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Where to Live in Cambodia
Choosing where to live in Cambodia is a big decision for expats, retirees, and travelers who want a low-cost lifestyle in one of the most unique countries in Southeast Asia.
Whether you prefer the energy of a capital city, the peaceful life of a town, or beautiful beaches, Cambodia offers many places that suit different preferences and budgets. For newcomers researching where to live in Cambodia, the country offers an impressive mix of modern cities, cultural towns, and coastal provinces to explore.
Most expats moving here appreciate the friendly locals, the rich local culture, and the blend of modern amenities with traditional charm.
Many expats decide where to live in Cambodia even before arriving, often based on job placements or previous visits where they fell in love with a specific city or province. Others moved after they heard positive stories from coworkers or travelers who had lived in Cambodia before.
Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and coastal areas have become the best places for newcomers who want to live in Cambodia long-term while enjoying a relaxed lifestyle and access to western food, modern apartments, and active communities.
What are the Best Places to Live in Cambodia?
Siem Reap
Out of the many places in Cambodia, Siem Reap is a favorite city among expats who appreciate culture, traditional markets, and close proximity to the temples of Angkor Wat. While smaller than Phnom Penh, the town offers cheap rent, a welcoming community, a relaxed pace, and plenty of cafés, night markets, and social events.
Expats love the slower pace and easy access to dining, accommodation, and coworking spaces. For those who want to live in Cambodia but avoid the hustle of other cities like Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City, this area has become one of the favorite places to live.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and the economic heart of Cambodia, making it the top city to live in Cambodia if you prefer a busy city pace. Many expats moving here work in NGOs, startups, embassies, or international companies.
Phnom Penh offers a wide selection of housing styles, making it easy for expats to find a home that matches their budget. The city also provides excellent international schools, medical services, and everyday conveniences that many expats look for when choosing where to live in Cambodia.
Its vibrant nightlife, diverse restaurants, and abundance of dining options add to its appeal, giving residents plenty to enjoy after work or on weekends. Beyond entertainment, Phnom Penh blends historic sites with modern malls, creating a unique atmosphere that feels both traditional and contemporary.
For newcomers hoping to build a community, the city provides countless opportunities to network with both expats and locals, thanks to its active social scene and welcoming environment.
The cost of living is still low compared to other Asian regions like Thailand or Malaysia, although rising construction means many places around the city feel crowded.
Sihanoukville & Nearby Islands
Sihanoukville has long been known as one of Cambodia’s top coastal destinations, offering beautiful beaches, islands, and a relaxed seaside pace that many expats find appealing. Each beach in the area has its own character, from lively shores to quiet hideaways popular with long-term expats.
Once a quiet fishing town, it has transformed over the years with new businesses, hotels, and infrastructure—though development can feel uneven in some areas. Expats come here for the fresh seafood, ocean views, and a slower pace of living compared to the capital city. It’s common for residents to spend mornings walking along the beach or relaxing by the water.
Nearby islands such as Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem provide a peaceful escape with calm waters and white sand beaches, making them popular among retirees, digital nomads, and expats seeking tranquility. These islands offer some of the cleanest beach areas in Cambodia, attracting those who value nature and privacy.
While Sihanoukville offers a laid-back atmosphere, it’s worth noting that facilities, healthcare, and utilities can still feel limited, pushing most expats to travel to Phnom Penh or Thailand for more specialized services.
Battambang
Battambang is a charming and artistic town that draws expats looking for a quieter place to live. Known for its well-preserved French colonial buildings, creative community, and surrounding temples, Battambang has become a favorite place to visit among those who want to enjoy Cambodia at a slower, more authentic pace.
It doesn’t attract as many tourists as Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, which means expats can enjoy peaceful streets, affordable rent, and a more traditional way of living. While nightlife is minimal and international dining options are fewer compared to larger cities, many expats appreciate the opportunity to integrate with neighbors, support small boutiques, and take part in community events.
Battambang is ideal for long-term residents who want a comfortable lifestyle without the fast-paced environment of the bigger hubs.
Kep & Kampot
Kep and Kampot are two of the most beloved southern areas for those who want a relaxed pace, scenic landscapes, and many places to conduct fun activities.
Kep—famous for its fresh crab and gentle coastline—offers a nostalgic charm influenced by its French colonial history. It’s perfect for retirees or anyone who wants to escape crowded areas and settle in a peaceful seaside corner of Cambodia.
Many expats enjoy spending weekends on Kep’s small but charming beach, which remains far less crowded than other coastal spots.
Just a short drive away, Kampot is known for its riverside atmosphere, green mountain views, pepper farms, and laid-back cafés that attract both digital nomads and expats seeking balance between nature and comfort.
Despite their calm ambiance, both areas offer amenities like guesthouses, local stores, coworking spaces, and food, though choices remain more limited than in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
Most expats also enjoy exploring Bokor Mountain, kayaking on the river, and getting involved in community projects that help make these provinces welcoming and sustainable.
Koh Rong
Koh Rong is often described as a slice of paradise, drawing expats and travelers who want untouched nature, pristine white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear water far from the noise of mainland cities. The island’s soft sand and clear waters make every beach feel like a postcard scene.
Ideal for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, or retirees who value peace and simplicity, this island offers a level of calm that’s hard to find elsewhere. People come here to snorkel, dive, swim, or simply enjoy slow island living surrounded by tropical scenery. Even simple activities like reading on the beach or watching the sunset become part of daily life for long-term residents.
However, Koh Rong is still largely undeveloped, meaning electricity, internet stability, and modern services are inconsistent. Those who choose to live in Cambodia on Koh Rong usually appreciate minimalist living and community ties.
It is not a nice place for people who need advanced hospitals, fast internet, or large supermarkets, but it’s perfect for nature lovers who prefer beauty over convenience.
Kratie
Kratie is a peaceful riverside town located along the Mekong River, popular among expats who want to enjoy a slower, more traditional stay away from Cambodia’s busier cities. Known for its French colonial buildings and beautiful river sunsets, Kratie offers a charming atmosphere that appeals to retirees, families, and foreigners who prefer smaller communities.
The area is also famous for its rare Irrawaddy dolphins, which attract eco-tourists and nature lovers from around the world. While amenities and job opportunities are more limited compared to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, expats living here enjoy low expenses, friendly neighbors, and close interactions with residents.
It’s an excellent option for those looking to immerse themselves in authentic Cambodian culture, visit the countryside, and build meaningful connections in a quiet, scenic environment.
Where Do Most Expats Live in Cambodia?
Most expats usually gravitate toward major cities offering job opportunities, easy access to services, and a strong international community. These areas include:
- Phnom Penh
- Siem Reap
- Sihanoukville and nearby islands
- Battambang
- Kampot
- Kep
These many places offer a mix of amenities, low-cost living, and opportunities to make new friends, enjoy outdoor activities, and build a new life in Asia.
Can a U.S. Citizen Live in Cambodia?
Yes. With the right visa requirements fulfilled, a U.S. citizen can easily visit and live in Cambodia for work, retirement, or long-term travel. Cambodia’s long-term visa options are considered some of the most flexible in Asia, making it simple for newcomers to enter the country and transition into local life.
Many Americans choose to extend their stay through the popular ER or EG visa categories, which are designed for retirees, job seekers, and professionals. Unlike in many other nations, the process to renew your visa is straightforward, affordable, and can be handled through agencies, saving both time and stress.
It’s important to check which visa type best matches your intended stay—whether you plan to work a job, volunteer, study, or settle for a long period. For peace of mind, expats are also encouraged to purchase health insurance or international insurance plans, which are extremely affordable compared to Western nations and still advisable, no matter which visa you hold.
Is Cambodia a Good Place for Americans to Live?
Yes. Many Americans say Cambodia is a nice place to visit and settle because of its affordable cost of living, friendly people, and straightforward visa system.
Americans enjoy the relaxed lifestyle, affordable housing, and the ability to visit nearby places like Thailand and Vietnam.
Cost of Living in Cambodia
The cost of living in Cambodia is one of the biggest draws for expats, retirees, and long-term visitors looking for an affordable yet comfortable lifestyle in Southeast Asia.
Compared to other Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia offers a surprisingly low-cost environment where people can enjoy modern amenities, food, and essential services without overspending money. For many expats, the ability to live near a beach without high expenses is one of Cambodia’s biggest advantages.
These also make Cambodia appealing for retirement, especially for expats seeking a relaxed lifestyle and manageable monthly expenses. Many expats say they can live well on a budget between $1,200 and $1,800 a month, depending on their routines, preferred city, and housing choices.
Housing and Accommodation
Accommodation takes up the largest share of monthly spend in Cambodia, but rent remains relatively cheap compared to major cities in the region.
A modern space in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap is between $250 and $600 per month, while villas or larger homes in quieter areas like Kampot or Battambang are also reasonably priced.
Utility bills, mobile data, and transportation are all affordable, allowing newcomers to spend the rest of their budget on travel, dining, or exploration. This, among others, makes Cambodia a suitable place to retire.
Food
Daily food options range from inexpensive Cambodian dishes served in local eateries to international restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. Most expats are able to find plenty of international food options in the main cities, though prices increase slightly in rural areas.
Basic groceries remain affordable, and markets in every town offer fresh produce at extremely low prices.
Medical
Medical costs are also reasonable, but expats are strongly advised to pay for and obtain health insurance. While routine care is easy to get, many foreigners travel to Thailand for major procedures, making insurance an important part of managing long-term living expenses.
