Data updated Oct 8, 2026
Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 74)
Sihanoukville, Cambodia, sits on the Gulf of Thailand, a coastal city with a tropical monsoon climate that keeps things hot and humid year-round. The dry season from November to April offers a break from heavy rains, while the wet season from May to October brings intense downpours and higher humidity. Expats tend to cluster in the popular neighborhoods of Otres Beach and Independence Beach, where the community is large and active, and English is common in tourist areas. The city itself is low-lying, just 10 meters above sea level, and its population of about 71,000 swells with visitors and long-term residents drawn to the shore.
Living here is notably affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for about $400 per month, while the same outside the center costs $300. A three-bedroom in the center runs $650, and outside the center it drops to $500. Utilities run about $106 monthly, internet around $19, and a mobile plan just $6. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $4, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range spot is $30, and a cappuccino is $2. For a single adult, the budget tier total including rent is $900 per month, the mid-range tier is $1,350, and the comfortable tier is $1,900. Excluding rent, a single person spends about $480 monthly, and a family of four about $1,580. The cost of living index sits at 37 out of 100 relative to New York City.
Safety and healthcare are mixed. The safety index is 55 out of 100, and the crime index is 45, where lower is safer, suggesting a moderate level of concern. Healthcare quality is rated as fair, so expats often plan for medical needs accordingly. The air quality index is 68, which is moderate, and the average internet speed is 30 Mbps, adequate for most remote work. The overall expat score is 74 out of 100, with a FIRE score of 76, a retiree score of 54, and a digital nomad score of 68, making it a better fit for those focused on financial independence or nomadic work than for traditional retirees.
For visas, Cambodia offers the Digital Nomad Visa (e-class), which requires a minimum monthly income of $1,170, and the Ordinary Visa (E-class) with an "ER" (Retirement) extension for older expats. The nearest airport is DSY, about 45 kilometers away. Sihanoukville suits budget-conscious expats, digital nomads who meet the income threshold, and those who prioritize a beach lifestyle over urban amenities. Its large expat community and low costs make it an attractive base for long-term stays, though the fair healthcare and moderate safety scores mean it is not for everyone.
Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Takes 10 seconds.
How much are you shipping?
When are you moving?
Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.
A 1BR in the center runs about $400/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
See low-fee transfersWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Sihanoukville's cost of living compares with Siem Reap
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Sihanoukville presents moderate safety concerns for expats. While violent crime against foreigners is relatively uncommon, petty theft, bag snatching, and scams targeting expats occur regularly, especially in tourist areas and around the port district. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly near beaches and entertainment zones; use registered taxis or ride-apps instead. The city has a reputation for drug-related activity and occasional gang tensions, though these rarely affect expat residential areas. Corruption and inconsistent law enforcement mean police assistance can be unreliable. For remote workers seeking a lower cost of living, Sihanoukville is manageable with standard precautions, but it requires more vigilance than Southeast Asian alternatives like Chiang Mai or Da Nang.
Sihanoukville has a safety index of 55/100. Petty theft and lost belongings are the most common problems for newcomers. Compare travel insurance before you go.
Compare travel insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Sihanoukville's healthcare compares with Siem Reap
Sihanoukville has a tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid conditions year-round; the dry season (November to April) offers relief from heavy rains, while the wet season (May to October) brings intense rainfall and higher humidity.
Sihanoukville offers affordable living and a growing number of coworking spaces.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| ML HUB Coworking Space | A popular choice in Sihanoukville, ML HUB offers a relaxed atmosphere, reliable internet, and is conveniently located near the Ekreach Street area, making it easy to access restaurants and other amenities. It's a good option for digital nomads seeking a social and productive environment. |
| Regus Sihanoukville | Located in a prime business area, Regus provides a professional and well-equipped workspace with various membership options. It's suitable for remote workers who need a more formal setting and access to meeting rooms and administrative support. |
| The Harbour Sihanoukville | While primarily a hotel, The Harbour offers coworking facilities with a modern design and comfortable seating. Its location near the Ochheuteal Beach area provides a relaxed vibe and easy access to the beach and nightlife, appealing to digital nomads who want to balance work and leisure. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Sihanoukville long-term? Cambodia Digital Nomad Visa (e-class) lets remote workers live legally with a minimum income of $1,170/month.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Sihanoukville? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
See nomad insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Sihanoukville's digital nomad life compares with Siem Reap
A city in transition, dominated by large-scale Chinese investment and casinos. It is gritty but offers high business opportunity.
Areas of Sihanoukville that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Lively, budget-friendly, tourist-oriented
Victory Hill is known for its budget guesthouses, bars, and restaurants catering to backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular area for short-term stays, but can be noisy and crowded, especially during peak season. While affordable, it may not be ideal for long-term residents seeking peace and quiet.
Relaxed, beachy, laid-back vibe
Otres Beach (particularly Otres 1 and Otres 2) offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the city center. It's popular with expats and digital nomads seeking a quieter beachside lifestyle. Accommodation ranges from bungalows to apartments, and while it's becoming more developed, it still retains a more chilled-out vibe.
Bustling, touristy, central location
This area, centered around Serendipity Beach and the Golden Lions roundabout, is the heart of Sihanoukville's tourist scene. Expect a high concentration of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as plenty of nightlife. While convenient, it can be very noisy and crowded, and prices tend to be higher than in other areas.
Quieter beach, residential, upscale
Located further from the city center, Independence Beach offers a more tranquil environment. There are some higher-end hotels and residences in this area, making it a good option for those seeking a quieter, more upscale experience. It's less walkable to the main tourist areas, so having transportation is recommended.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $400/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.
Compare health insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Earning over $1,170/mo? You may qualify for a Cambodia visa.
Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Click any question to expand the answer.
Cost-of-living and visa updates for Sihanoukville and the rest of Cambodia. Free with RA Postcards.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to RA Postcards and special offers from Rewire Abroad and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.