per month (2,870,000 to 3,690,000 KHR, or €645 to €830).
These neighborhoods command premium rents in Phnom Penh because they offer walkable access to embassies, international restaurants, high-end retail, and professionally managed buildings with amenities like pools, gyms, and 24/7 security.
The tenant profile in these high-rent Phnom Penh neighborhoods is predominantly expat professionals working for embassies, NGOs, and multinational companies, along with regional business travelers on long-stay assignments.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Phnom Penh.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Phnom Penh right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Phnom Penh are BKK2/BKK3, Toul Tom Poung (near Russian Market), and Chamkarmon, which offer a balance of central location and more accessible price points than BKK1.
Young professionals in these Phnom Penh neighborhoods typically pay between $400 and $700 per month (1,640,000 to 2,870,000 KHR, or €370 to €645) for a 1-bedroom apartment, depending on building quality and exact location.
These neighborhoods attract young professionals in Phnom Penh because they combine walkable streets full of cafes and restaurants, easy commutes to business districts, and a social atmosphere with plenty of coworking spaces and nightlife options.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Phnom Penh.
Where do families prefer to rent in Phnom Penh right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Phnom Penh are Toul Kork, the broader BKK area (for those prioritizing international school access), and Sen Sok, which offers more space and quieter streets.
Families in these Phnom Penh neighborhoods typically pay between $800 and $1,400 per month (3,280,000 to 5,740,000 KHR, or €735 to €1,290) for a 2 to 3 bedroom apartment or villa, with larger borey-style homes available at the higher end.
These neighborhoods attract families in Phnom Penh because they offer larger living spaces, access to parks and green areas, lower traffic density, and proximity to family-friendly amenities like supermarkets and healthcare facilities.
Top-rated schools near these family-friendly Phnom Penh neighborhoods include international schools in the BKK and Chamkarmon areas, as well as growing educational options in Toul Kork and Sen Sok where newer school campuses have opened in recent years.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Phnom Penh in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three areas that rent fastest in Phnom Penh are Toul Kork (near major university clusters), Sen Sok (with good arterial road access), and Chamkarmon (central location with short commutes), where demand consistently outpaces other districts.
Properties in these high-demand Phnom Penh areas typically stay listed for 15 to 30 days when correctly priced, compared to 30 to 45 days for the average market and 60 or more days for overpriced or outdated units.
The rent premium for properties in Phnom Penh within walking distance of universities or major road intersections is typically $50 to $100 per month (205,000 to 410,000 KHR, or €45 to €90) above comparable units in less accessible locations.
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Phnom Penh right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Phnom Penh are BKK1, Tonle Bassac, and Daun Penh, where English-language services, international restaurants, and professionally managed apartment buildings make daily life easier for foreigners.
Expats in these Phnom Penh neighborhoods typically pay between $600 and $1,200 per month (2,460,000 to 4,920,000 KHR, or €550 to €1,105) for a 1 to 2 bedroom furnished apartment with amenities.
These neighborhoods attract expats in Phnom Penh because they feature international-standard buildings with reliable generators, security, pools, gyms, and proximity to embassies, international schools, and Western-style supermarkets.
The expat communities most represented in these Phnom Penh neighborhoods include professionals from Western countries (particularly Americans, British, French, and Australians), as well as significant numbers of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese expats working in business and development sectors.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Phnom Penh.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Phnom Penh right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Phnom Penh?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate Phnom Penh's rental market are expat professionals (working for embassies, NGOs, and corporations), Cambodian professionals seeking modern condos near work, and regional business travelers on long-stay assignments.
In Phnom Penh's rental market, expat professionals represent roughly 35% to 40% of the prime apartment segment, Cambodian professionals account for about 40% to 45% of overall rental demand, and business travelers fill much of the serviced apartment inventory with stays of one to six months.
Expat professionals in Phnom Penh typically seek furnished 1 to 2 bedroom apartments with amenities, Cambodian professionals often look for modern studios to 2-bedroom condos in well-connected areas, and business travelers prefer serviced apartments with flexible lease terms and hotel-style services.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Phnom Penh.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Phnom Penh?
In Phnom Penh's rental market, roughly 70% to 75% of tenants in the condo and apartment segment prefer furnished units, while unfurnished rentals are more common in landed housing where families plan longer stays.
The rent premium for furnished apartments in Phnom Penh is typically $100 to $200 per month (410,000 to 820,000 KHR, or €90 to €185) above equivalent unfurnished units, depending on furniture quality and included appliances.
Tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals in Phnom Penh include expat professionals on 1 to 2 year contracts, business travelers who need turnkey living, and young professionals who want to avoid the upfront cost of buying furniture.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Phnom Penh?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Phnom Penh are reliable generator backup with professional building management, a swimming pool and gym, dedicated parking, 24/7 security with reception services, and high-speed internet readiness.
In Phnom Penh, reliable backup power and good management can add $50 to $100 per month (205,000 to 410,000 KHR, or €45 to €90), a pool and gym together add $75 to $150 per month (310,000 to 615,000 KHR, or €70 to €140), parking adds $30 to $75 per month (125,000 to 310,000 KHR, or €30 to €70), and professional security adds $25 to $50 per month (100,000 to 205,000 KHR, or €25 to €45).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Phnom Penh, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Phnom Penh?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Phnom Penh are air conditioning upgrades (quiet, efficient units), kitchen and bathroom modernization, fresh paint and improved lighting, better water pressure and plumbing fixes, and reliable hot water systems.
In Phnom Penh, AC upgrades typically cost $300 to $600 (1,230,000 to 2,460,000 KHR, or €275 to €550) and can justify $25 to $50 extra rent per month, while kitchen and bathroom refreshes costing $500 to $1,500 (2,050,000 to 6,150,000 KHR, or €460 to €1,380) often support $50 to $100 higher monthly rent.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI in Phnom Penh and should be avoided include luxury imported fixtures that tenants don't value proportionally, over-customized designs that limit tenant appeal, and major structural changes in buildings where the overall quality cap limits what tenants will pay.
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.
How strong is rental demand in Phnom Penh as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Phnom Penh as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the vacancy rate for serviced apartments in Phnom Penh is approximately 46% (meaning occupancy sits around 54%), which serves as the clearest publicly available proxy for expat-facing rental supply pressure.
Vacancy rates across different Phnom Penh neighborhoods range from roughly 30% to 35% in prime, well-managed buildings in BKK1 and Tonle Bassac, up to 50% or higher in newer or less established developments in emerging areas.
The current vacancy rate in Phnom Penh is relatively consistent with levels seen over the past two to three years, reflecting a market that has absorbed significant new supply while maintaining stable demand from expats and business travelers.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Phnom Penh.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Phnom Penh as of 2026?
As of January 2026, the average number of days rentals stay listed in Phnom Penh is approximately 30 to 45 days for typical properties, though well-priced units in prime locations can lease in 15 to 30 days.
Days on market in Phnom Penh range from as few as 15 days for correctly priced, move-in-ready units in BKK1 or Tonle Bassac, to 60 days or more for overpriced or outdated properties in less desirable locations.
The current days-on-market figure in Phnom Penh is roughly similar to one year ago, reflecting a rental market that remains competitive but not dramatically tighter or looser than the previous year.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Phnom Penh?
The peak months for tenant demand in Phnom Penh are August through October and January through February, when school-year relocations, expat contract rotations, and new-year job moves drive the highest leasing activity.
The main factors driving seasonal demand in Phnom Penh are the international school calendar (which prompts family relocations in late summer), corporate contract cycles that often begin in January, and expat rotation schedules tied to fiscal or calendar year ends.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Phnom Penh are typically March through May and November through early December, when fewer relocations occur and many potential tenants defer moves until after major holidays.
Buying real estate in Phnom Penh 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 will my monthly costs be in Phnom Penh as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Phnom Penh as of 2026?
As of January 2026, landlords in Phnom Penh should expect to pay approximately $50 to $150 per year (205,000 to 615,000 KHR, or €45 to €140) in property tax for a typical mid-range condo, though this depends entirely on assessed property value.
Annual property taxes in Phnom Penh can range from nearly zero for lower-value properties below the threshold to several hundred dollars (up to $500 or more) for high-value properties in prime locations like BKK1 or Tonle Bassac.
Property taxes in Phnom Penh are calculated under the Tax on Immovable Property (TOIP) system at a rate of 0.1% per year on assessed values above approximately KHR 100 million (roughly $25,000), meaning only the value above this threshold is taxed.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Phnom Penh, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Phnom Penh right now?
In Phnom Penh, the utilities landlords most commonly pay on behalf of tenants are building management fees or HOA dues, which are often bundled into the rent for serviced apartments, while tenants typically cover electricity, water, and internet directly.
Building management fees in Phnom Penh typically cost landlords $50 to $150 per month (205,000 to 615,000 KHR, or €45 to €140) depending on building amenities, while water bills run $5 to $15 per month and electricity can range from $50 to $200 per month depending on air conditioning usage.
The common practice in Phnom Penh is for tenants to pay their own electricity (at around $0.15 per kWh), water (starting at 400 riels per cubic meter and rising with usage), and internet bills, while landlords absorb management fees or include them in the quoted rent.
How is rental income taxed in Phnom Penh as of 2026?
As of January 2026, rental income in Phnom Penh is subject to taxation, with the exact treatment depending on whether the landlord is an individual or company, VAT registration status, and whether the tenant is a withholding agent.
Main deductions landlords can claim against rental income in Phnom Penh include property-related expenses like maintenance, management fees, depreciation (for registered businesses), and certain administrative costs, though the specific deductions available depend on the landlord's tax registration category.
A common tax mistake specific to Phnom Penh that landlords should avoid is assuming rental income goes unreported simply because it's paid in cash or by foreign tenants, when in fact withholding mechanisms often apply and the General Department of Taxation has been increasing enforcement on rental transactions.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Phnom Penh.
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.
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 Phnom Penh, 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 | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Knight Frank Cambodia Real Estate Highlights H1 2025 | Knight Frank is a long-standing global real estate advisor with a consistent research methodology across markets. | We used it to anchor rent-per-sqm benchmarks, serviced apartment occupancy rates, and where prime rental supply concentrates in Phnom Penh. We then converted per-sqm benchmarks into typical rent estimates by bedroom type. |
| IPS Cambodia Average Rental Prices 2025 | IPS is a major on-the-ground Phnom Penh brokerage and property manager publishing local rental ranges by district. | We used it to ground the article in real neighborhood rent bands, especially for BKK1, Tonle Bassac, Daun Penh, and Toul Kork. We used those bands to sanity-check our citywide typical rent estimates. |
| Global Property Guide Cambodia Rent Data | Global Property Guide is a widely used international property data publisher that documents update timing and data sourcing. | We used it as a second, independent anchor for city-level typical asking rent, especially for 1-bedroom apartments. We cross-checked that number against IPS' neighborhood ranges and Knight Frank's per-sqm pricing. |
| Global Property Guide Cambodia Rental Yields | Global Property Guide provides a recognized global dataset that ties rents and prices into a comparable yield framework. | We used it as a consistency check between rents and plausible investor yields in Phnom Penh. We also used it to support the tenant payment section when sizing rent expectations. |
| Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) | PPWSA is the official Phnom Penh water utility and publishes its tariff schedule directly on its website. | We used it to estimate water costs for a typical rental and clarify what landlords versus tenants often pay. We converted the per-cubic-meter tariff bands into a simple typical monthly bill range. |
| Open Development Mekong Prakas No. 371 | Open Development Mekong republishes Cambodian legal instruments with references to the issuing ministry and document metadata. | We used it to pin down the Tax on Immovable Property threshold and rate (KHR 100 million at 0.1%). We then translated that into an easy annual rule of thumb for landlords. |
| General Department of Taxation Cambodia | The GDT is the official tax authority website for Cambodia and the ultimate source of truth for tax guidance. | We used it to triangulate third-party summaries and make sure we described the tax system accurately. We referenced it as the primary authority for landlords needing official guidance. |
| DFDL Immovable Property Tax Guidance | DFDL is a leading regional law firm that typically cites the underlying legal basis in plain language for clients. | We used it to confirm how the Tax on Immovable Property is applied in practice, including rate, threshold, and compliance timing. We treated it as a practical interpretation and cross-checked against official prakas. |
| Asian Development Bank Cambodia Forecast | The ADB is a major international financial institution publishing macro forecasts and economic risk assessments. | We used it to frame 2026 rent growth tailwinds and headwinds, including jobs, expat flows, and business activity. We used it as one input in our rent growth outlook range. |
| World Bank Cambodia Macro Outlook | The World Bank is a top-tier development institution with standardized country macro reporting across the globe. | We used it to cross-check the 2026 growth environment and highlight the real economy context behind rental demand. We used it to keep our outlook section tied to verifiable macro assumptions. |
| GlobalPetrolPrices Cambodia Electricity | GlobalPetrolPrices is a long-running international dataset with a consistent cross-country method and timestamped updates. | We used it as a practical benchmark for typical electricity cost per kWh when landlords or tenants budget utilities. We cross-checked the level with Cambodian reporting that references official tariff levels. |
| Council for Development of Cambodia Prakas #021 | The CDC is an official Cambodian government document repository publishing primary legal texts on investment and taxation. | We used it to support the baseline concept that Cambodia taxes rental real estate and defines exemptions. We treated it as historical and legal context and cross-checked current practice with newer guidance. |
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