Moving from Charleston to Phnom Penh (2026)
Phnom Penh has a COL index of 30 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 69% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Phnom Penh to match your Charleston lifestyle
Based on the 69% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Charleston | Equivalent in Phnom Penh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $12,371 |
| $50K | $15,464 |
| $60K | $18,557 |
| $75K | $23,196 |
| $80K | $24,742 |
| $100K | $30,928 |
| $120K | $37,113 |
| $150K | $46,392 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — Charleston vs Phnom Penh
| Expense | Charleston | Phnom Penh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,353 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $350 |
| Groceries | $376 | $380 |
| Transport | $55 | $150 |
| Utilities | $162 | $60 |
| Internet | $63 | $40 |
| Left after essentials | $1,797 | $3,761 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,576 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Charleston — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phnom Penh cheaper than Charleston?
Yes. Phnom Penh has a cost of living index of 30 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). That's about 69% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Charleston to Phnom Penh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Charleston to Phnom Penh saves roughly $1,938/month on core expenses. That's ~$23,256/year.
What salary do I need in Phnom Penh to match my Charleston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Charleston, you'd need roughly $23,196/year in Phnom Penh. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only