Sihanoukville vs Siem Reap: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
Siem Reap costs roughly 16% less than Sihanoukville. Beyond cost, the two cities are closely matched — lifestyle fit and visa options are likely the deciding factors. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Siem Reap is approximately 20% less expensive than Sihanoukville based on cost of living including rent. This makes Siem Reap a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Siem Reap has a FIRE Score of 80/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 65, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Siem Reap is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville is a raw, chaotic bet that only makes sense if you're chasing rock-bottom costs and don't mind a construction-site backdrop. The $400 monthly rent for a city-center one-bedroom is absurdly cheap, and a $4 meal means your $900 budget tier actually stretches, but the 45 km airport haul and a safety index of 55/100 should temper any romantic notions. The large expat community and active scene around Otres and Independence Beaches offer some social anchor, yet the mediocre healthcare and 30 Mbps internet will frustrate anyone needing reliability. It's a FIRE-friendly frontier town, not a comfortable retirement or remote-work haven, so come for the savings and leave your expectations at the border.
About Cambodia
A Healthcare Index of 25.8 rules this out for retirees with serious medical needs. Skip it if you need English-language ease too, proficiency is low. But budget-focused remote workers or younger retirees chasing sub-$1,000/month living, with rent from around $273 and a real digital nomad visa route, will find it hard to beat.
$1,650/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
About Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a budget expat haven where $900 a month covers a single person's rent and expenses, and a cappuccino costs just $2. The local average salary of $236 a month highlights the stark economic gap, but the city's low crime index of 35 and decent safety score of 65 make it feel secure. The tropical monsoon climate delivers brutal humidity and intense rain from May to October, though the dry season offers some relief. If you can handle the heat and limited English beyond tourist zones, this is a cheap, laid-back base with a small expat community.
About Cambodia
A Healthcare Index of 25.8 rules this out for retirees with serious medical needs. Skip it if you need English-language ease too, proficiency is low. But budget-focused remote workers or younger retirees chasing sub-$1,000/month living, with rent from around $273 and a real digital nomad visa route, will find it hard to beat.
$1,650/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
Which visa fits your move?
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| Metric | Sihanoukville | Siem Reap |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $400 | $334 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $300 | $235.09 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $650 | $671.09 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $500 | $436.33 |
| Safety Index | 55 | 65 |
| Internet Speed | 30Mbps | 45Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
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Sihanoukville vs Siem Reap -- Frequently Asked Questions
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