Yes, an American can retire in Cambodia quite easily compared to many other Southeast Asian countries. As of 2026, Cambodia remains one of the most accessible and affordable retirement destinations in the world, specifically due to its ER (Retirement) Visa and low cost of living.
However, retiring here requires a specific process and a shift in lifestyle expectations regarding healthcare and safety.
1. The Retirement Visa (ER Visa)
Cambodia does not have a “points system” or massive deposit requirements like Thailand or Malaysia. The process is straightforward:
- Age Requirement: You must be 55 years or older. (If you are under 55, you can sometimes still qualify by providing proof of a pension or a monthly income of at least $1,500).
- The “Ordinary” Entry: You must enter Cambodia on an Ordinary Visa (E-Class), not a Tourist Visa (T-Class). The E-Class visa costs $35 on arrival.
- The Extension: Once inside Cambodia, you apply for a 12-month ER Extension. This typically costs around $285–$300 through a local visa agent.
- Documentation: You generally need your passport (valid for 6+ months), passport photos, and proof of retirement (like a Social Security statement or pension letter).
2. Cost of Living (2026 Estimates)
While prices have risen slightly due to modernization, an American can live comfortably on $1,200 to $2,500 per month.
- Housing: A modern 1-bedroom apartment in Phnom Penh (BKK1 or Riverside) ranges from $400–$700. In Siem Reap or Kampot, you can find beautiful villas for $350–$500.
- Utilities: Electricity is the biggest variable; it’s expensive at roughly $0.20/kWh. Expect to pay $60–$150 depending on how much you use the AC.
- Food: Local meals are $2–$5, while high-end Western dining is $15–$30.
3. Healthcare: The “Safety Net” Strategy
This is the most critical factor for American retirees. While local clinics handle minor issues well, serious conditions often require travel.
- Quality: Calmette Hospital (The Public Flagship). Following the inauguration of the Techo Aphivadh Building (a multi-million dollar expansion), Calmette now offers international-standard specialized care. It features state-of-the-art diagnostic technology (including the Cyclotron Medical Center) and Western-trained specialists, many of whom speak fluent English and French.
- Insurance: It is highly recommended to have International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) that includes “Medical Evacuation” to Bangkok or Singapore for major emergencies.
- Pharmacy: Most medications are available over-the-counter without a prescription, but you should buy from reputable chains like U-Care to ensure quality.
4. Property Ownership
- Condos: Americans can legally own Strata-titled condominiums (units above the ground floor) in their own name.
- Land/Houses: You cannot own land directly. Most retirees use a Long-term Lease (50 years) or a Trust Holding structure (under the 2019 Trust Law) to secure landed property safely.
Retirement Snapshot: 2026
| Factor | Status | Note |
| Visa Ease | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Most relaxed in the region. |
| Cost of Living | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High value for USD. |
| Healthcare | ⭐⭐ | Improving, but major surgery requires travel. |
| Infrastructure | ⭐⭐⭐ | New 2026 airports and expressways make travel easy. |
| Safety | ⭐⭐⭐ | Generally safe; petty crime (bag snatching) is the main concern. |
Orkun Santepheap’s Insider Tip
If you are planning to move, Phnom Penh is currently ranked as a top global destination for 2026 by major travel outlets. However, for a quieter retirement, look at Kampot. It has a growing expat retiree community, a cooler riverside climate, and is only a 2-hour drive from the capital via the new expressway.
To give you the most accurate 2026 retirement budget, I have compared Phnom Penh (the metropolitan capital) with Kampot (the favorite riverside retreat for American retirees).
These figures reflect a “Comfortable Expat” lifestyle—meaning you have air conditioning, eat out a few times a week, and live in a Western-style apartment or villa.
2026 Monthly Retirement Budget Comparison (USD)
| Expense Category | Phnom Penh (City Life) | Kampot (Riverside Relax) |
| Rent (1-BR Modern Condo/Villa) | $500 – $850 | $300 – $500 |
| Utilities (Electricity/Water/Trash) | $100 – $180 | $70 – $120 |
| Fiber Internet & Mobile Data | $25 | $25 |
| Groceries (Mix of local & imported) | $300 – $400 | $250 – $350 |
| Dining Out & Socializing | $300 – $500 | $200 – $350 |
| Transport (PassApp/Grab/Gas) | $60 – $100 | $30 – $60 |
| Visa & Admin (Amortized monthly) | $30 | $30 |
| Health Insurance (Expats 60+) | $150 – $300 | $150 – $300 |
| Total Monthly Estimated Cost | $1,465 – $2,385 | $1,055 – $1,735 |
A Closer Look at the Key Expenses
1. Housing: The Largest Variable
- Phnom Penh: In the popular BKK1 or Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market) areas, $500 gets you a nice 1-bedroom apartment, often with a gym and pool.
- Kampot: For $500, you can often rent a whole 2-3 bedroom house with a garden, though these are usually located slightly outside the town center.
2. Electricity: The “Silent Killer” of Budgets
Cambodia has some of the highest electricity costs in the region. If you run your AC 24/7 in 2026, your bill will easily exceed $200. Most retirees use AC only for sleeping and rely on ceiling fans during the day to keep costs near $80–$100.
3. Healthcare & Insurance
For an American aged 60+, a solid international health insurance policy (covering inpatient and emergency evacuation to Bangkok) is non-negotiable.
- Local Tip: Many retirees choose “Inpatient Only” coverage to keep premiums low and pay out-of-pocket for routine dental and GP visits, which are very cheap in Cambodia (approx. $20–$40 per visit).
4. Groceries & The “Home Comforts” Tax
If you eat like a local (fresh markets, seasonal fruit, local rice), you will save a fortune. However, if you crave American staples—like Tillamook cheese, Blue Diamond almonds, or US steaks—you will pay a premium at specialty stores like Super Duper or Lucky Supermarket. Expect these items to cost 50% more than they do in the States.
Orkun Santepheap’s Recommendations
- For the “Active Retiree”: Choose Phnom Penh. You have access to better hospitals, the new 2026 Techo International Airport, and a massive variety of social clubs and high-end dining.
- For the “Nature Lover”: Choose Kampot. The air is cleaner, the pace of life is slower, and you are close to the mountains and the sea (Kep).
- The Middle Ground: Siem Reap offers a great balance of culture and a very tight-knit American expat community, with costs sitting right between Phnom Penh and Kampot.
Here is a breakdown of the Initial Setup Costs for an American retiree.
1. Visa & Administrative Costs ($350 – $400)
- Entry Visa (E-Class): $35. You must ask for the “Ordinary” or “Business” visa on arrival, not a tourist visa.
- 12-Month Retirement Extension (ER): $285 – $305. It is best to use a local visa agent (like Lucky! Lucky! or Sokhoum) to handle the paperwork. This includes the multiple-entry stamp.
- FPCS Registration: Free, but your landlord must do this. It is a mandatory residency recording in the “Foreigners Present in Cambodia System.”
2. Housing Setup ($900 – $2,500)
- Security Deposit: 1 to 2 months’ rent. If your rent is $500, expect to pay $500–$1,000 as a refundable deposit.
- First Month’s Rent: Paid in advance.
- Agent Fee: $0. In Cambodia, the landlord pays the real estate agent, so using an agent to find a home is free for you.
- Basic Household Goods: $200 – $500. Most apartments come “fully furnished,” but you’ll likely want to buy your own high-quality linens, kitchenware, or a better coffee machine at stores like Zando Home or Makro.
3. Transportation Setup ($500 – $2,500)
You have three main choices for getting around as a retiree:
- The “App” Life: $0 initial cost. Just download Grab and PassApp. This is the safest and easiest way for newcomers.
- Used Scooter (110cc-125cc): $500 – $1,200. A second-hand Honda Scoopy or Honda Dream is the “gold standard” for reliability and resale value.
- Used Car (e.g., Toyota Camry/Vios): $12,000 – $18,000. Cars are heavily taxed in Cambodia, making them significantly more expensive than in the US.
4. Health & Survival ($250 – $600)
- Initial Health Check: $50 – $100. Many retirees do an initial check-up at an expat-friendly clinic like Intercare or Raffles to establish a local record.
- Local Health Insurance (Initial Premium): $150 – $400. Depending on your age and the level of coverage (Inpatient vs. Full), you may need to pay the first quarter or year upfront.
Summary: Total “Landing” Fund
To move comfortably without stress, you should have a “Landing Fund” of approximately $4,000 – $5,000 (excluding a car purchase).
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Visas & Permits | $340 |
| Housing (Deposit + 1st Month) | $1,500 |
| Household Essentials | $400 |
| Used Scooter + Helmet | $900 |
| Initial Buffer/Cash-on-hand | $1,000 |
| TOTAL | $4,140 |
Important 2026 Logistics
- Bring “Perfect” Bills: This is the #1 trap. Any US dollar bill with a tiny tear, ink mark, or heavy fold will be rejected by shops and banks in Cambodia. Bring brand-new, crisp $100 bills from your US bank.
- Open an ABA Bank Account: As soon as you have your 12-month visa and a lease, open an account at ABA Bank. Their mobile app is world-class and allows you to pay for everything via “KHQR” codes, meaning you won’t need to carry much cash.
READ MORE: Is Cambodia Still Affordable in 2026? A Daily Budget Breakdown for Every Traveler