Oaxaca vs Phnom Penh for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Oaxaca Oaxaca | Phnom Penh Phnom Penh |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $400 | $350Better |
| Median home price | — | — |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None |
| Sales tax (combined) | 16% | 10%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $45Better | $60 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | — | — |
| Est. healthcare / month | $160 | $150Better |
| Walk score (0–100) | 70 / 100Better | 52 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 32 | 30Better |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
More to invest
Phnom Penh stretches your retirement savings ~6% further
Lower COL means more of your nest egg stays invested. Compare brokerage and IRA accounts.
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Mortgages
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Home & Auto Insurance
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Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Oaxaca or Phnom Penh?
Oaxaca and Phnom Penh are closely matched for retirees. Housing costs, tax burden, and overall affordability are similar. Your specific priorities — climate, walkability, family proximity — should guide the decision.
Is retirement income taxed in Oaxaca or Phnom Penh?
Neither Oaxaca nor Phnom Penh has a state income tax, which is excellent for retirees relying on Social Security, pensions, or 401(k) withdrawals. Your retirement income is only subject to federal taxes.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Oaxaca vs Phnom Penh?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $160 in Oaxaca and $150 in Phnom Penh. That's a difference of ~$10/month, or ~$120/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Oaxaca on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Oaxaca, rent alone would consume approximately 10% of your budget (1BR rent ~$400/mo) and healthcare another ~4%. That leaves roughly 86% (~$3,583/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is generally considered manageable.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Oaxaca has a higher walk score (70 vs 52 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Oaxaca offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Oaxaca has the same purchasing power as $47K/year in Phnom Penh
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026