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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Preah Vihear 2024
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Cost of Living in Preah Vihear

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Preah Vihear 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 - $2.50
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): $3.50 - $5.00
  • Beef (1kg): $5.00 - $8.00
  • Apples (1kg): $2.00 - $3.50
  • Oranges (1kg): $1.50 - $2.50
  • Tomatoes (1kg): $1.00 - $1.50
  • Potatoes (1kg): $1.00 - $1.50
  • 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
  • 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: $1,000 - $2,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition: $2,000 - $4,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: $3,000 - $5,000 per year
  • High school tuition: $4,000 - $6,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of year, and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Preah Vihear

"The cost of living in Preah Vihear is relatively low compared to Western standards. Housing is quite affordable, with both rentals and property purchases costing significantly less than in many other countries. The cost of food is also quite low, with local markets offering fresh produce at very reasonable prices. Eating out at local restaurants is also inexpensive. Transportation costs are also low, with affordable public transportation options and low-cost fuel for private vehicles. Healthcare is also relatively affordable, although the quality of care can vary. Education costs can vary, with public schools being quite affordable, but private and international schools being more expensive. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced. However, it's worth noting that the cost of living can vary depending on lifestyle and personal preferences. For example, choosing to eat at more upscale restaurants, sending children to private schools, or living in a larger home can increase living costs. Despite the low cost of living, it's important to note that salaries and wages in Preah Vihear are also generally lower than in Western countries. Therefore, while the cost of living may seem low from a Western perspective, it may not necessarily feel that way for locals earning an average Cambodian salary," said one expat living in Preah Vihear.

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

"I've been living in Preah Vihear 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 need to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle.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 an apartment or house in the neighborhoods of Sra Em or Tbeng Meanchey. These areas are more affordable compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Preah Vihear City, where the cost of living is higher.When it comes to transportation, you'll need to rely on local options like tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, or bicycles, as owning a car can be quite expensive. Public transportation is limited, so getting around might take some getting used to.Eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and street food, which are both delicious and cheap. However, if you prefer Western-style food or dining at more upscale restaurants, you'll need to budget accordingly as these options can be more expensive.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options like visiting local markets, temples, and natural attractions. However, if you're looking for more Western-style entertainment like bars, clubs, or movie theaters, you might need to travel to larger cities like Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, which can add to your expenses.One of the biggest sacrifices you'll need to make is adjusting to the local healthcare system. While there are some decent healthcare facilities in Preah Vihear, they might not be up to the standards you're used to. It's important to have a good health insurance plan that covers medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.Lastly, you'll need to be prepared for the occasional power outage and limited access to high-speed internet. While these issues are improving, they can still be frustrating for someone used to modern amenities.Overall, living in Preah Vihear on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and embracing the local lifestyle, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful part of Cambodia," commented an expat living in Preah Vihear.

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

"I've been living in Preah Vihear 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 choose a neighborhood that's affordable but still offers a decent quality of life. I'd recommend looking into areas like Sra Em or Tbeng Meanchey, where you can find reasonably priced apartments or houses. These neighborhoods are not as upscale as some others, but they're still safe and have a good sense of community. I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Preah Vihear City, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.One of the biggest sacrifices you'll have to make is adjusting to the local transportation options. While there are some modern amenities like air-conditioned buses, you'll mostly be relying on tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis to get around. This can be a bit of a culture shock if you're used to driving your own car, but it's a necessary adjustment to keep your expenses low.Another thing to consider is the availability of Western-style amenities. While you can find some familiar comforts like supermarkets and international restaurants, they're not as widespread as in more developed countries. You'll need to adapt to shopping at local markets and eating more traditional Cambodian cuisine, which can be a bit of a challenge at first but is ultimately a rewarding experience.In terms of healthcare, you'll want to make sure you have a good insurance plan that covers you in Cambodia. The local healthcare system is not as advanced as in Western countries, so you may need to travel to a larger city like Phnom Penh for certain treatments or procedures.Lastly, you'll need to be prepared for the occasional power outage or water shortage, as the infrastructure in Preah Vihear can be a bit unreliable at times. Investing in a backup generator or water storage system can help mitigate these issues.Overall, living in Preah Vihear on $3,000 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. Embrace the local culture and way of life, and you'll find that it's a unique and rewarding experience," said one expat living in Preah Vihear.

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

"I've been living in Preah Vihear 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 adjusting to the local lifestyle and amenities.Firstly, you'll need to get used to the local transportation options, which are quite different from what you might be used to. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are the most common modes of transport, and while they're affordable, they might not be as comfortable as a car. If you really want a car, you can rent one, but it'll be more expensive.As for housing, you'll find that there are plenty of affordable options in Preah Vihear. The city is not as developed as Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, so you won't find many luxury apartments or condos. However, you can still find comfortable houses or apartments for rent at reasonable prices. I'd recommend looking in neighborhoods like Sra Em or Tbeng Meanchey, where you can find decent housing options for around $300 to $500 a month.On the other hand, I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Preah Vihear City, where prices can be significantly higher. You might also want to avoid areas that are too remote, as they might not have reliable access to electricity or running water.In terms of food, you'll find that eating out at local restaurants is quite affordable, with meals costing just a few dollars. However, if you're craving Western food, you might have to pay a bit more, and the options might be limited. You can also shop at local markets for fresh produce and cook at home, which can help you save money.One thing to keep in mind is that healthcare facilities in Preah Vihear are not as advanced as in larger cities, so you might need to travel to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap for more serious medical issues. It's a good idea to have health insurance that covers medical evacuation in case of emergencies.Overall, living in Preah Vihear on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to adjust your expectations and adapt to the local lifestyle. It's a beautiful and culturally rich area, and I've found that the slower pace of life and lower cost of living make it a great place to call home," commented an expat living in Preah Vihear.

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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