Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Asia · Tropical
Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, is increasingly becoming a popular destination for digital nomads. With its low cost of living, rich culture, and improving infrastructure, it's an attractive option for remote workers. The city's growing expat community and coworking spaces make it easy to connect with like-minded individuals. However, Phnom Penh also faces challenges such as traffic congestion and air pollution.
At a Glance — Phnom Penh
City Personality
Phnom Penh is a bustling metropolis with a mix of traditional and modern culture.
Best For
- remote workers
- digital nomads
- expatriates
Less Suitable For
- those seeking a quiet, laid-back lifestyle
Cost of Living in Phnom Penh
The cost of living in Phnom Penh is relatively low compared to other Southeast Asian cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $640, while outside the center it's about $372. Food prices are also affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $3.70. However, the property price-to-income ratio is severely unaffordable, making it challenging for individuals to purchase a home.
Cost Comparison: Cities in Cambodia
Internet Speed in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with fixed broadband speeds averaging 79.2 Mbps and mobile speeds up to 216.8 Mbps. This makes it suitable for remote work, video calls, and cloud development. However, latency can be a issue, with an average fixed latency of 5.5 ms and mobile latency of 17.4 ms.
Fixed Broadband
Fiber, cable, or DSL in your apartment
Mobile Data
4G/5G cellular network
Remote Work Readiness
Visa Options for Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Cambodia does not currently offer a specific Digital Nomad Visa, but several tourist visa options are available.
Cambodia offers an eVisa option, but there is no specific digital nomad visa available. Remote workers can apply for a tourist visa or a business visa, but requirements and income thresholds are not clearly defined.
- eVisa
See what visa you need for Phnom Penh based on your passport
Is Phnom Penh Safe?
Phnom Penh has a moderate safety index, with a score of 50.52. Petty crime and corruption are concerns, but overall safety is generally moderate. Remote workers should exercise caution when walking alone at night and avoid displaying signs of wealth.
What Residents Worry About
Crime Severity
Safety Tips for Phnom Penh
- Keep valuables out of sight in crowded areas and avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
- Choose accommodation with secure building access, and consider portable door alarms.
- Avoid leaving belongings unattended in public spaces and use lockers for laptops and cameras.
- Research which districts have higher crime rates and plan your route accordingly, especially at night.
Phnom Penh Climate & Weather
Phnom Penh has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best months to visit are November to March, with comfortable temperatures and low rainfall. The wet season, from May to October, can be hot and humid with heavy rainfall.
Phnom Penh has a Tropical climate.Warm all year with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Average Daily Temperature
Daylight Hours
Healthcare Quality in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh's healthcare system has a moderate quality index, with a score of 51.96. While medical facilities are improving, remote workers may want to consider additional insurance for more complex medical needs. Equipment and staff competency are generally good, but accuracy of reports can be poor.
Quality Scores
Satisfaction Scores
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Research English-speaking doctors or clinics with international accreditation before your trip.
- Major hospitals may have modern equipment but public clinics might not — plan for private care if possible.
- Health insurance with international coverage is recommended as out-of-pocket costs can be high.
Real Estate Market in Phnom Penh
Rent prices in Phnom Penh are relatively affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around $640 in the city center. However, buying property can be expensive, with a severely unaffordable price-to-income ratio. Mortgage rates are around 8.07%, and property prices per square meter are $2,906 in the city center.
Overview
Buy vs Rent
Rental Yields & Returns
Apartment Prices
City Centre
Outside Centre
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Buying property requires 34.1 years of salary — renting is more practical for nomads.
- Mortgage costs take up 343.9% of income — renting offers more flexibility.
- Loan affordability is low — plan for upfront cash payments if considering property.
Power Grid in Cambodia
Phnom Penh's grid infrastructure is improving, with a grid access rate of 95%. The city consumes around 932.4 kWh of electricity per capita, with a fossil fuel share of 0%. However, grid loss is around 11.59%, and renewable energy accounts for 52.4% of the grid.
Energy Mix
Traffic & Commute in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh's traffic index is around 109.14, indicating moderate congestion. Commute times are around 29.25 minutes, with a CO2 emission index of 3627. The city relies heavily on motorcycles, with 52.63% of commuters using them.
Overview
Traffic Indexes
Commute Mode Split
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Traffic congestion is significant — consider accommodation close to co-working spaces or use public transit.
Pollution & Environment in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh's air quality index is around 77.33, indicating very poor quality. The city experiences high levels of air pollution, with an air pollution index of 70.91. Remote workers may want to take precautions when outdoors.
Overview
Pollution Levels — Lower is better
Quality Metrics — Higher is better
Livability
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Consider an air purifier for your apartment, especially during high-pollution months.
- Stick to bottled or filtered water — tap water quality is a concern.
- Look for accommodation on quiet streets or higher floors to escape noise and light pollution.
- Green spaces are limited — plan weekend trips outside the city for nature.
- Avoid swimming in local rivers or lakes — water pollution levels are elevated.
- Some areas may be less tidy — research neighborhoods before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phnom Penh
- What is the cost of living in Phnom Penh?
- The cost of living in Phnom Penh is relatively low, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment starting at around $372 outside the city center.
- Is Phnom Penh suitable for remote work?
- Yes, Phnom Penh is suitable for remote work, with improving internet infrastructure and a growing expat community.
- What are the visa options for digital nomads in Phnom Penh?
- Cambodia offers an eVisa option, but there is no specific digital nomad visa available. Remote workers can apply for a tourist visa or a business visa.
- How is the safety in Phnom Penh?
- Phnom Penh has a moderate safety index, with a score of 50.52. While generally safe, remote workers should exercise caution when walking alone at night and avoid displaying signs of wealth.
- What is the climate like in Phnom Penh?
- Phnom Penh has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best months to visit are November to March.
- What is the healthcare like in Phnom Penh?
- Phnom Penh's healthcare system has a moderate quality index, with a score of 51.96. While medical facilities are improving, remote workers may want to consider additional insurance for more complex medical needs.
- Can I buy property in Phnom Penh?
- Buying property in Phnom Penh can be expensive, with a severely unaffordable price-to-income ratio. Rent prices are relatively affordable, but property prices per square meter are $2,906 in the city center.
- What are the transportation options in Phnom Penh?
- Phnom Penh relies heavily on motorcycles, with 52.63% of commuters using them. The city also has a moderate traffic congestion index of 109.14.
- Is Phnom Penh air quality a concern?
- Yes, Phnom Penh's air quality index is around 77.33, indicating very poor quality. Remote workers may want to take precautions when outdoors.
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Phnom Penh offers a low cost of living, but buying property can be expensive.
Phnom Penh's internet infrastructure supports most remote work activities.
Phnom Penh's coworking scene is still in its infancy.
Phnom Penh lacks a specific digital nomad visa, but offers alternative options.
Phnom Penh requires moderate safety precautions.
Phnom Penh's climate has distinct wet and dry seasons.
Phnom Penh's healthcare is moderately reliable.
Phnom Penh offers affordable rent, but expensive property prices.
Phnom Penh's grid infrastructure is improving, but still faces challenges.
Phnom Penh's traffic is moderately congested.
Phnom Penh's air quality is a concern.
Phnom Penh is a great base for exploring Southeast Asia.