Phnom Penh
Information
A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.
Information
A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.
Information
Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.
Information
Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.
Information
The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.
Information
The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.
Information
Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.
Information
Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.
About Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital, blends affordability with a vibrant cultural scene, making it an emerging hotspot for digital nomads and expats. With a low cost of living—around $945 monthly including rent—and a growing infrastructure, it offers a practical base for remote work. The city’s central location in Southeast Asia also makes it ideal for exploring the region, from Siem Reap’s temples to Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.
The city thrives on its rich history and modern evolution, evident in landmarks like the Royal Palace and the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Expats enjoy a lively food scene, with street eats costing as little as $1 and mid-range meals around $5, alongside a mix of traditional markets and modern cafes. English is widely spoken, easing communication for foreigners in daily life and business.
Internet reliability supports remote work, with 4G mobile data and median public wifi speeds of 25 Mbps in cafes and libraries. The nomad community, estimated at 500, connects through coworking spaces like Factory Phnom Penh and regular meetups, fostering a social and professional network. Affordable coworking options, starting at $35 monthly, cater to diverse budgets.
Phnom Penh’s tropical climate brings year-round warmth, though the rainy season from May to October requires adaptation. Its lack of a metro is offset by cheap public buses ($0.37 per ride) and ubiquitous tuk-tuks, keeping transport costs low. With a 30-day tourist visa easily extendable, it’s visa-friendly, though a dedicated digital nomad visa is absent.
Demographics
Location
Visa & Travel Info
Cost of Living
The total monthly cost of living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is $945, which is 46.8% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.
Internet & Community
Phnom Penh’s internet infrastructure has improved with fiber optic networks, offering median download speeds of 25 Mbps in public work-friendly spaces like cafes and libraries, per Speedtest data. Mobile 4G coverage is widespread, averaging 27.72 Mbps, supported by providers like MekongNet and Cellcard. Reliability can dip during peak hours, especially outside central areas, but public wifi in cafes is common and functional for remote work.
Phnom Penh hosts a growing digital nomad community of about 500, drawn by affordability and cultural depth. With 10 coworking spaces like Factory Phnom Penh and SAHAKA, plus cafe culture, remote workers find ample workspaces. Regular meetups via expat groups and events at venues like The Hive foster networking, making it a social hub with easy access to regional travel.
Weather & Climate
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