Moving from Lima to Phnom Penh (2026)

Phnom Penh has a COL index of 30 vs 40 for Lima (100 = US average). You'd pay about 25% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$150/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
40 โ†’ 30
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$500 โ†’ $350
per month
State tax
None โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
40 โ†’ 30
25% cheaper

Salary needed in Phnom Penh to match your Lima lifestyle

Based on the 25% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in LimaEquivalent in Phnom Penh
$40K$30,000
$50K$37,500
$60K$45,000
$75K$56,250
$80K$60,000
$100K$75,000
$120K$90,000
$150K$112,500

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Save ~$130/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Lima vs Phnom Penh

ExpenseLimaPhnom Penh
Monthly take-home$4,741$4,741
1BR rent$500$350
Groceries$380$380
Transport$150$150
Utilities$55$60
Internet$25$40
Left after essentials$3,631$3,761

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $130 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$158,596

over 30 years compared to staying in Lima โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$130/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Phnom Penh cheaper than Lima?

Yes. Phnom Penh has a cost of living index of 30 vs 40 for Lima (100 = US average). That's about 25% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Lima to Phnom Penh?

On a $75K salary, moving from Lima to Phnom Penh saves roughly $150/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,800/year.

What salary do I need in Phnom Penh to match my Lima lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Lima, you'd need roughly $56,250/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 ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only