Retired expat budget in Cambodia

TL;DR

• A net pension of ~2,500-4,000 USD/month funds a comfortable life in Phnom Penh, whether single or as a couple.
• ~1,500-2,500 USD/month = a modest but livable life: simpler housing, local restaurants, few expat outings.
• To settle as a retiree, plan for the ER retirement visa (ER guide) and health insurance whose premium rises with age (health insurance).

Typical monthly budget — retiree in Phnom Penh

Estimates for a single retiree or a couple, reasonable expat lifestyle. Each line links to the guide that details and sources the amounts.

Comfortable total: ~2,500-4,000 USD/month. As a couple the total rises a little (mostly housing and health), but the per-person cost falls — a couple lives well at around 3,000-4,000 USD/month between two.

Comfortable, modest, and the weight of health

A retiree has a far lighter budget than a family: no schooling, often no car. Two variables dominate:

• Housing, depending on the neighbourhood and size (see the renting guide).
• Health, whose premium rises sharply with age: a 65-70-year-old pays significantly more than someone in their thirties, and some policies cap the entry age. Plan for this item first — see the health insurance guide.

In modest mode (simpler housing, home cooking, local restaurants, few trips), ~1,500-2,500 USD/month is enough — consistent with the cost-of-living guide.

How to optimise

• Pick the right visa: the ER is the framework made for long-term retirees — see the ER retirement visa guide.
• Take out health insurance early: the premium rises with age and some policies close above a threshold (see the health insurance guide).
• Aim for a quiet, well-served neighbourhood rather than the priciest one: the rent gap is large (see the renting guide).
• Favour local restaurants and markets: that is where Cambodia is cheapest (see the cost-of-living guide).
• Consider Siem Reap or coastal towns: 20-30% cheaper than Phnom Penh, if you accept more limited medical care (see the cost-of-living guide).
• Keep an FX buffer: a pension in EUR converted to USD depends on EUR/USD (see the cost-of-living guide).

FAQ

What pension do you need to live comfortably in Cambodia?

A net pension of ~2,500-4,000 USD/month funds a comfortable life, single or as a couple, in Phnom Penh — consistent with the cost-of-living guide.

Can you live on a small pension?

~1,500-2,500 USD/month allows a decent but modest life: simpler housing, local restaurants, few expat outings. Below that you move towards the average Cambodian lifestyle.

Does health cost more as you age?

Yes. The premium for international health insurance rises sharply with age, and some policies have a maximum entry age. Plan for this item — see the health insurance guide.

Which visa to settle in retirement?

The ER (Ordinary Retired) visa, for over-55s, renewable indefinitely. Conditions and steps in the ER retirement visa guide.

Is Siem Reap cheaper than Phnom Penh?

Yes, 20-30% cheaper, with a quieter feel popular with retirees — but more limited medical care (see the cost-of-living guide).