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Siem Reap, Cambodia
Capital City

Follows Cambodia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$930
Retiree Score
78.0
Safety Index
82.5
Healthcare
30 facilities

With a population of 147,866, Siem Reap is no quaint village - it's a bustling tourist hub with all the headaches that come with it. The city's French-colonial and Chinese-style architecture are a draw, but navigating the bureaucracy is a persistent hassle. And while the nearby Angkor Wat temples are undeniably impressive, the oppressive tropical climate can make exploring them a sweaty slog. Still, Siem Reap's vibrant dining and nightlife scene, not to mention its convenient location near the Tonle Sap lake, make it an appealing choice for travelers seeking an exotic Southeast Asian adventure.

Can I afford Siem Reap?

$

Siem Reap

You could save

2,070/mo

Savings Rate69%

Monthly Costs

Rent $450
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$480

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
69/100
Retiree Score
(i)
78/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Cambodia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
83
Safety
30
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$3
Meal (Mid-range) $70
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $93
Mobile Plan (mo) $6
Gym (mo) *$35
Cinema Ticket $5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $270
1BR Outside (mo) *$164
3BR Center (mo) $510
3BR Outside (mo) *$314

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Siem Reap Town Centre, Wat Bo, Sala Kamreuk
Best For
hospitality workers, NGO staff, digital nomads

Expat Life Notes

Siem Reap is Cambodia's tourism capital, gateway to Angkor Wat. It has a well-established expat community of hospitality workers, NGO staff, and digital nomads. English is widely used in the tourist zone.

Pros

  • ✓ Thriving expat scene
  • ✓ Affordable
  • ✓ World-class temples nearby

Cons

  • ✗ Seasonal tourism economy
  • ✗ Political environment concerns
  • ✗ Infrastructure gaps outside town

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
2233 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Ta Khmau, CambodiaLiving in Ta Khmau, Cambodia offers a quieter, affordable base near Phnom Penh. Ideal for expats seeking proximity to the capital without the chaos.Sihanoukville, CambodiaAttractiveness Score: 27.8Living in Sihanoukville, Cambodia: coastal budget living with industrial port realities. Scam awareness required. $300/mo rents draw FIRE seekers.Óbidos, BrazilLiving in Óbidos, Brazil means navigating the Amazon’s extremes. Expect heavy rains, remote logistics, and raw river life. Best for adventurous expats.Pilão Arcado, BrazilLiving in Pilão Arcado, Brazil offers remote rural living with sparse population and a cattle-based economy. Best for those seeking isolation over convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Siem Reap

Click any question to expand the answer.

Siem Reap has a population of approximately 147,866 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,125 per month in Siem Reap, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $450/month.

The nearest airport to Siem Reap is SAI, approximately 39km away.

Siem Reap is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 82.5. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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