Southeast Asia

Daily Travel Budget for Phnom Penh

Estimated daily costs for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Daily travel budget for Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Budget

$23 – $29

per day

Mid-Range

$71 – $86

per day

Luxury

$220 – $270

per day

Shoulder season estimates. Use the calculator below for personalized results.

Phnom Penh Facts for Planning

City
Phnom Penh
Country
Cambodia
Region
Southeast Asia
Currency
USD / KHR (Cambodian Riel)
Language
Khmer
Best Months
Nov–Mar (dry season)
Budget Range (USD/day)
$23-$29
Mid-Range (USD/day)
$71-$86
Luxury Range (USD/day)
$220-$270
Low Season Shift
-14%
Peak Season Shift
19%
Model Version
v1.0

About Phnom Penh

Cambodia's riverside capital is a city of contrasts — grand Royal Palace, sobering history at the Killing Fields, and a vibrant food and nightlife scene at rock-bottom prices.

Highlights

  • Mid-range travel usually runs about $71–$86 per person per day
  • Best months to visit: Nov–Mar (dry season)
  • Currency: USD / KHR (Cambodian Riel) · Main language: Khmer
  • Seasonality range: low season ~14% below shoulder, peak season ~19% above

Getting Around

Tuk-tuks are the primary city transport. PassApp and Grab work in Phnom Penh. Intercity buses are cheap but slow; motos (motorbike taxis) are everywhere.

Food & Dining

Cambodian cuisine features fish amok, lok lak, and fresh river fish. Local restaurants serve meals for $1-3. French colonial influence shows in fresh baguettes and pastries.

Best Months
Nov–Mar (dry season)
Currency
USD / KHR (Cambodian Riel)
Language
Khmer

Phnom Penh Cost Profile

Mid-Range Position in Southeast Asia

Ranked 6 of 25 by starting mid-range daily cost.

Lodging Signal

Mid-range lodging is roughly $$25-$$30 per day.

Food Signal

Mid-range food spend is roughly $$18-$$22 per day.

Season Swing

Mid-range often moves from about $$61 (low) to $$102 (peak).

The total budget-to-luxury spread in Phnom Penh is about $$247 per day, which makes this destination price-competitive relative to other cities in Southeast Asia.

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Budget Styles for Phnom Penh

What Drives Costs in Phnom Penh

  • Boutique guesthouses offer excellent value compared to chain hotels
  • Mix street food lunches with nicer restaurant dinners
  • Grab taxis or ride-hailing apps are convenient and reasonably priced
  • Cooking classes and cultural workshops are popular mid-range activities
  • Consider shoulder season for lower prices and fewer crowds
  • Private rooms in guesthouses beat budget hotel chains on value
  • Book multi-day tours for better per-day rates on activities
  • Airport transfers can be pre-booked cheaper than on-arrival taxis

Travel Planning Guides

Follow-up Questions About Phnom Penh

How much should I budget for 7 days in Phnom Penh?

A mid-range 7-day trip is usually around $497-$602 before flights.

How much does 14 days cost in Phnom Penh?

A mid-range 14-day stay is usually around $994-$1204 before flights.

How much more expensive is peak season in Phnom Penh?

Peak season is typically about 19% higher than shoulder-season baseline prices.

Is Phnom Penh better for budget or mid-range travel?

Budget travel starts around $23/day, while mid-range comfort is typically $71-$86/day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost per day in Phnom Penh?

A mid-range traveler can expect to spend approximately $71 to $86 per person per day in Phnom Penh. This covers accommodation, food, local transport, activities, and miscellaneous expenses. These are estimates — your actual costs depend on your choices and travel style.

Is Phnom Penh expensive for tourists?

Phnom Penh is moderately priced for tourists. Daily costs range from $23 (budget) to $270 (luxury) per person. Price levels vary widely across Southeast Asia, so compare Phnom Penh's mid-range cost ($71–$86/day) with nearby cities on this site for better context.

How does season affect prices in Phnom Penh?

Prices in Phnom Penh vary by season. During low season, costs are roughly -14% lower than shoulder season. Peak season sees prices increase by roughly 19%. Booking during shoulder or low season can lead to meaningful savings.

What is included in the daily budget estimate?

Our daily budget estimates for Phnom Penh include five categories: lodging, food, local transport, activities/sightseeing, and miscellaneous expenses (tips, SIM cards, etc.). Flights and international transport are not included. Use the calculator on this page to adjust estimates for your specific situation.

Is Phnom Penh expensive compared to other destinations?

Phnom Penh has a cost index of 2/10 globally. It is very affordable by world standards.

What currency is used in Phnom Penh?

Phnom Penh uses the USD / KHR (Cambodian Riel). ATMs are widely available. Carry some cash for markets and small vendors.

How much does a mid-range trip to Phnom Penh cost per day?

A mid-range traveler in Phnom Penh can expect to spend $71-86 per day. This covers accommodation ($28), food ($20), transport ($12), activities, and miscellaneous expenses.

Assumptions, Sources & Updates

  • All figures are estimates based on a synthetic cost model — not exact prices.
  • City pages combine city-level baseline ranges, category shares, and seasonal multipliers.
  • Daily budgets are per person and include: lodging, food, local transport, activities, and miscellaneous.
  • International flights and intercity transport are not included.
  • Street food and local restaurant prices, not tourist-oriented dining
  • Prices can vary significantly from estimates — local conditions change rapidly in very affordable destinations
  • Season multipliers reflect typical demand patterns — actual seasonal variation depends on events and weather.
  • Currency conversions use approximate fixed rates. Check current rates before traveling.
  • Source types used in modeling include city baseline ranges, category allocation shares, and seasonality multipliers maintained in our internal dataset.
  • Budget a 10–20% buffer above these estimates for unexpected expenses.

Model version: v1.0 · Last updated: 2026-02-26 · Dataset generated at build time

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