Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 78)
Siem Reap sits in northwestern Cambodia at an elevation of 18 meters, just a few hours from the famed temples of Angkor. The city has a tropical monsoon climate, with hot, humid conditions year-round; the dry season from November to March brings cooler temperatures and lower humidity, while the wet season from May to October delivers intense rainfall and higher heat. Expats tend to cluster in the Siem Reap Town Center, Wat Bo, and Sala Kamreuk, three neighborhoods that offer easy access to cafes, markets, and the riverfront. The expat community is small but active, and English is common in tourist areas, making daily life relatively straightforward for newcomers.
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Siem Reap at the budget tier comes to about $483 a month for one adult, with $235 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $82.00 on groceries, $10.00 on dining out, $18.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $123 on utilities and connectivity and $15.00 on transport.
Rent
$235/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$82.00/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$10.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$18.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$123/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$15.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Siem Reap at the mid-range tier comes to about $584 a month for one adult, with $235 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $110 on groceries, $25.00 on dining out, $76.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $123 on utilities and connectivity and $15.00 on transport.
Rent
$235/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$110/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$25.00/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$76.00/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$123/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$15.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Siem Reap at the comfortable tier comes to about $813 a month for one adult, with $334 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $154 on groceries, $87.00 on dining out, $100 on entertainment and lifestyle, $123 on utilities and connectivity and $15.00 on transport.
Rent
$334/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$154/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$87.00/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$100/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$123/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$15.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $334/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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Siem Reap is relatively safe for expats compared to many Southeast Asian cities, with petty theft and scams being primary concerns rather than violent crime. Avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis or ride-apps, and be cautious of gem/silk shop scams and inflated bar tabs in tourist areas. The city center and expat neighborhoods (Slor Kram, Wat Bo) are generally secure; exercise more caution in outlying areas after dark. Political stability is solid, and police are accustomed to expat residents. Overall, it's a manageable destination for retirees and remote workers willing to exercise standard urban precautions.
See how Siem Reap's healthcare compares with Svay Rieng
Siem Reap has a tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid conditions year-round; the dry season (November to March) offers cooler temperatures and lower humidity, while the wet season (May to October) brings intense rainfall and higher heat.
Indices last read Nov 13, 2026.
Siem Reap has a blossoming digital nomad community centered around its unique culture and history.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| The Working Village | Located near Wat Bo area, The Working Village offers a relaxed atmosphere with a pool, garden, and cafe, making it ideal for digital nomads seeking a community vibe. They have reliable internet and offer various membership options. |
| Angkor Hub | Situated in the heart of Siem Reap, Angkor Hub provides a professional workspace with fast internet, meeting rooms, and a supportive community. It's a great option for those who want to be close to restaurants and shops. |
| Garage Society Siem Reap | Garage Society offers a modern and stylish coworking space with a focus on community and collaboration. Located centrally, it provides a range of amenities including private offices, meeting rooms, and event spaces. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Working remotely from Siem Reap? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
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See how Siem Reap's digital nomad life compares with Svay Rieng
Siem Reap is Cambodia's tourism capital, gateway to Angkor Wat. It has a well-established expat community of hospitality workers, NGO staff, and digital nomads. English is widely used in the tourist zone.
Areas of Siem Reap that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Central, convenient, lively, touristy
Located close to Pub Street and the city center, Taphul is popular with expats and tourists due to its abundance of restaurants, bars, and guesthouses. It's a convenient location, but can be noisy and crowded, especially during peak season. Walkable, but traffic can be heavy.
Cultural, riverside, relaxed atmosphere
Centered around the Wat Bo temple, this area offers a more relaxed vibe than the city center, with art galleries, boutique shops, and riverside restaurants. It's still relatively central and walkable, but quieter and more residential. A good option for those seeking a balance between convenience and tranquility.
Local, residential, budget-friendly
A more local neighborhood further from the tourist center, Svay Dangkum offers a glimpse into everyday Cambodian life. It's less developed and has fewer amenities catering to foreigners, but rents are significantly lower. Requires transportation to reach main attractions; language barrier can be a challenge.
Quiet, residential, family-friendly
Located further out from the city center, Sala Kanseng is a quieter, more residential area popular with Cambodian families. It offers a more authentic experience, but requires transportation to reach tourist areas and amenities. Limited English spoken; best suited for those seeking immersion.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $334/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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