International Schools in Phnom Penh, Cambodia | Scholae

Phnom Penh

Name: Phnom Penh
Address: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cambodia

65 schools34 curricula

Phnom Penh offers adventurous expat families an emerging destination with growing international school options and very affordable living costs. The capital combines French colonial architecture with modern development, creating unique cultural experiences. The expat community is smaller but tight-knit, providing strong support networks. Housing costs are exceptionally low, allowing families to afford spacious accommodations with household help. However, infrastructure challenges include inconsistent electricity, limited public transportation, and seasonal flooding. Healthcare facilities are basic, often requiring travel to Thailand or Singapore for serious medical needs. Air quality can be poor during dry season. The city offers authentic cultural immersion and proximity to Angkor Wat and Vietnamese beaches.

2/5

Safety

2/5

Quality of Life

3/5

Expat Friendly

$500

Avg Rent/mo

☀️ Climate & Weather

Monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions

36°C

Hottest (Apr)

22°C

Coolest (Dec)

Sunny days/mo avg

1478mm

Annual rainfall

Avg highAvg lowRainfall

💰 Cost of Living

Monthly family budget estimates (USD)

At a Glance

$500

Avg. rent /mo

$2.00

Budget meal

$15

Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)

Dining & Drinks

Cappuccino$2.80

Domestic beer$1.00

Imported beer$3.00

Water (1.5L)$0.50

Groceries

Loaf of bread$1.50

Milk (1L)$2.20

Dozen eggs$1.90

Chicken (1 kg)$4.00

Transport

Taxi flag-drop$0.75

Taxi per km$0.50

Monthly transit pass$0.00

Gasoline (per liter)$1.25

Monthly Bills

Internet$25 /mo

Utilities (avg.)$70 /mo

Gym membership$40 /mo

Domestic help$220 /mo

Preschool / nursery$350 /mo

Comfortable

Modern apartment near BKK1 or Toul Tom Poung, local markets and casual dining, tuk-tuks and motorbike

$2,500/mo

Rent$700

Groceries$300

Lifestyle & leisure$180

Transport$80

Utilities$100

Dining out$200

Healthcare$120

School fees (per child)$600

Domestic help$220

Established

Spacious apartment or villa in BKK1 or Tonle Bassac, regular Western dining, established international school

$5,500/mo

Rent$1,800

Groceries$450

Lifestyle & leisure$350

Transport$150

Utilities$150

Dining out$400

Healthcare$250

School fees (per child)$1,500

Domestic help$450

Premium

Luxury villa with pool, top international school, driver, full-time domestic help, club memberships

$10,500/mo

Rent$3,500

Groceries$700

Lifestyle & leisure$700

Transport$350

Utilities$220

Dining out$600

Healthcare$400

School fees (per child)$3,200

Domestic help$830

Phnom Penh is one of the most affordable capitals in Southeast Asia for expats. The US dollar is widely accepted alongside the Cambodian riel. International school options are growing but remain limited compared to larger regional cities. A significant expat community keeps Western goods and services readily available.