As an indicative guide, a comfortable retirement in Cambodia costs roughly £1,400/month for a couple — about £16,800/year (≈ $1,890/month). A modest budget is nearer £850; a premium one nearer £2,400.
Roughly where a comfortable £1,400/month goes:
Indicative estimates for a couple, general guidance only — real costs vary by location, lifestyle and exchange rates.
Very low costs, an easy long-stay visa and a friendly, laid-back pace draw retirees to Phnom Penh, temple-rich Siem Reap and the southern coast; US dollars are used for most everyday transactions, which keeps daily life simple.
Foreigners can own condominium units outright with a strata title, on the first floor and above, capped at 70% of any building and not within 30km of a land border. Land itself cannot be foreign-owned, so houses and villas are taken on long leases (commonly up to 50 years) or through a majority-Cambodian company. As a general guide only — always confirm the current rules with a qualified local lawyer. Our free ownership checker and the Overseas Property Playbook walk through how ownership works step by step.
Most retirees use the ER ('retirement') extension of an ordinary E-class visa: broadly for those aged 55+ who are retired, it is inexpensive and renewable yearly, needing proof of retirement and funds rather than a fixed deposit. Visa rules change often, so treat this as a starting point and verify the latest requirements before you plan.
Phnom Penh for the widest amenities and healthcare, temple-rich Siem Reap for a calmer pace, and riverside Kampot with seaside Kep in the south for laid-back living, all with established expat pockets.
Public healthcare is limited and private clinics in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, while improving, still send serious cases to Bangkok or Singapore — so international insurance with medical-evacuation cover is strongly advised. Routine care is cheap and largely cash-based.
Cambodia operates a territorial system, so a foreign pension is generally not taxed; even resident retirees typically find foreign-source pension income falls outside the local net, while local earnings are taxed progressively up to 20%. Declare your status and take advice to be sure.
Tropical and warm all year; the dry season (November-April, coolest November-January) is most comfortable, followed by a hot spell and a May-October monsoon. Generally safe and friendly, though watch for bag-snatching and chaotic traffic; English is widely spoken in expat and tourist areas, the US dollar is used day-to-day, and driving is on the right.
Expect a 4% transfer tax on the government-assessed value for a strata-title condo, plus registration and legal fees and any title-upgrade cost; US dollars are used, which keeps transactions simple. Foreigners buy condo units (not land), and registration can take some weeks.
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