Phnom Penh wins overall by ~21% (COL index)
Cost of living: Phnom Penh vs Nairobi (2026)
A $75,000 salary in Phnom Penh buys roughly what $95,000 does in Nairobi (COL-adjusted). Your real trade-offs are taxes, rent, and day-to-day prices — we break them down and personalize below.
Your move simulator
Tell us about your household — we calculate your real annual savings.
Estimated annual swing
+$22,689/yr
Favoring Phnom Penh for this income & household (illustrative).
With the extra $1,891/mo, you could pay down a $15,000 card balance in ~8 months and still keep ~$227/mo for dining out.
Studio rent/mo
1BR rent/mo
2BR rent/mo
Median home price
Groceries index (100 = US avg)
Budget meal (1 person)
Mid-range dinner (2)
Monthly transit pass/mo
Gas price/gal
Car insurance/mo
Monthly utilities bundle/mo
Internet/mo
Median household income/yr
State income tax%
Sales tax (combined)%
Movie ticket
Gym membership/mo
Beer at restaurant
Overall COL index (100 = US avg)
Walk score / 100
| Category | Phnom Penh Phnom Penh | Nairobi Nairobi County | Who wins | Your impact at $75K · 1br · 1 car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||||
| Studio rent/mo | $260Wins | $370 | Phnom wins +$110/mo | $1,320/yr saves in Phnom |
| 1BR rent/mo | $350Wins | $500 | Phnom wins +$150/mo | $1,800/yr saves in Phnom |
| 2BR rent/mo | $580Wins | $820 | Phnom wins +$240/mo | $2,880/yr saves in Phnom |
| Median home price | — | — | — | — |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | — | — | — | — |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $3Wins | $4 | Phnom wins +$1/mo | — |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $18Better | $18 | — | — |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | — | — | — | — |
| Gas price/gal | — | — | — | — |
| Car insurance/mo | — | — | — | — |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $60Wins | $70 | Phnom wins +$10/mo | — |
| Internet/mo | $40Better | $40 | — | — |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||||
| Median household income/yr | — | — | — | — |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Wins | 30.0% | Phnom wins +30.0 pp | $22,500/yr saves in Phnom |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 10.0%Wins | 16.0% | Phnom wins +6.0 pp | — |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||||
| Movie ticket | — | — | — | — |
| Gym membership/mo | $20Better | $22 | Phnom wins +$2/mo | — |
| Beer at restaurant | — | — | — | — |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 30Wins | 38 | Phnom wins +8 | — |
| Walk score / 100 | 52Better | 52 | — | — |
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
Tax-smart rewards
Turn ~$20,892/yr tax difference into cash back
Phnom Penh fits your move math — cash-back cards stack on groceries, gas, and dining you're already doing.
Home + auto bundle
New state — new insurance rates
Bundling often saves hundreds/yr. Compare before you sign a lease in Phnom Penh.
High-yield savings
Grow your move fund while you shop for homes
Don't let relocation cash sit at 0% — put it to work until closing day.
More ways to compare this move
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While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
If cash is tight
Knock down high-interest debt first
A move has upfront costs — a balance transfer or personal loan can lower APR while you settle in.
If you're saving big
Invest the surplus on autopilot
Brokerages and robo-advisors help you dollar-cost average into the market with your new slack.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phnom Penh cheaper than Nairobi?
Yes. Phnom Penh is 21% cheaper than Nairobi based on overall cost of living indices (30 vs 38, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Phnom Penh vs Nairobi?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Phnom Penh is $350/month and in Nairobi is $500/month. Phnom Penh is cheaper by 30%.
How much do I need to earn in Nairobi to match a $75,000 salary in Phnom Penh?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $95,000/year in Nairobi to match a $75,000 salary in Phnom Penh. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Phnom Penh or Nairobi?
Phnom Penh has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 30%. Phnom Penh has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Phnom Penh to Nairobi?
It depends on your priorities. Phnom Penh offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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