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Renting a long-term apartment in Phnom Penh involves several cost components beyond the base rent. Rents are almost universally quoted and paid in US dollars (USD), which is the de facto currency for residential leases in the city.
Phnom Penh in brief: Rents start from 150 USD/month for a basic furnished studio and reach 600 USD/month for a comfortable one-bedroom in a central expat district. Leases are in USD, deposits are typically 2 months' rent, and electricity is billed separately at landlord rates. Top student neighbourhoods are Toul Tom Poung, BKK2/BKK3, and Toul Kork. Major universities include RUPP, ITC, PUC, and the University of Cambodia.
Finding long-term rental accommodation in Phnom Penh as an international student is relatively straightforward compared to many other Asian capitals. The city's rental market is open to foreigners, leases are commonly available in English, and rents are denominated in US dollars (USD). Whether you are studying at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Pannasastra University of Cambodia, or one of the city's many private institutions, there is a wide range of furnished apartments and shared housing options to suit different budgets. Key student-friendly districts such as Toul Tom Poung, BKK2, and Toul Kork offer modern furnished apartments at competitive monthly rents, with flexible lease terms of 6 or 12 months. Understanding the full cost structure — including electricity, water, and the upfront deposit — is essential to budgeting accurately for your stay.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, is a growing destination for international students, home to major institutions including the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), and Pannasastra University of Cambodia (PUC). The long-term rental market is highly accessible, with furnished apartments available from approximately 150 USD/month in outer districts to 600 USD/month in premium central areas such as BKK1. Rents are quoted and paid in US dollars, and leases typically require a security deposit of two months' rent. Popular student neighbourhoods include Toul Tom Poung, BKK2/BKK3, and Toul Kork, all offering good access to universities, cafés, and public transport. Electricity is billed separately and is the most variable utility cost, making it essential to clarify the per-kWh rate with the landlord before signing any lease.
Finding long-term rental accommodation in Phnom Penh as an international student is relatively straightforward compared to many other Asian capitals. The city's rental market is open to foreigners, leases are commonly available in English, and rents are denominated in US dollars (USD). Whether you are studying at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, Pannasastra University of Cambodia, or one of the city's many private institutions, there is a wide range of furnished apartments and shared housing options to suit different budgets. Key student-friendly districts such as Toul Tom Poung, BKK2, and Toul Kork offer modern furnished apartments at competitive monthly rents, with flexible lease terms of 6 or 12 months. Understanding the full cost structure — including electricity, water, and the upfront deposit — is essential to budgeting accurately for your stay.
Phnom Penh remains one of the most affordable capital cities in Southeast Asia for long-term renters. International students can find a furnished studio or one-bedroom apartment in central neighbourhoods for 150 USD–300 USD/month in areas like Toul Kork or BKK2/BKK3, and 300 USD–550 USD/month in more popular expat zones like Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market). The premium district of BKK1 commands rents of 400 USD–900 USD/month for a one-bedroom unit (source: RUMAVI, movekh.com, IPS Cambodia, 2024–2025). Electricity is the most variable cost and can significantly impact the total monthly bill, especially during the hot season when air conditioning usage is high.
One of the most common mistakes made by international students renting in Phnom Penh is underestimating the electricity bill. Because air conditioning is essential in Cambodia's tropical climate, electricity costs can easily reach 80 USD–100 USD/month or more for a one-bedroom apartment. Landlords routinely charge 0.25 USD–0.35 USD/kWh, which is significantly above the official EDC rate of approximately 0.18 USD/kWh (source: CAM Realty, movekh.com, 2024–2025). Always clarify the exact electricity rate in writing before signing any lease.
A second frequent error is not reading the lease carefully or relying solely on verbal agreements. In Cambodia, lease agreements are not heavily regulated, and early termination clauses, deposit refund conditions, and utility billing methods vary widely between landlords. Always ensure all agreed terms are documented in the written contract before paying any deposit.
Students mostly live in Toul Tom Poung, around the Russian Market, in BKK2 and BKK3, or in Toul Kork, which are well served and close to several universities. BKK1 is more prestigious and more expensive.
Listings circulate on realestate.com.kh and khmer24.com, widely used by locals and expats. From abroad, a Home Finder views for you, with photos or video, and reviews the lease.
Our information on Phnom Penh does not mention a guarantor. What landlords ask for is a copy of your passport and valid visa, since they must register you through the FPCS.
Also plan for the deposit of two months' rent at signing, on top of the first month. Have all conditions written into the lease before you pay.
Start at least four to six weeks before your planned move-in date: the market moves quickly in popular areas and a rushed search pushes you to accept the first price quoted.
From abroad, it is best to view remotely with photos or video, then see the area at different times of day once you arrive. A lease of 12 months or more gives you more room to negotiate the rent.
Allow 150 to 300 USD/month for a basic furnished studio in Toul Kork or BKK2 and BKK3, and 300 to 550 USD/month in Toul Tom Poung. Electricity is billed separately, often 0.25 to 0.35 USD per kWh, so between 30 and 100 USD/month with air conditioning.
The deposit is usually two months' rent. Have the price per kWh confirmed in writing in the lease.
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