Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Sihanoukville, Cambodia, sits on the Gulf of Thailand, a coastal city with a tropical monsoon climate that keeps things hot and humid year-round. The dry season from November to April offers a break from heavy rains, while the wet season from May to October brings intense downpours and higher humidity. Expats tend to cluster in the popular neighborhoods of Otres Beach and Independence Beach, where the community is large and active, and English is common in tourist areas. The city itself is low-lying, just 10 meters above sea level, and its population of about 71,000 swells with visitors and long-term residents drawn to the shore.

Living here is notably affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for about $400 per month, while the same outside the center costs $300. A three-bedroom in the center runs $650, and outside the center it drops to $500. Utilities run about $106 monthly, internet around $19, and a mobile plan just $6. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $4, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range spot is $30, and a cappuccino is $2. For a single adult, the budget tier total including rent is $900 per month, the mid-range tier is $1,350, and the comfortable tier is $1,900. Excluding rent, a single person spends about $480 monthly, and a family of four about $1,580. The cost of living index sits at 37 out of 100 relative to New York City.

Safety and healthcare are mixed. The safety index is 55 out of 100, and the crime index is 45, where lower is safer, suggesting a moderate level of concern. Healthcare quality is rated as fair, so expats often plan for medical needs accordingly. The air quality index is 68, which is moderate, and the average internet speed is 30 Mbps, adequate for most remote work. The overall expat score is 74 out of 100, with a FIRE score of 76, a retiree score of 54, and a digital nomad score of 68, making it a better fit for those focused on financial independence or nomadic work than for traditional retirees.

For visas, Cambodia offers the Digital Nomad Visa (e-class), which requires a minimum monthly income of $1,170, and the Ordinary Visa (E-class) with an "ER" (Retirement) extension for older expats. The nearest airport is DSY, about 45 kilometers away. Sihanoukville suits budget-conscious expats, digital nomads who meet the income threshold, and those who prioritize a beach lifestyle over urban amenities. Its large expat community and low costs make it an attractive base for long-term stays, though the fair healthcare and moderate safety scores mean it is not for everyone.