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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Sihanoukville 2024
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Cost of Living in Sihanoukville

By Joshua Wood, LPC

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Sihanoukville helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Sihanoukville can cost around $300 to $500 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the same area can cost around $600 to $1,000 per month. Prices can vary depending on the location and the quality of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The price of buying an apartment in Sihanoukville can vary greatly depending on the location and the size of the property. On average, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 per square meter in the city center. In the outskirts, the price can drop to around $500 to $800 per square meter.
Transportation Public transportation is not very developed in Sihanoukville. Most people use motorbikes or tuk-tuks to get around. A motorbike rental can cost around $50 to $100 per month. Tuk-tuk rides usually cost around $1 to $3 per trip. Taxis are also available and can cost around $2 to $5 per trip.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Sihanoukville is relatively low compared to Western countries. A liter of milk costs around $1.20, a loaf of bread is about $0.50, and a dozen eggs cost around $1.50. Fruits and vegetables are also quite cheap, with a kilogram of apples costing around $2 and a kilogram of tomatoes costing around $1.
Restaurants A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around $2 to $4. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $15 to $30. Fast food is also available and a combo meal at a fast food restaurant can cost around $5.
Utilities Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around $60 to $100 per month. Internet connection can cost around $20 to $30 per month.
Private School Tuition Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school. On average, you can expect to pay around $5,000 to $10,000 per year for preschool, $7,000 to $12,000 per year for elementary school, $8,000 to $15,000 per year for middle school, and $10,000 to $20,000 per year for high school.
Please note that these are average prices and actual costs may vary. The cost of living in Sihanoukville is generally lower than in Western countries, but it is higher than in other parts of Cambodia due to its status as a popular tourist destination. It's also important to note that prices have been increasing in recent years due to the development of the city and the influx of foreign investors.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Sihanoukville

"The cost of living in Sihanoukville, is relatively low compared to Western countries. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also quite low. Internet connection is reasonably priced. The cost of groceries varies, with local products being cheaper than imported goods. Eating out at inexpensive restaurants is very affordable, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is moderately priced. Public transportation is cheap, but many residents choose to rent or buy a motorbike for convenience. Fitness club and sports memberships are also reasonably priced. Entertainment, such as cinema tickets, is affordable. Healthcare is where costs can potentially rise, especially for expatriates who prefer international standard clinics or need to pay for health insurance. Overall, Sihanoukville offers a low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for expatriates and retirees," said one expat living in Sihanoukville.

Can I live in Sihanoukville on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Sihanoukville for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some adjustments. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the West, but if you're used to certain modern amenities, you might have to make some sacrifices. For instance, while you can find apartments with air conditioning, hot water, and reliable internet, they're going to be more expensive. You might have to settle for a fan instead of AC, or deal with occasional internet outages. As for neighborhoods, I'd recommend looking at places in the central city or near Ochheuteal Beach. These areas have a good mix of locals and expats, and you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $300 to $400 a month. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance. On the other hand, I'd avoid the more upscale neighborhoods like Otres Beach or the Marina. While these areas are beautiful and offer more luxurious accommodations, the cost of living is significantly higher. A one-bedroom apartment can easily cost over $1,000 a month, and dining out is also more expensive. In terms of food, local markets are your best bet for affordable groceries. You can get fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats for a fraction of what you'd pay in the West. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite cheap, with meals often costing less than $5. However, if you prefer Western food, it's going to be more expensive. Transportation is another area where you can save money. Tuk-tuks are the most common form of transport and are quite cheap. However, if you're planning on staying here long-term, I'd recommend buying a motorbike. It's a one-time investment of around $300 to $500, and it gives you the freedom to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Overall, living in Sihanoukville on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments. You'll have to be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and food. But if you're willing to embrace the local lifestyle, it can be a rewarding and affordable experience," commented an expat living in Sihanoukville.

Can I live in Sihanoukville on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Sihanoukville for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or stay in luxury accommodations. But if you're willing to live a bit more modestly, you can certainly make it work. In terms of housing, I'd recommend looking at neighborhoods like Otres Beach or Serendipity Beach. These areas are a bit more affordable, but still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent apartment or house for around $500 to $800 a month. On the other hand, areas like Sokha Beach or Independence Beach tend to be more expensive, so you might want to avoid those if you're on a tighter budget. When it comes to food, local markets and street food are your best bet. You can get a meal for just a couple of dollars, and the food is usually quite good. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also relatively cheap. However, if you're craving Western food, you might have to pay a bit more. Transportation is also quite affordable. You can rent a motorbike for around $50 a month, or use tuk-tuks for short trips. However, be prepared to haggle, as drivers often try to overcharge foreigners. As for utilities, expect to pay around $50 to $100 a month for electricity, depending on how much you use the air conditioning. Water and internet are usually included in the rent, but if not, they're quite cheap as well. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options. You can go to the beach, visit local attractions, or enjoy the nightlife. However, if you're into more expensive hobbies like golf or sailing, you might have to cut back a bit. Overall, living in Sihanoukville on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but it requires some budgeting and sacrifices. But in my opinion, the experience of living in such a beautiful and vibrant country is well worth it," said one expat living in Sihanoukville.

Can I live in Sihanoukville on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Sihanoukville for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might find that you're living a more luxurious lifestyle than you would in many Western countries. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in the US or Europe. For example, you can rent a nice apartment or house for around $300 to $500 a month. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Otres Beach or Serendipity Beach, you might pay a bit more, but it's still affordable. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Victory Hill or Downtown are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent place to live for around $200 a month. As for food, local meals cost around $1 to $3, while Western meals are around $5 to $10. So, even if you eat out every day, you won't spend more than $300 a month on food. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also cheap. You can expect to pay around $50 to $100 a month for all of them. Transportation is also inexpensive. You can rent a motorbike for around $50 a month or use tuk-tuks, which are very affordable. As for sacrifices, you might find that some Western products are more expensive here because they're imported. So, if you're used to certain brands, you might have to switch to local ones or pay more. Also, while healthcare in Cambodia is cheap, it's not up to Western standards. So, you might want to budget for health insurance that covers treatment in a more developed country in case of serious illness. Lastly, while Sihanoukville has many modern amenities, it's still a developing country. So, you might have to deal with issues like power outages or slow internet from time to time. But overall, I think you'll find that the cost of living is so low that you can live a very comfortable lifestyle on $5,000 a month," commented an expat living in Sihanoukville.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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