Cost of Living in Cambodia vs Australia: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats and Travelers
Choosing a destination to live or travel involves evaluating various factors, with the cost of living being paramount. Cambodia and Australia offer contrasting lifestyles: Cambodia is known for its affordability and simplicity, while Australia boasts modern amenities and higher wages.
This guide provides a detailed comparison of living expenses in Cambodia and Australia, offering insights for expats, digital nomads, and budget-conscious travelers.
Overall Cost of Living Comparison
Cambodia offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to Australia. According to Numbeo, the overall cost of living in Cambodia is approximately 53.6% lower than in Australia, including rent. This substantial difference affects lifestyle choices, savings potential, and quality of life.
Housing Costs: Rent and Property Prices
Housing expenses vary greatly between the two countries:
| Housing Type | Cambodia (USD) | Australia (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom (City Centre) | $350–$750 | A$2,746.21 |
| 1-Bedroom (Outside Centre) | $210–$400 | A$2,064.32 |
| 3-Bedroom (City Centre) | $750–$3,000 | A$4,648.00 |
| 3-Bedroom (Outside Centre) | $450–$800 | A$3,347.16 |
| Property Price per m² (City Centre) | $1,500–$2,950 | A$1,053.97 |
Rent in Cambodia is typically 65% to 70% cheaper than in Australia. Property costs also reflect this trend, especially outside urban centers. Expat Life Cambodia provides further insights into housing costs in Cambodia.
Food and Grocery Expenses
Dining out and groceries are notably less expensive in Cambodia:
| Item | Cambodia (USD) | Australia (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $5.00 | A$29.23 |
| Mid-Range Meal (for 2) | $30.00 | A$146.21 |
| Milk (1 liter) | $2.03 | A$2.89 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.88 | A$7.32 |
| Chicken (1 kg) | $4.37 | A$16.25 |
Local produce in Cambodia is cheaper, especially at traditional markets. However, imported goods like dairy and packaged snacks may cost more. For detailed information on food prices, refer to Numbeo.
Utilities and Internet
Utility and internet costs reflect differences in infrastructure:
| Utility | Cambodia (USD) | Australia (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity, Water, Gas (85m²) | $94.32 | A$288.78 |
| Internet (Unlimited, 60 Mbps) | $22.30 | A$112.28 |
Cambodia offers lower monthly utilities, although service reliability can vary outside urban areas. Expat Life Cambodia provides a breakdown of utility costs in Cambodia.
Transportation Costs
Public transport and fuel are significantly cheaper in Cambodia:
| Mode of Transport | Cambodia (USD) | Australia (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Pass | $14.10 | A$222.52 |
| Taxi (Start Fare) | $1.00 | A$6.15 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | $1.14 | A$2.10 |
Motorbikes and tuk-tuks are affordable and widely used in Cambodia, while Australia depends more on cars and public transport networks. For more on transportation costs, see Numbeo.
Healthcare and Education Expenses
Healthcare and education options vary in quality and cost:
- Cambodia: Private clinics are accessible, with consultations between $20–$50. International schools cost about $11,799 per year. The World Bank discusses Cambodia’s efforts to improve public healthcare and education.
- Australia: Public healthcare is robust. Without insurance, doctor visits average A$80–A$100. Private schooling can exceed A$15,000 annually. The Australian Government Department of Health provides comprehensive information on Australia’s healthcare system.
Entertainment, Clothing, and Lifestyle
Lifestyle expenses are generally lower in Cambodia:
| Expense Type | Cambodia (USD) | Australia (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cinema Ticket | $5.20 | A$27.79 |
| Gym Membership (Monthly) | $46.50 | A$99.31 |
| Brand Jeans | $29.20 | A$147.45 |
Leisure activities, clothing, and dining out are more affordable in Cambodia, encouraging a social and active lifestyle. For a detailed comparison, refer to Numbeo.
Income and Purchasing Power
| Metric | Cambodia (USD) | Australia (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Salary | $300–$500 | A$8,521.25 |
| Purchasing Power Index | 20.5 | 100 |
Despite lower costs in Cambodia, the significantly higher incomes in Australia afford more financial flexibility for locals. Living Cost provides further insights into income and purchasing power comparisons.
Quality of Life and Cultural Factors
- Australia offers higher life expectancy, better healthcare, and public services.
- Cambodia appeals to those valuing community, low stress, and cultural richness.
Language, infrastructure, and governance also affect expat satisfaction. The World Health Organization provides information on Cambodia’s health initiatives.
Ideal Candidates for Each Country
Cambodia:
- Budget-conscious retirees
- Digital nomads with remote income
- Long-term travelers exploring Southeast Asia
Australia:
- Professionals seeking high salaries
- Families needing strong healthcare and education systems
- Expats desiring structured, modern living
Tips for Managing Costs
- Use local markets in Cambodia for cheaper groceries.
- Choose public transport in both countries to reduce travel costs.
- Research neighborhoods thoroughly before renting.
- In Australia, compare insurance and utility providers to save.
Conclusion
Australia and Cambodia cater to vastly different lifestyles and budgets. Cambodia offers affordability and simplicity, perfect for remote workers and adventurers. Australia provides high earnings, safety, and modern conveniences. When choosing between them, align your personal goals, financial resources, and lifestyle preferences with what each destination uniquely offers.
