Can I Afford to Live in Phnom Penh vs Seoul on $50K?

Here's how a $50K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Phnom Penh, KH
$3,160/mo take-home
Rent: $350/mo (11% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Seoul, KR
$2,535/mo take-home
Rent: $900/mo (36% of take-home)
Tight

Monthly budget breakdown

Phnom Penh
KH
Seoul
KR
Monthly take-home (est.)
$3,160Best ✓
$2,535
1BR rent
$350Best ✓
$900
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$150Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$60Best ✓
$80
Internet
$40
$25Best ✓
Left after essentials
$2,180/month
$1,000/month
Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Seoul (KR rate: 15%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $50K a good salary in Phnom Penh?

At $50K/year in Phnom Penh, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,160. With 1BR rent around $350/month, rent takes up 11% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $50K a good salary in Seoul?

At $50K/year in Seoul, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,535. With 1BR rent around $900/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Which city is more affordable on a $50K salary?

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,180/month vs $1,000/month in Seoul.

Can I afford to live alone in Phnom Penh on $50K?

Yes. At $50K in Phnom Penh, rent takes 11% of your take-home, leaving $2,180/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Phnom Penh vs Seoul

$40K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only