Renting in Kampot: neighbourhoods, prices and process
Renting an apartment or house in Kampot — expat neighbourhoods (Riverside, old town), 2025 prices among the lowest in Cambodia, leases and process.
- Cost
- 120 USD – 600 USD Furnished studio 120–300 USD; 2-bed house 300–600 USD/month
- Duration
- Monthly lease common; quarterly or annual lease possible
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Reading
- 5 min
In 3 bullets
- Among the lowest rents in Cambodia: furnished studio at 120–300 USD/month, independent cottage at 300–600 USD.
- Direct landlord rental: the majority of leases in Kampot are negotiated without an agency, via the “Kampot Expats Forum” Facebook group or word of mouth.
- Flexible market: monthly leases are common, minimal formalities — Kampot’s rental market is one of the most accessible in the country.
Choosing your neighbourhood
Riverside (east bank)
The most popular area for resident expats. Bungalows and riverside houses, peaceful atmosphere, walking access to Riverside restaurants and cafés. Furnished studio/bungalow rent: 150–350 USD/month. Cottages: 300–600 USD/month.
Old town (around the clock tower)
Central colonial area, walking access to the market, restaurants and shops. More local feel than the Riverside. Furnished studios: 120–280 USD/month.
Wat Kampot Lok area
Quieter residential area, 10–15 min walk from the centre. Lower prices, more local. 2-bedroom houses: 200–400 USD/month.
Cost and utilities
| Item | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (furnished studio, Riverside) | 150–300 USD/month | Negotiable for 6+ month lease |
| Deposit | 1–2 months' rent | Returned at end if no damage |
| Rent advance | 1 month | At signing |
| Electricity | 0.18–0.25 USD/kWh | 30–70 USD/month in an air-conditioned flat |
| Water | 0.50–1 USD/m³ | 8–15 USD/month |
| Fibre internet | 25–40 USD/month | Smart or Cellcard, 50–100 Mbps in town centre |
2025 community estimates — among the lowest rents in the Cambodian expat network.
How to rent
1. Find accommodation
“Kampot Expats Forum” Facebook group — the main source of direct landlord listings. Realestate.com.kh for an overview. Word of mouth in Riverside cafés works very well — ask your favourite café as soon as you arrive.
2. Visit and negotiate
Check: air-conditioning condition, internet connection (test live), water pressure, bicycle access. Landlords easily negotiate 10–20% off for a 6+ month lease paid several months in advance.
3. Sign the lease
Documents required: copy of passport + copy of visa. Check that the lease states: fixed rent for the full duration, whether utilities are included (electricity especially), and termination conditions.
Common pitfalls
- Properties without fibre: along the river or on the outskirts, fibre may be unavailable. Check the connection before signing if remote work is important.
- Mould during the rainy season: wooden houses along the river can be damp from May to October. Prefer accommodation with good ventilation.
- Water outages: rare but possible during the dry season (March–April). Check that the building has a water tank.
FAQ
Can you find furnished accommodation in Kampot?
Yes — the majority of expat properties are rented furnished (bed, air conditioning, refrigerator as a minimum). Check the exact list of furnishings.
Do you need to use an agency?
No — agencies are virtually non-existent in Kampot. Direct landlord listings via Facebook are the norm. Simpler and less expensive.
Do rents increase much year on year?
Kampot’s rental market is stable and not particularly speculative. A slight upward trend since 2022 with an influx of digital nomads, but rents remain among the lowest in Cambodia.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.
- Cambodge — conseils aux voyageurs Official