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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Koh Rong Sanloem 2024
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Cost of Living in Koh Rong Sanloem

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Koh Rong Sanloem 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
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: $200 - $350 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $100 - $200 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $400 - $800 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $300 - $500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Price per square meter outside city center: $500 - $800
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: $0.50 - $1.00
  • Monthly local transport pass: $15 - $30
  • Taxi starting tariff: $1.00 - $2.00
  • Taxi 1km tariff: $0.50 - $1.00
  • Gasoline (1 liter): $0.90 - $1.20
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): $1.00 - $1.50
  • Bread (500g): $0.50 - $1.00
  • Rice (1kg): $0.50 - $1.00
  • Eggs (12): $1.50 - $2.00
  • Local cheese (1kg): $5.00 - $10.00
  • Chicken breast (1kg): $3.50 - $5.00
  • Beef round (1kg): $7.00 - $10.00
  • Apples (1kg): $2.00 - $3.00
  • Bananas (1kg): $0.50 - $1.00
  • Oranges (1kg): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): $0.50 - $1.00
  • Potatoes (1kg): $0.50 - $1.00
  • Onions (1kg): $0.50 - $1.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): $0.50 - $1.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $2.00 - $4.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $10.00 - $20.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $0.50 - $1.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Cappuccino: $1.00 - $2.00
  • Coca-Cola (0.33-liter bottle): $0.50 - $1.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.25 - $0.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $50 - $100 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $15 - $30 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: $1,500 - $3,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition: $3,000 - $6,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: $4,000 - $8,000 per year
  • High school tuition: $5,000 - $10,000 per year
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within Koh Rong Sanloem, as well as the current economic situation. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Koh Rong Sanloem

"The cost of living in Koh Rong Sanloem is relatively low compared to Western standards. Accommodation can be found at a range of prices, with budget guesthouses and hostels available for those on a tight budget, and more luxurious resorts for those willing to spend more. Eating out is also affordable, with local restaurants and street food stalls offering meals at low prices. Transport, mainly consisting of boats and bicycles, is also reasonably priced. However, imported goods and certain activities, such as diving or boat tours, can be more expensive. Despite this, the overall cost of living is still considered to be quite affordable, especially for those from Western countries," said one expat living in Koh Rong Sanloem.

Can I live in Koh Rong Sanloem on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Koh Rong Sanloem for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The island is quite small, so there aren't really specific neighborhoods to recommend, but I can give you some tips on how to make it work.First, you'll need to find affordable accommodation. There are some budget guesthouses and bungalows available for around $300-$400 a month, but they might not have all the modern amenities you're used to. If you're willing to share a place with other expats or locals, you can save even more on rent.Eating out can be quite cheap if you stick to local food at the markets and street food stalls. A meal can cost as little as $1-$2, but if you prefer Western food or eating at restaurants, it can be more expensive. Cooking at home can also help you save money, but keep in mind that imported groceries can be pricey.Transportation on the island is mostly by foot or bicycle, as there are no cars or motorbikes. This can save you a lot of money on transportation costs, but it might take some getting used to if you're used to driving everywhere.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like swimming, snorkeling, and hiking. However, if you're into nightlife or more expensive hobbies, you might have to cut back on those to stay within your budget.One thing to keep in mind is that the island's infrastructure is still developing, so you might experience occasional power outages or slow internet. This can be frustrating if you're used to reliable utilities, but it's just part of the experience of living in a more remote location.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Koh Rong Sanloem is doable, but you'll have to be willing to adapt to a simpler lifestyle and make some sacrifices. It's a beautiful place to live, and if you can embrace the local culture and way of life, you'll have a great experience," commented an expat living in Koh Rong Sanloem.

Can I live in Koh Rong Sanloem on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Koh Rong Sanloem for a while 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, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of where you choose to live. Some areas on the island are more expensive than others. For example, Saracen Bay is a popular tourist spot with beautiful beaches and resorts, but the cost of living there is higher. I'd recommend looking for accommodation in areas like M'Pai Bay or Sunset Beach, which are more affordable and still offer a great island experience.In terms of housing, you might have to compromise on some modern amenities. Many places on the island have basic facilities, so you might not have access to things like air conditioning or a washing machine. However, you can still find comfortable accommodation with a fan and a private bathroom. You can expect to pay around $300 to $500 per month for a decent place to live.Eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and street food. A meal at a local eatery will cost you around $2 to $5, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can set you back around $10 to $15. If you cook at home, you can save even more money, as groceries are relatively cheap. Just be prepared to adapt to the local ingredients and flavors.Transportation on the island is limited, so you'll mostly be walking or renting a bicycle to get around. This can actually be a great way to save money and stay fit at the same time. If you need to travel to the mainland or other islands, you can take a ferry, which costs around $5 to $10 per trip.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options. You can spend your days exploring the island's beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and snorkeling spots. There are also some bars and nightlife options, but keep in mind that these can be more expensive, so you'll want to limit your nights out if you're on a tight budget.Overall, living in Koh Rong Sanloem on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of modern amenities and luxury experiences," said one expat living in Koh Rong Sanloem.

Can I live in Koh Rong Sanloem on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Koh Rong Sanloem for a while 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. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to be mindful of where you choose to live. Some areas on the island are more expensive than others. For example, Saracen Bay is a popular tourist spot with beautiful beaches and resorts, but the cost of living there can be quite high. Instead, I'd recommend looking for accommodation in areas like M'Pai Bay or Sunset Beach, which are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life.In terms of housing, you might have to compromise on some modern amenities. Many places on the island have basic facilities, so you might not find a place with a fully-equipped kitchen or a luxurious bathroom. However, you can still find comfortable accommodation with essentials like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and hot water.Eating out can be quite affordable in Koh Rong Sanloem, especially if you stick to local restaurants and street food. Western-style restaurants and bars can be more expensive, so you might have to limit how often you indulge in those. Cooking at home can also help you save money, but keep in mind that imported groceries can be pricey.Transportation on the island is mostly limited to walking or cycling, which is not only cost-effective but also a great way to stay fit and explore the island. There are some boat services available for traveling between different parts of the island, but they can be a bit expensive if used frequently.One of the biggest sacrifices you might have to make is in terms of entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of beautiful beaches and natural attractions to enjoy, you might find that there's not as much variety in terms of nightlife, shopping, or cultural events compared to what you're used to in a more urban environment.Overall, living in Koh Rong Sanloem on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but it requires some adjustments and compromises. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your spending on food and entertainment, and embracing the laid-back island lifestyle, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful Cambodian paradise," commented an expat living in Koh Rong Sanloem.

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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