Moving from Milwaukee to Phnom Penh (2026)
Phnom Penh has a COL index of 30 vs 89 for Milwaukee (100 = US average). You'd pay about 66% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Phnom Penh to match your Milwaukee lifestyle
Based on the 66% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Milwaukee | Equivalent in Phnom Penh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $13,483 |
| $50K | $16,854 |
| $60K | $20,225 |
| $75K | $25,281 |
| $80K | $26,966 |
| $100K | $33,708 |
| $120K | $40,449 |
| $150K | $50,562 |
Adjust your salary
Monthly budget at $75K — Milwaukee vs Phnom Penh
| Expense | Milwaukee | Phnom Penh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,259 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $350 |
| Groceries | $372 | $380 |
| Transport | $72 | $150 |
| Utilities | $168 | $60 |
| Internet | $63 | $40 |
| Left after essentials | $2,234 | $3,761 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,045 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Milwaukee — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phnom Penh cheaper than Milwaukee?
Yes. Phnom Penh has a cost of living index of 30 vs 89 for Milwaukee (100 = US average). That's about 66% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Milwaukee to Phnom Penh?
On a $75K salary, moving from Milwaukee to Phnom Penh saves roughly $1,481/month on core expenses. That's ~$17,772/year.
What salary do I need in Phnom Penh to match my Milwaukee lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Milwaukee, you'd need roughly $25,281/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