Moving from Koh Samui to Phnom Penh (2026)
Phnom Penh has a COL index of 30 vs 50 for Koh Samui (100 = US average). You'd pay about 40% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Phnom Penh to match your Koh Samui lifestyle
Based on the 40% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Koh Samui | Equivalent in Phnom Penh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $24,000 |
| $50K | $30,000 |
| $60K | $36,000 |
| $75K | $45,000 |
| $80K | $48,000 |
| $100K | $60,000 |
| $120K | $72,000 |
| $150K | $90,000 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Koh Samui vs Phnom Penh
| Expense | Koh Samui | Phnom Penh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $620 | $350 |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 |
| Transport | $150 | $150 |
| Utilities | $70 | $60 |
| Internet | $28 | $40 |
| Left after essentials | $3,493 | $3,761 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $268 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Koh Samui — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phnom Penh cheaper than Koh Samui?
Yes. Phnom Penh has a cost of living index of 30 vs 50 for Koh Samui (100 = US average). That's about 40% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Koh Samui to Phnom Penh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Koh Samui to Phnom Penh saves roughly $270/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,240/year.
What salary do I need in Phnom Penh to match my Koh Samui lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Koh Samui, you'd need roughly $45,000/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