Phnom Penh vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Phnom Penh is roughly 46% more affordable than Tokyo (index 20 vs 36, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Phnom Penh
More affordable overall
46% cheaper than Tokyo · Cost index: 20 vs 36

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

20Cost Index36
245Median Income /mo2,676
45Safety Index92
20Income Tax %20
55Internet (Mbps)85
120Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

Phnom PenhCategoryTokyo
$550/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
37% cheaper →
$870/month
$1.5/liter
Meal for One
12% cheaper →
$1.7/liter
$4/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
60% cheaper →
$10/meal
$30/month
Monthly Transit Pass
63% cheaper →
$80/month
$65/month
Utilities (Monthly)
52% cheaper →
$135/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
$50/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Phnom Penh

Internet55 Mbps
Coworking$120/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability60/100

Tokyo

Internet85 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability80/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phnom Penh cheaper than Tokyo?

Phnom Penh is cheaper than Tokyo. Phnom Penh has a cost of living index of 20/100 compared to 36/100 for Tokyo (New York = 100), making it roughly 46% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Phnom Penh than Tokyo?

Phnom Penh is approximately 46% cheaper than Tokyo based on cost index scores (20 vs 36, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Tokyo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,615/month in Phnom Penh.

What is the rent comparison between Phnom Penh and Tokyo?

In Phnom Penh, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $550/month. In Tokyo, the equivalent is around $870/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Phnom Penh or Tokyo?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Phnom Penh offers 55 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$120/month. Tokyo offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Phnom Penh has a cost advantage of 46%.

What is the average income in Phnom Penh vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Phnom Penh is approximately $245 USD, compared to $2,676 USD in Tokyo.

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