Southeast Asia
Retire in Cambodia
Cambodia offers one of the lowest costs of living in Southeast Asia—roughly a third of US price levels—with warm, stable year-round temperatures and a life expectancy of around 71 years. The healthcare system is developing; most expats rely on private clinics in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It's a country of real cultural richness and genuine affordability, though infrastructure and bureaucracy require patience and local knowledge.
- Currency
- KHR
- Main language
- Khmer
- Population
- 18M
At a glance
Cost of living
~66% cheaper than the US
national price level vs the US · World Bank (PPP ÷ FX rate), 2025
The five-factor profile
Each axis is a 0–100 score derived from the sourced indicators above and the climate normals below — nothing is hand-set. See the methodology for the exact formulas.
- Affordability80
- Healthcare62
- Climate comfort66
- Longevity54
- Prosperity34
Climate
Long-term climate normals for 3 representative cities. Annual mean 28.3°C · warmest month 31.3°C · coolest 26.7°C.
| City | Annual mean | January | July | Rain / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | 28.3°C | 27.7°C | 27.4°C | 1,242 mm |
| Siem Reap | 27.9°C | 27°C | 27.2°C | 1,261 mm |
| Sihanoukville | 27.4°C | 26.4°C | 27.4°C | 2,553 mm |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 climatology), long-term climatology.
Retirement-visa path
Cambodia does not have a dedicated retirement visa. Most long-term foreign residents use a long-stay business visa (held by many expat retirees) or the multiple-entry tourist visa renewed periodically. You will typically need to demonstrate either modest savings or a monthly income (often informally around $1,000–$1,500 USD, though requirements vary by port of entry and consulate). Exact current figures and processes vary; consult the Cambodian Ministry of Interior or your nearest Cambodian embassy or consulate for the latest requirements and your specific circumstances.
Official source: www.moi.gov.kh
AI-drafted from official sources · pending human review · drafted 2026-07-06
Taxes, briefly
Cambodia taxes residents on worldwide income above a threshold; consult a professional tax advisor familiar with Cambodian and your home-country rules before moving.
Safety & advisories
Check your government's official travel advisory for Cambodia before making plans, as security and political conditions can shift.
Who it tends to suit
Retirees with flexible health needs, comfort navigating a less-developed healthcare landscape, deep interest in Khmer culture, and a modest budget.