Cambodia vs Thailand for Retirement: The Ultimate Guide for Expats

Thinking about retiring in Southeast Asia? You’re not alone! More and more people are looking at this beautiful part of the world for its low cost of living, tropical climate, and laid-back lifestyle. Two countries that constantly top the list are Cambodia and Thailand for retirement but which one is better? (Spoiler alert: It depends…)

(Before you come after us, ALL experiences are different and your mileage may vary!)

If you have any thoughts or comments about anything in this article, leave them in the comment box at the bottom, we’d LOVE to hear from you!

In this pretty in depth guide, we’ll compare retiring in Cambodia vs retirement in Thailand across all the important things you care about: cost of living, retirement visas, rent prices, healthcare, lifestyle, and more.

Whether you’re planning to retire on a budget or just want a slower pace of life, this comparison will help you decide which destination is right for your next chapter. If you’re trying to decide between Cambodia and Thailand for retirement, it’s important to consider every aspect of life – not just how much you enjoy the nightlife! It’s vastly different of course to what you experience when you visit these beautiful countries on holiday.

Cost of Living: Cambodia Is One of the Cheapest Places to Retire in the world

If you’re looking for the cheapest country to retire in Southeast Asia, Thailand is certainly great value, but Cambodia is hard to beat.

Cambodia: Most expats can live comfortably on $1,000–$1,500 USD per month. This includes rent, utilities, transportation, food, and occasional leisure activities.

Thailand: You should probably expect to spend $1,300–$2,000 USD monthly for a similar lifestyle, especially in popular cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, or Phuket where costs are higher.

This will depend entirely on your lifestyle though – It’s easy to spend far more, and it’s easy to spend far less!

Daily expenses like transport, laundry, SIM cards, and even medical appointments can be significantly cheaper in Cambodia. If you’re retiring on a fixed income, Cambodia offers unbeatable value for money in comparison to Thailand for retirement.

Street food and local dishes are incredibly great value in both countries, though western style dishes and restaurants are slightly cheaper in Cambodia.

Rent Prices: Cambodia Offers Affordable Long-Term Accommodation

One of the biggest expenses for retirees is accommodation and again, Cambodia offers a big advantage in this area.

In Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, you can rent a western standard furnished one bedroom apartment for $150–$400 USD per month. Local-style homes are even cheaper and if you head further from the city centre there are some great bargains. $200 monthly in Siem Reap would generally get you a nice 1 bedroom apartment – possible even with use of a shared swimming pool!

In Thailand, properties of a similar standard generally range from $300–$600 USD, with prices of course creeping higher in popular places like Phuket or Bangkok.

If you’re considering retiring abroad on a budget, Cambodia is one of the best countries for low-cost living as your essential costs are very minimal, leaving more money left over for the fun stuff!

Pro tip: Cambodia has fewer restrictions on short-term leases and is very renter friendly, so you won’t need to lock in a year long contract right away. Cambodia is currently a renters market, so some incredible deals can be found, even on short term leases.

One important thing to note, is that electricity costs are slightly higher in Cambodia (roughly $0.18 – $0.25 per KwH) so if you’re an air con addict that’s something to bear in mind!

Cambodia or Thailand for Retirement Visas: Cambodia Has a Simpler Visa Process

One of the top things to consider when retiring overseas is the ease of long-term stay when talking about visas and living in a country legally. This is where Cambodia really shines.

Cambodia Retirement Visa (ER Visa Extension)

– Easy to obtain and can be renewed yearly indefinitely.

– Minimal paperwork required and many agents will sort this out for you.

– No need to prove large bank deposits or health insurance.

– Can generally be applied for at age 55 (though technically this would be 54 in western age counting) as standard, though you can apply for this visa below the age of 55 if you can prove you’re retired and will not be working in Cambodia.

For more detailed information on Cambodia Visas – Check out THIS article!

Thailand Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O or OA)

– Requires proof of income of at least 65,000THB monthly or a deposit of 800,000 THB (~$24,000 USD at time of writing) into a Thai bank account to demonstrate that you have suitable funds.

– Can be renewed annually indefinitely.

– Can be applied for once you’re over the age of 50.

– Thailand has 90 day reporting policies. This means every 90 days you must inform the immigration department of your whereabouts via mail, online or in person.

– Mandatory health insurance with approved Thai providers.

– Increasingly strict immigration policies in recent years which are well known to change frequently and with little warning.

If you want a simple process with fewer headaches and red tape, Cambodia is easier than Thailand for retirement visas.

Healthcare: Thailand Offers World-Class Medical Services

When it comes to healthcare for expats, Thailand is widely considered one of the best in Asia. Whilst not a pleasant thought, if you’re considering Cambodia or Thailand for retirement, it’s important to consider what you’d do if you had a medical emergency – or if you have any ongoing issues you’d need treatment for.

Thailand: Thailand is well known for the top quality private hospitals, internationally trained doctors, and English-speaking staff. Thai healthcare is so globally popular that the country has even become a destinaton for medical tourism.

Cambodia: Good private clinics are available in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Healthcare in Cambodia is generally cheaper than Thailand, though Thailand is well ahead in terms of healthcare quality. There are also larger hospitals in Cambodia with great reputations and healthcare has been rapidly improving in Cambodia in recent years. Regardless, a lot of people would still opt to go to Thailand for severe or complicated medical treatment.

While health insurance for retirees is optional in Cambodia, it’s required for retirement visas in Thailand. Still, many retirees in Cambodia purchase affordable international coverage for peace of mind. The last thing you want, especially as you enter your golden years, is a medical emergency that you don’t have the funds to cover!

Lifestyle and Expat Communities

Both countries can offer unique lifestyles depending on your preferences. Are you more interested in shopping malls or countryside fishing? Would you prefer high end restaurants or BBQ’s with locals? Check out the next section to see the lifestyle differences between Cambodia and Thailand for retirement. Regardless, it’s probably going to be a lot different to what you’re used to! If you want to check out some of the great nightlife in Siem Reap for example… You’re on the right website!

Thailand for retirement

– Thailand is fast evolving with a very well developed infrastructure and a growing economy. This can be important for a lot of people!

– There are huge expat communities in the larger cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Hua Hin. This can make it easier when you first arrive to find likeminded people to help you on your journey who have already been through all the same things you’re about to!

– Thailand has great public transport, supermarkets, gyms, and of course the world famous nightlife! All things to consider depending on your lifestyle and what you’re seeking when looking at Thailand for retirement.

– Thailand has a lot More Western conveniences and familiarity. From giant modern shopping malls to international fast food chains like McDonalds, you’ll likely find it easier to adjust to life in Thailand coming from a Western country.

Cambodia for retirement

– Compared to Thailand, Cambodia has a slower pace of life, and the country itself may be economically less developed but it can certainly feel more authentic.

– Whilst smaller than Thailand, growing expat communities in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Kampot mean you’re bound to find your people, so you can easily integrate with local culture whilst also spending time with others who are going through the same things as you. Retiring to a new country can be a challenging experience and having others around you who are navigating the same obstacles can be a major bonus.

– Cambodia has an easygoing vibe, friendly locals, and more relaxed regulations in terms of getting by with the pesky chores of day to day life. Opening bank accounts, exchanging driving licences, renewing visas etc are all very straightforward in Cambodia.

– Cambodia is great for retirees who value simplicity and community over luxury. If you’d choose a cheap coffee sat by the riverside watching the world go by over browsing malls and department stores, Cambodia might be more your vibe.

– If you’re the type who wants to integrate into local life or enjoy some peace and quiet, Cambodia offers a more grounded, relaxed retirement lifestyle in our opinion. Although – there’s certainly no shortage of nightlife and excitement should you want it!

Language and Culture

Cultural immersion is part of the appeal of retiring abroad. Here’s what to expect when deciding between Cambodia and Thailand for retirement:

Thailand: Thai people are famously friendly, though the culture overall can feel a bit more formal than Cambodia. Learning Thai helps, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas, though outside of those areas it could be difficult to connect with people if you haven’t learned at least a bit of the language. However, you’ll have no problems meeting local Thai people that you make friends with quickly – it’s not called the land of smiles for nothing!

Cambodia: Khmer is challenging to learn (Check out THIS link for some great basics!), but locals are patient and welcoming. In areas such as Siem Reap and Phnom Penh where there are large amounts of tourists, there is a high level of English spoken in many places. Expats often describe Cambodian people as warm and kind – which is very true in our experience. Cambodian people in general are very friendly and easy going and you’ll find yourself making local friends in no time! Even if you can only speak a few words of badly pronounced Khmer, it will go a long way!

Both countries are deeply spiritual and culturally rich. If you’re interested in Buddhist culture, ancient temples, or local traditions, you’ll find plenty to explore in either destination so on that category I couldn’t call a clear winner. Cambodia does have Angkor Wat, which definitely gives it that extra touch, but Thailand overall has a larger quantity of appealing cultural sites.

Thailand’s nightlife is of course famous worldwide – The Hangover anyone? – but Cambodia has a vibrant and growing nightlife too so you won’t be missing out!

Internet, Transport, and Safety

Internet: Both countries have good, affordable internet. Cambodia has made major leaps in mobile data coverage and speeds in recent years, though many parts of Thailand now have 5G connectivity and Thailand probably wins out in the category of internet reliability.

Transport: Thailand has better infrastructure with taxis, buses, and even metros in Bangkok. Cambodia’s transport is more casual, with remorks (Cambodian tuk-tuks) and scooters being the most common mode of transport. Cambodia does of course have ride hailing apps for getting yourself a tuktuk or an air conditioned taxi such as Grab or PassApp. If you wish to drive a scooter under 125cc, you won’t need a licence in Cambodia and foreigners are able to apply for a driving licence, as they are in Thailand.

Safety: Both are generally safe for foreigners. Petty theft can happen in big cities (just like anywhere in the world), but violent crime is rare. If you’re friendly and don’t go looking for trouble, you’re unlikely to find it!

If you’re looking for the best country to retire in Asia on a budget, Cambodia is definitely a top choice. It offers low-cost living, easy visas, and a chance to experience a truly local lifestyle with many of your home comforts thrown in too. There is a strong sense of community in Cambodia and if that’s what you’re looking for you may find it a good alternative to Thailand for retirement.

If you want excellent healthcare, modern infrastructure, and a more Westernised experience, Thailand might be the better fit.

Why not spend time in both and see for yourself?

Bonus Tip: Try Before You Retire

Before making a final decision, consider doing what we like to call a retirement trial – spend a few months in both Cambodia and Thailand (or whichever one you’re most fond of!). Spend some time in a nice hotel or get a short term rental and live like a local, to get a feel for day-to-day life instead of just experiencing the country as a tourist. This is the best way to know which country truly feels like home and to make sure you’re not just in the “honeymoon phase” from enjoying a really great holiday!

One thing to remember if you’re deciding between Cambodia and Thailand for retirement is that the countries are neighbours! Even if you decided to retire to Cambodia, you could very easily get to Thailand for some cheap holidays – and vice versa!

If you’ve enjoyed this article or found some useful information, you might enjoy the following articles;
“Should I move to Cambodia”
“Moving to Cambodia – First Steps”
“Currency in Cambodia”

For more great information or recommendations from our Siem Reap travel guide and for tips on Cambodia in general, don’t forget to follow our Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok accounts for regular fun and updates!
@morethantemples

Thinking about a trip to Cambodia and looking for someone to help plan your itinerary, or just looking for someone to take you to places you won’t find on regular tours? CLICK HERE to visit our “Tours” page and get in touch. Nightlife tours also available!

Any information in the article above about Cambodia and Thailand for retirement was correct at the time of posting to the best of our knowledge. If you notice any issues or would like to chat to us about the article please get in touch with us via our “ABOUT” page. If you’re the owner of a business we’ve written about and would like to discuss any out of date or incorrect information, please get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help! Any opinions expressed in our articles are our own and may not be representative of everyone’s experience.

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