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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Mondulkiri 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: $150 - $250 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $100 - $200 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $300 - $500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $250 - $400 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: $800 - $1,200
  • 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 fare per km: $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): $0.80 - $1.50
  • Oranges (1kg): $2.00 - $3.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): $1.00 - $2.00
  • Potatoes (1kg): $1.00 - $2.00
  • 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: $15 - $30
  • 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
  • Soft drink (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): $20 - $40 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: $100 - $200 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: $200 - $400 per month
  • Middle school tuition: $300 - $600 per month
  • High school tuition: $400 - $800 per month
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within Mondulkiri, 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 Mondulkiri

"The cost of living in Mondulkiri is relatively low compared to Western standards. Housing is affordable, with options ranging from modest apartments to more spacious homes. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced. Food costs are low, especially if one chooses to eat local cuisine at street stalls or markets. Western-style restaurants and imported groceries are available but can be more expensive. Transportation costs are minimal as many locals use bicycles or motorbikes to get around. Public transportation is also available and is quite affordable. Healthcare is relatively inexpensive, but it's important to note that the quality of healthcare may not be up to Western standards. Many expats choose to have health insurance that covers treatment in more developed countries in case of serious illness or injury. Overall, the cost of living in Mondulkiri is low, making it an attractive option for those looking to live abroad on a budget. However, it's important to factor in potential costs for things like healthcare and education, which may require traveling to larger cities or even out of the country," said one expat living in Mondulkiri.

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

"I've been living in Mondulkiri for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you'll have to make some sacrifices and adjustments to make it work. Firstly, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable but still offers the amenities you're used to. I recommend looking for a house or apartment in Sen Monorom, the provincial capital. It's a small town, but it has a decent selection of accommodations, restaurants, and shops. You can find a nice apartment or house for around $300 to $500 a month, depending on the location and size. I would avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Phum Pailin and Phum Kbal Romeas, as they cater more to tourists and expats with higher budgets.In terms of transportation, you'll probably want to rent a motorbike, as public transportation is limited in Mondulkiri. A motorbike rental will cost you around $50 to $100 a month, depending on the type and condition of the bike. This will allow you to explore the beautiful countryside and visit nearby attractions like the waterfalls and elephant sanctuaries.For groceries and household items, you'll find that local markets are much cheaper than supermarkets. You can get fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats at a fraction of the cost you'd pay back home. However, if you're looking for imported or specialty items, you'll have to pay a premium at the few supermarkets in town.Eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and street food. A meal at a local restaurant will cost you around $2 to $5, while street food can be as cheap as $1. However, if you're craving Western food or dining at more upscale restaurants, expect to pay $10 or more per meal.As for entertainment and activities, there's plenty to do in Mondulkiri without breaking the bank. You can visit the beautiful waterfalls, go trekking in the jungle, or spend a day at an elephant sanctuary for a reasonable price. However, if you're looking for nightlife or more Western-style entertainment options, you'll be quite limited in Mondulkiri.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Mondulkiri is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and adjustments. Stick to affordable neighborhoods, shop at local markets, and enjoy the natural beauty and local culture that the province has to offer," commented an expat living in Mondulkiri.

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

"I've been living in Mondulkiri for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible for an expat to live comfortably on $3,000 a month. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make in terms of modern amenities. For example, you might not have access to high-speed internet or the same quality of healthcare that you're used to. But overall, the cost of living is quite low, and you can still enjoy a good quality of life.When it comes to finding a place to live, I'd recommend looking in the town of Sen Monorom. It's the provincial capital and has a decent selection of accommodation options. You can find a nice apartment or house for rent at a very affordable price, usually between $200 and $500 per month. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods to avoid would be the ones closer to the city center or near tourist attractions, as the prices tend to be higher there.In terms of food, you can eat out at local restaurants for just a few dollars per meal, or you can cook at home using fresh ingredients from the local markets. The cost of groceries is quite low, so you can easily maintain a healthy diet without breaking the bank. Transportation is also very affordable, with tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis being the most common modes of transport. You can also rent a motorbike for around $100 per month if you prefer to have your own transportation.One thing to keep in mind is that the quality of infrastructure and public services might not be up to the standards you're used to. Power outages can be common, and the roads can be quite rough, especially during the rainy season. However, if you're willing to adapt and embrace the local way of life, you'll find that living in Mondulkiri can be a very rewarding experience.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Mondulkiri, as long as you're willing to make some sacrifices in terms of modern amenities and adjust to the local lifestyle. The low cost of living and the beautiful natural surroundings make it a great place to call home," said one expat living in Mondulkiri.

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

"I've been living in Mondulkiri for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible for an expat to live comfortably on $5,000 a month. In fact, you'll probably find that your money goes a lot further here than in many other places. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make in terms of modern amenities.Firstly, you'll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to housing. While there are some nice places to live in Mondulkiri, they may not be as luxurious as what you're used to. The more affordable neighborhoods, like Sen Monorom, offer decent housing options, but you might have to compromise on things like a swimming pool or a gym. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more, you can find some beautiful villas in more upscale neighborhoods like Pech Chreada.In terms of transportation, you'll likely need to rely on tuk-tuks or motorbikes to get around, as there isn't a well-developed public transportation system in Mondulkiri. This can be a bit of an adjustment if you're used to driving a car, but it's also a fun and affordable way to explore the area.When it comes to dining out, you'll find that there are plenty of delicious and affordable local restaurants to choose from. However, if you're craving Western food, your options will be more limited and likely more expensive. You might also find that some of your favorite products or brands aren't available in local grocery stores, so you'll need to be open to trying new things or shopping at more expensive expat-focused stores.One of the biggest sacrifices you'll have to make is in terms of healthcare. While there are some clinics and hospitals in Mondulkiri, they may not be up to the same standards as what you're used to in your home country. For more serious medical issues, you might need to travel to Phnom Penh or even to another country for treatment.Overall, living in Mondulkiri on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be prepared to make some adjustments and sacrifices in terms of modern amenities. If you're open to embracing the local culture and lifestyle, you'll find that it's a beautiful and affordable place to live," commented an expat living in Mondulkiri.

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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