Living in the business and economic hub of Cambodia, Phnom Penh is the best place you can go to since it has an almost innumerable number of conveniences. However, since it’s the capital of the country, finding a decent property to live in within a fairly workable budget can prove to be difficult. It’s not improbable though since there are amazing units here that only have equal to or less than $800 monthly rent, exclusive of utilities.
Here’s a curated list of the types of units you can rent and in what areas in Phnom Penh within that budget to make it easier for you. Continue reading so you can rent and move wisely!
What unit type can you rent & where?
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICTS: BKK1, TONLE BASSAC, & DAUN PENH
Known as the most prestigious address in Phnom Penh, the districts of BKK1, Tonle Bassac, and south of Daun Penh are the most developed areas in the capital.
Living in these areas makes a lot of difference, especially in terms of quality of life since everything from office to conveniences are in a matter of minutes.
However, choosing to live in these areas, you’ll need more than $800 USD in order to rent a unit. The presence of top-quality condominiums is very high particularly in BKK1 and Tonle Bassac, which leaves very little or less room for affordable apartments. Additionally, apartments here are mostly serviced apartments offering fully furnished and full serviced units.
The only guaranteed unit you can rent here within $800 USD are studio condos and apartments. For condominiums or apartments with one to two bedrooms, you should be prepared to have at least $1,000 USD in your pocket as more space requires more cash in these areas.
If you’re lucky enough to find two bedroom unit in the areas mentioned above, it would surely come with displeasing entrance, very compact size, old furniture, and certainly within an aged building.
How likely is it to rent a unit within $800 budget in Phnom Penh central business districts?
| $800 BUDGET | STUDIO | 1 BEDROOM | 2 BEDROOM |
| CONDO | VERY HIGH | LOW | VERY LOW |
| SERVICED APARTMENT | HIGH | AVERAGE | VERY LOW |
THE IDEAL ALTERNATIVE ADDRESS: BKK2, BKK3, & RUSSIAN MARKET
If the business districts in Phnom Penh limit your rental options within your budget, the perfect alternative locations in close proximity to these areas are BKK2 & BKK3, and Russian Market, which can still meet your needs in terms of accessibility, transportation, quality of living, and recreation.
Just across Monivong Blvd., situated west of BKK1, BKK2 & BKK3 are tagged as the next best locations to live without compromising budget, quality of life and proximity to city center. You can say the same with Toul Toumpung, popularly known as “Russian Market,” an area known for being home to expats and locals.
Less developed with condominiums and serviced apartments, the options you have here (within $800 USD) are mostly mid-rise flats or apartments, meaning condos and serviced apartments are off the table. The vertical residential in these areas are proof that quality does not have to be expensive.
Moreover, if you’re looking for a more decent and comfortable two-bedroom unit, it’s highly available in these areas which you won’t find in BKK1 and Tonle Bassac with $800 USD budget. The two-bedroom units here (at the said rental price) are more spacious and well-maintained, however it usually comes with no amenities and traditional wooden furniture or fixtures.
How likely is it to rent a unit within $800 budget in BKK2, BKK3, & Russian Market?
| $800 BUDGET | STUDIO | 1 BEDROOM | 2 BEDROOM |
| CONDO | AVERAGE | AVERAGE | VERY LOW |
| SERVICED APARTMENT | VERY HIGH | HIGH | HIGH |
| FLAT/APARTMENT | VERY HIGH | VERY HIGH | HIGH |
AFFORDABLE RESIDENTIAL AREAS: TOUL KORK, SEN SOK
While being inside or atleast close to the city center is the most important factor in renting a home in Phnom Penh, others’ top priority is convenience – nearby malls and supermarkets to easily run grocery errands. A lot of renters are also considering moving out of the city, away from the crowded capital, especially with the rise of work-from-home setting. Without comprising both aspects, Toul Kork and Sen Sok are the perfect areas if you’re looking to move to a little away from the city yet still close to necessities.
Commonly known for “gated communities” and villas, the districts of Toul Kork and Sen Sok comprises low supply of vertical residential developments. In fact, the condo and apartment developments here just started popping out in recent years, not to mention most of it are high-end. Furthermore, the rental demand here is quite low which makes the prices a little high, but this gives you or your agent a leverage to bargain and negotiate the price.
Considering all the aspects mentioned above, renters eyeing to live in these districts can rent a decent studio (condo, serviced apartment, or flat) for $800 USD or a comfortable one-bedroom apartment in a flat or serviced apartment building.
Although you get less in rental options in Toul Kork and Sen Sok, you’ll get to have more in terms of everyday living because of its proximity to Makro, Aeon 2, TK Avenue, etc.
How likely is it to rent a unit within $800 budget in little suburb areas like Toul Kork & Sen Sok?
| $800 BUDGET | STUDIO | 1 BEDROOM | 2 BEDROOM |
| CONDO | HIGH | LOW | VERY LOW |
| SERVICED APARTMENT | HIGH | AVERAGE | LOW |
| FLAT/APARTMENT | VERY HIGH | HIGH | LOW |
If you’re planning to work or move to Cambodia, the perfect place to be is of course the capital city, Phnom Penh. From opportunities, necessities to cosmopolitan residences, it’s an enviable address for vertical living. Browse through our listings to find condominiums or apartments in Phnom Penh within your budget.
