This Is The Most Asked Question About Living In Cambodia! Cost Of Living.

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

Hello everyone! This is the most asked question and one that doesn't have a straight answer! Donate: www.paypal.me/daveinthailand or www.ko-fi.com/ddcambodia

[@peterRobinson10101]

I can live on $500 USD a month but as an 'uncle' I need an aditional $2000 pm to pay for all my 'nieces' studies handbags and gold. They such hard working studious girls. Always concerned about their family and Buffalo.

[@truthtalkinternational]

Lol 😂

[@heofthebee]

If you want to have a "Friend" or "Maid" add $150-200 per month min.

[@merlemcgonigal-hm1wv]

555 ain’t that the truth

[@merlemcgonigal-hm1wv]

@@truthtalkinternational 🙄🙄🙄555

[@marksmith2913]

My biggest concern with living in Cambodia is dealing with the heat. I think in time I would acclimate to it somewhat but I suspect my electricity bill would be $200+ as I would need to have the AC running mostly 24/7.

[@ClubFred6]

I’ve thought about that too and thought perhaps if you’re a homebody to do a long stay at a hotel which gives you breakfast water electricity and housekeeping - even a pool. Add that 200 to your apartment and utilities budget and it’s quite possible?

[@KC-in9px]

The heat and humidity is next level. Can you live without A/C? Absolutely. Will you be comfortable without A/C? Absolutely not.

[@marktrail8624]

@KC-in9px .. most foreigners only need Aircon at night to sleep​@@KC-in9px

[@peterRobinson10101]

You will acclimatize. You will be surprised with what a well designed apartment and fans can do.

[@truthtalkinternational]

⁠that well designed apartment is the challenge. Especially at $200 a month. Lower level apartments with smaller windows to avoid the rays of the sun will decrease the heat. Ceiling fans are golden additions vs floor and desktop fans. After a year in Cambodia and experiencing the recent heat wave that hit SE Asia, staying cool will be the greatest challenge, year round 🙏

[@bigroundwatermelon6456]

You should do a video on “how to find an apartment/house” by yourself?

[@jazzpianoman01]

Not that cheap here in Phnom Penh some things actually quite expensive; Siem Reap probably a lot cheaper. I noticed Supermarkets here are a lot more expensive than when I lived in China but local markets are cheap. Rents here not too bad

[@truthtalkinternational]

Phnom Penh recently ranked the highest in rental property prices when compared with Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, and Miramar.

[@jazzpianoman01]

@@truthtalkinternational Compared to the UK it’s cheap depending on what you pay but possibly those places you mentioned are cheaper and did read that Thailand, Bangkok is 25 % cheaper for living than Phnom Penh. Tuk Tuk fares are also quite high as well here in Phnom Penh. As for income, I would say minimum 1500USD bare bones for a single person. 800USD won’t cut it; Siem Reap is a little lower in cost I hear but I haven’t lived there to compare.

[@truthtalkinternational]

@@jazzpianoman01 Siem Reap would be not unlike the ChiangMai of Thailand and the DaNang of Vietnam. Its mellow vibe is inviting. There’s currently a decrease in rental prices along with many properties being offered up for sale. It’s a good time to consider Siem Reap for retired expats.

[@jazzpianoman01]

@@truthtalkinternational I’m thinking of SR as I’m in my ‘60s now. It is a lovely place for nature too

[@peterRobinson10101]

@@jazzpianoman01 just grabbed a house in SR for $230 and that's expensive. Hotel ($120pm) with swimming pool ($150pm).. . there's probably a lot cheaper around SR than that also.

[@PeterC245]

No mention of motor scooter rental cost

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

Generally, $50.00 to $100.00 a month depending on the motorbike.

[@gregpierce9800]

I've ran A/C here (last 2 years) 24/7...cost average (very consistent) = $150 per month

[@Driver2724]

Here where?? Mention the city seim reap cambodia???

[@gregpierce9800]

@@Driver2724 Seim Reap. I keep my room cool 24/7, like I would in the USA.

[@Driver2724]

@@gregpierce9800 how much is your electricity bill per month

[@Driver2724]

@@gregpierce9800 how many bed room

[@roygoad2870]

I live by the sea in Thailand, I never use A/C in the 4 years of living here just 2 fans, my monthly bill is around $20 a month for electric and water in a studio apartment 48 sgm!

[@ianlewis2813]

I live in the Philippines, you can live a nice life on 75,000 pesos a month all in.. It’s a little over $1,000 in the city of Cebu. 2 bedroom apartment with a nice pool, 5 mins from the centre…I don’t gamble,smoke,drink or use aircon all the time.

[@KC-in9px]

$1,335 USD

[@anthonymiriello5029]

How do you find the crowded conditions in cebu these days? My pinoy wife and I were planning on retirement in Bohol, as we own small lot there. We like cebu for shopping, but last time we visited we couldn't believe how much more crowded it had gotten since the last time we were there in 2013.

[@w.m.p-w8989]

One question with many answers...

[@andylove9398]

Thanks!

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

Thank you very much!

[@ExpatGringo]

Good info. What I wanna know is how they can live in the U.S., Canada, AUS, etc. on $800/month!!! Plus, what's it worth to escape the insanity of the West? Learning to tolerate the heat and some inconveniences might seem like a bargain by comparison.

[@mhouse1572]

No perfect answer… but to move or not to move, that’s the question…

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

That's the eternal question...

[@rusco1948]

GREAT VIDEO THANKS

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

Thank you!

[@roygoad2870]

The two main negatives with Siem Reap, expensive electricity and medical emergency, is there a first class hospital in Siem Reap?

[@truthtalkinternational]

The top two hospitals in Siem Reap are Royal Angkor international hospital and Japan friendship International hospital. The short answer is there are no first class hospitals in Cambodia 😢

[@KB3TLE]

Hope this helps - Bangkok is a 1 hour flight for affordable world class healthcare also. > kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmSvgWmgmq1nrLMsi=-R6tDJVwDR3iGo4b

[@ShawnVanNinja]

Thanks! I really depend on your videos to learn about the country before I come there. What online sites are good to meet the women there?

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

First of all, thank you very much! I'm truly happy you enjoy my rambling and I hope it helps. Meeting women here is best done in person. There arta lot of scammy sites and you never know what you'll get with those. It's pretty easy though. A lot of the single local women want what most women want. You take care of them and they'll take care of you. They're not all parasitic money suckers (as some would have you believe). And, look. Look at ME. I'm an old dude with questionable social skills and a deep distrust of the fairer sex in general. Yet, me and Seng Lai have lasted over six years which is two years longer than either of my marriages back in the States! I think using dating sites leaves yourself open to more bad than good. That's my opinion though so take it as you will.

[@MrsNolastname]

What if you want to buy a house? What do I need to do and know please

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

A foreigner can't own a house or land here outright. You would need to find a local that you trust to purchase and they will have a 51% stock in it.

[@wneighbor2523]

Monthly budget is $3,000/ month and year emergency… ? should be enough for a family of four??…

[@svaytong219]

what’s your recommended amount for emergency fund?

[@truthtalkinternational]

@@svaytong219 get price quotes from international healthcare providers. Recommend companies in the United Kingdom . England regulates healthcare insurance providers. Avoid US base healthcare provider companies. They invest most of their time and money with lawyers that are tasked to do their best to avoid payout for insurance claims. Compare reviews between US companies and UK health insurance companies

[@svaytong219]

@@truthtalkinternationalI have health insurance that also has international coverage. I was asking about recommended emergency fund?

[@truthtalkinternational]

@@svaytong219 thank you for the clarification. I also have stateside health insurance coverage that includes international coverage . But is only applicable for up to six months living abroad. It’s important to research exemptions for any healthcare coverage that you have.. With that, your emergency fund should include emergency healthcare while in country for most policies require you to pay out first and then reimburse you after filing a claim . It’s also important to have enough funds to fly back home if needed . Safe journey

[@svaytong219]

@@truthtalkinternational Thank you for the information. My Blue Shield insurance has Geo Blue(international coverage) attached. They have network hospitals like Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital among others worldwide. But have you used these services per your insurance because I am still in the states

[@X_Marks-u7r]

How and where to find a 200$ apartment

[@KB3TLE]

Dave lives in a $50 room ! > $200 ROOMS are everywhere !!!

[@ClubFred6]

Canadian Context: Right now 1000 USD costs 1,368 Canadian dollars, which is literally about the same as what a Canadian can get from OAS and CPP (average is about 700 ea) and if you live in Canada you can have a GIS top up if you have no other income - of almost another 1000. Thats a tough decision then, living in Canada with almost 2400 canadian dollars, or living in Cambodia with only 1000 USD. Most people would need another supplemental pension, higher CPP, or other investment funds paying income. A retired Canadian will also lose their free health care, so will either take a risk and pay as they go, or buy extra health insurance which gets pretty darn expensive

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

I understand what you're saying and I agree. But let's say I'm in the US and trip. I fracture my ankle and have to go to a clinic or hospital. That alone could put you in debt. I appreciate Canada's free healthcare and I believe it should be the worldwide norm, but here, under the same circumstances, I could walk into a clinic and get my ankle treated, get painkillers, bandaged, etc. and spend less than $10.00. Of course emergency situations could be expensive. And, if you don't have health insurance, you have to pay in cash. I get what you're saying though and thank you for the insightful comment (I know that sounds sarcastic but I really mean it).

[@ClubFred6]

@@DaveDoesCambodianot at all and no problems. I would like to retire abroad too so just kind of talking out loud. For a low income Canadian the GIS (guaranteed income supplement) can be an extra $1,000 which you don’t qualify for if you’re living out of country. Also as there is no health care costs in country so that’s an extra expat line item. If you ever want or need to come ‘home’ the flights alone are enough of an expense let alone the prohibitively expensive costs to just sleep if you don’t have a place with family or friends. (A 1 bedroom is average $1,700 now!) For me I have some savings but that aside I would have about $2,100 Canadian from all sources - some private pension included. That’s $1,534 USD which I think is more than enough for the basics per month but doesn’t cover anything extra at all like trips and vehicles and even visa expenses. For the rest - I hope to create additional monthly income of at least $1000 a month which can be saved but accessed if necessary.

[@asjka67]

Hello, nice video. You arrive at 555.- but you have to add the visa fees and health insurance. Finally, 800.- are reached. And this, for a very simple life. With less, it will be possible, but not easy. I think to live a simple life. With one or two little pleasures from time to time. It is preferable to have a budget of 1000.- But as you said, you can always do with less. Thank you for your video. Have a plaisant day.

[@KB3TLE]

Amazing > 2024 and an $800 / mo. budget can actually be done ! --- An emergency fund should be had I would think -- and -- health issues need be considered 🤔because there is no Medicare outside the US. --?-- Over 55 the retirement visa is terrific - but - Health Insurance is not free - like in Argentina ? - - - In the Philippines - for example - w/o cash or a credit card - @ a Hospital > they will let you die !!! 😳

[@mhouse1572]

Some viewers stand their ground on this topic and expect their COL is correct for everyone…

[@AAWGASHTADS]

Yeah that is funny

[@georgewest3926]

Brilliant

[@Driver2724]

Hello Dave you didn't mention transportation costs. Do you have motorbike?? Plus health insurance. How long it takes to adopt the heating Cambodia to save electricity I am from Dallas Texas who is 800.00 per month that means you cannot have a girlfriend always I love your video I love simple local life I don't care about western life style it is not natural. Not good for body and soul trust me. Look at you you walking all over you adopted the seim reap very hot humid weather.

[@zandig666]

Always enjoy your VLogs Dave ! Stay heavy !!! 🤟🤟🤟🤟 I honestly think by the way I manage my finances here I could survive very well on my meager pension/s 🤟🤟

[@Hea9lt9hy9]

Most asked question with controversial answers…

[@peterRobinson10101]

Dave lives in Cambodia on $5/- a month so you can surely do it on $800 'personal hygiene'... forgets hes speaking to Australians.

[@truthtalkinternational]

Lol 😂

[@mimibigdy1917]

No right or wrong answer… just individualize…

[@truthtalkinternational]

You left out health insurance cost. Retired expats, because of their age, would be foolish to plan on living abroad without healthcare coverage. Although cost for routine medical care is moderate, should an accident occur that requires emergency treatment happen the cost could be significantly higher. Out of pocket as needed healthcare is not the wise way to go. For an expat in their 60s international healthcare inpatient only coverage will range from $400 to $600 USD per month. That would put the monthly cost over $800. Considering our western lifestyle and without making sacrifices or taking healthcare risks, $1500 a month is more realistic. 🙏

[@DaveDoesCambodia]

I didn't include healthcare because that's a choice each individual makes on his/her own. There's no requirement for health insurance to enter or live in Cambodia. Whether someone thinks it's wise is for each individual to consider.

[@truthtalkinternational]

@@DaveDoesCambodia Agree, Cambodia’s only requirement for retirement is age 55+ The freedom to choose is on the individual. But Cambodia is infamous when it comes to traffic accidents. A country with an average population of 16 million and a record of 700+ accidents per month, at the annual average of 8,400, one should seriously consider health care insurance. Choose Wisely 🙏

[@cressmichael8816]

Every thing comes down to dollar

[@idrathernot_2]

Besides visas, getting to the country itself, and potentially having to make Visa runs to Thailand louse or Vietnam, the rest is just how 'native' you want to live. After all cambodia's GDP per capita is only $2,000 or so. And if anybody has ever seen a video by for riel you know that somebody manages to wreck a Lamborghini on a jersey wall every week. Frankly I could be wrong but I get the impression that the people the most interested in how low they can go on a budget are the same people who are the least prepared to try to resettle in another country. If you're going to try to move to Cambodia on 500 bucks a month you need to really be prepared for a thousand a month. If you think you're moving there on a thousand you need to be prepared to spend $1,400. The worst you can do is have too much money.

[@mimibigdy1917]

Cambodia has one year VISA and yearly extension. No VISA run is needed. I plan to move to Cambodia from USA. Like any country, you need to add onto what you budget whether you live in USA, Cambodia, France or any country…

[@Driver2724]

Discipline discipline discipline if you don't have discipline if you cannot control your mind stay where you at

[@truthtalkinternational]

Thank you for keeping Riel 😉

[@alrent2992]

I say forget the excess. What's the basics? Go from there. Aggregate your expenses to your lifestyle. Simple. Shelter, store bought food, public transport, utilities. Done. Greetings from México.

[@wow888888able]

Get lots of different feedbacks and challenges to your suggestions even though you kept saying it’s up to your lifestyle.

[@penname.]

Imagine writing a book and after the intro, you start your begging. You can put it on the jacket so that it doesn’t ruin the experience. People that finish the video or book are the ones that will donate but not many will go past your tacky approach. You’ve got good content but look at your views not growing. Do the e begging at ghb end of the video or every five videos.

[@johnkerr7286]

Hi Dave, thanks for the video. How much are cigarettes these days? In 2015 they were about $1 for twenty Winston.

[@Roaming_Empire]

I think its easier to SUGGEST dont go under $1200, or even $1500, and see where perhaps you can bring it down. $800 is possible, but seriously BARGAIN BASEMENT and is not advised. Would you relocate from another country on $800, fuck no. You can come here with a western mindset and LEARN how to get it down to $800, but seriously dont jump on a plane from US and think this will suit everyone. Do your homework, research and work out pros and cons. Expect your lifestyle to change , dont expect a cheaper western alternative, you will be dissapointed. Its great here, in Cambodia but be smart and adapt.

[@ClubFred6]

Practice minimalism and simplicity before you go and sharpen your skills. I’m in Canada and already live really cheaply except for rent. Sucks though one USD costs almost $1.40 CAD right now.

[@truthtalkinternational]

Bingo! Well said 👍🏻

[@Roaming_Empire]

@@bangkapihappy8295This advice has some validity in Vietnam with no retirement visa, but in Cambodia incredibly retarded advice. You marry the girl , you marry the family , caveat emptor.

[@Heywood.Jablome]

.1% of Cambodians make more than $1500 a month. A single man doesn't need a 4000 Sq ft hacienda. I see these expats in Mexico whining about rents then you see where they live and they're huge apartments and luxury condos. Shut up. Stay in USA!

[@KB3TLE]

Dave said repeatedly - "if you want to" - on the $800 amount ? -- He was quite clear about that ? --- Many expats obviously 'have to' & have no choice perhaps ? -- Others like myself have $1550 USD from SS every month to rely on - and can choose if we want to ? -- Some people never have enough - while others are thrifty frugal and easily able to make it work. -- Having practiced in the US frugal basics for years - I would be damn comfortable over there and able to adapt.

[@rickhaneckow3608]

Dave you talk to much for the information you give. Stop

[@HadEnough66]

Guys , this is a pile of rubbish. You do not move to Asia if you don't have a 2.000 USD coming in every month. You do not just eat rice and sleep. If you have a medical issue, if your laptop is fucked, if you get old and need safety and protection, you do not budget as this guy is telling you.

[@morton228]

Do you get paid by the word or the run time? Reduce the amount of waffle , try to be concise. There was probably less than five minutes of useful information in here.

[@wneighbor2523]

It’s his channel. He can talk as long or short as he wants.. Free information and your choice to listen or not

[@heofthebee]

I enjoyed the video. A little meat here and there makes a decent soup. I've lived in over 30 countries for varying periods of time. I get a lot out of watching how someone does life in the place I am considering.