Phnom Penh

CambodiaGMT+7

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.

73.7/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

500+

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.

$945/mo

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.

25Mbps

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

Population2,426,000
LanguagesKhmer, English

Location

CountryCambodia
TimezoneGMT+7
Airport to City25 minutes
TransportTaxi, Bus, Tuk-tuk, Mototaxi, Bicycle, Walking

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay30 days
Visa Cost$30
Digital Nomad VisaNot Available

Cost of Living

$945
/mo
46.8% lower than average

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.

housing
$450
47.6% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$115
12.2% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$200
21.2% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$30
3.2% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$50
5.3% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$100
10.6% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

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.

25Mbps
4G
5providers
500
Nomads
10+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Tropical
Phnom Penh experiences a tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid conditions year-round. The dry season (November to April) sees temperatures from 26°C to 29°C and minimal rain, while the wet season (May to October) peaks in September with 260 mm of rainfall. Nomads should prepare for high humidity and occasional flooding during rains, balanced by sunny, warm days ideal for outdoor activities in the dry months.
Temperature Range
26°C - 29°C
Avg: 28°C
Annual Rainfall
1240mm
Monthly Avg: 103mm
Jan
01
26°C
☀️
10 mm
Feb
02
27°C
☀️
10 mm
Mar
03
28°C
☀️
30 mm
Apr
04
29°C
☀️
60 mm
May
05
29°C
☀️
150 mm
💧
Jun
06
29°C
☀️
180 mm
💧
Jul
07
28°C
☀️
180 mm
💧
Aug
08
28°C
☀️
170 mm
💧
Sep
09
28°C
☀️
260 mm
💧
Oct
10
27°C
☀️
140 mm
💧
Nov
11
27°C
☀️
40 mm
Dec
12
26°C
☀️
10 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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