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Researched Updated Oct 22, 2026 Last changed Oct 31, 2026 About scores

Scores run from 0 to 10, where 10 is best for a remote worker and 5 is an average city.

Cost & Affordability

7 factors · average 7.9
Cost of Living 8.2 Weight 150

A monthly remote-worker budget is inexpensive, with rent and local meals keeping spending low. 2 1 43

Evidence

City-costs nomad categories total USD 1,087.36; Numbeo meal USD 2.50 and outside-centre 1BR USD 235.09 (21 October 2026).

Accommodation Cost 7.9 Weight 80

Furnished apartments are affordable; monthly tourist-ready housing costs more than the cheapest local lease. 43 2 44

Evidence

City-costs Housing nomad USD 395; IPS 21796 asks USD 250/month; Numbeo central 1BR USD 334.

Food & Groceries 8.2 Weight 40

Local meals and produce are cheap; imported dairy and Western groceries raise the bill. 2 1

Evidence

City-costs Groceries nomad USD 98 and Dining Out USD 238; Numbeo meal USD 2.50, milk USD 2.19/litre.

Transportation Cost 8.2 Weight 20

Short tuk-tuk trips are inexpensive, while repeated longer rides or a scooter increase monthly spending. 16 45 1

Evidence

City-costs Transportation nomad USD 128; 2026 visitor guide reports town tuk-tuks USD 1-2; airport shuttle USD 8.

Entertainment Cost 7.6 Weight 15

Beer and casual activities are cheap, but Angkor admission and organised tours add appreciably to a leisure budget. 2 50 4

Evidence

City-costs Leisure nomad USD 98; Numbeo beer USD 1 and cinema USD 5; Angkor one-day USD 37.

Gym Membership Cost 6.9 Weight 10

A standard gym is moderately priced; local basic gyms can cost less than premium facilities. 2 1

Evidence

City-costs gym USD 34.70/month; Numbeo USD 33.40, range USD 20-40, on 21 October 2026.

Currency Stability 8.5 Weight 30

The riel has a long record of limited movement against the dollar, which is also widely used for prices. 10

Evidence

BTI 2026 reports KHR 3,900-4,150 per USD for over 25 years; the run prep fixes KHR 4,067/USD on 19 October 2026.

Digital Nomad Essentials

6 factors · average 6.6
Internet Speed 5.3 Weight 100

Usable fibre is available, but the national median is moderate. Test the specific apartment or desk before committing. 9 3

Measured Low confidence Median down mbps: 54.94, Geography: Cambodia national proxy (ookla, 2026-09)
Evidence

Ookla September 2026 fixedMedian 54.94 Mbps, fixedMean 82.71 Mbps; Commune advertises 300 Mbps, not a citywide measured median.

Coworking Spaces Availability 5.7 Weight 40

A small selection of dedicated and mixed-use workspaces serves the central city. 3 4 16

Evidence

Commune lists monthly desks on Rose Apple Road; Level Up sells coworking membership; Footprint upstairs is described in the January 2026 guide update.

Cafes with WiFi 7.2 Weight 30

Connected cafes are easy to find around the visitor centre and Wat Bo. 16 4

Evidence

The 2026 firsthand guide reports usable Wi-Fi in cafes and names Footprint; Level Up explicitly supplies fast Wi-Fi.

Digital Nomad Friendly Cafes 6.8 Weight 30

Laptop-friendly seating exists, though call privacy and all-day comfort vary by venue. 16 4

Evidence

Footprint has an upstairs workspace and meeting room in the 2026 guide; Level Up provides a quiet work area and bookable private room.

Digital Nomad Popularity 6.2 Weight 100

Siem Reap draws a recognisable long-stay remote-worker community without the scale of a major regional hub. 17 3

Low confidence
Evidence

The Social Club guide dated 7 August 2026 describes few enough long-stay nomads to know names and no large coworking/event circuit.

Local SIM Card Availability 8.6 Weight 25

Tourist SIMs are inexpensive and easy to obtain at airport booths after identification checks. 31 32

Evidence

Smart airport Traveller SIM: USD 5, 30 GB, 15 days; country prep requires passport registration and lists USD 6/90 GB monthly data.

Quality of Life

6 factors · average 6.5
Work-Life Balance 7.6 Weight 30

The relaxed pace, nearby heritage and accessible classes support a good balance when heat is managed. 19 21 17

Evidence

UNESCO documents Angkor forest and monuments; Yoga Space offers daily classes; the local August 2026 guide describes an unhurried long-stay scene.

Environmental Quality 6.3 Weight 15

Green surroundings and environmental initiatives help, but wastewater and urban waste management remain weaknesses. 13 14

Evidence

JICA roadmap identifies unsanitary landfill and insufficient future wastewater capacity; ASEAN recognises plastic-free and groundwater conservation initiatives.

Cleanliness 6.2 Weight 10

The centre has benefited from clean-city work, with uneven waste conditions beyond the best-maintained streets. 14 13

Evidence

ASEAN lists Siem Reap among 2025 ESC recipients and records National Clean City Award 2022-2025; JICA records waste-management shortcomings.

Language Barrier 5.8 Weight 30

English works well in visitor businesses, while routine dealings beyond tourism may need Khmer or translation. 48 49

Low confidence
Evidence

Investment guide says business is conducted in English; EF national EPI is 390, rank 123, with no Siem Reap score.

Air Quality 6.5 Weight 15

The annual model suggests moderate particulate exposure; roadside dust and seasonal smoke can be worse locally. 11

Measured Low confidence Annual pm25 ug m3: 13.7313, Hours: 8760, Geography: CAMS model grid (open-meteo, 2025-12)
Evidence

Open-Meteo 2025 hourly PM2.5 mean 13.7313 micrograms/m3 across 8,760 valid hours; model grid 13.400002, 103.899994.

Family Friendly 6.5 Weight 25

International schooling and child-friendly activities exist, with healthcare depth and road conditions limiting ease. 42 4 7

Evidence

ISSR lists day care, primary and secondary Cambridge campuses; Level Up offers kids sessions; Royal Angkor has emergency facilities.

Healthcare

3 factors · average 6.4
Healthcare Quality 5.5 Weight 20

Private hospital emergency and diagnostic services are available, though complex care may still need referral. 7 8

Evidence

Royal Angkor advertises 24-hour trauma, ICU and surgery; FCDO recommends insurance for unexpected medical evacuation.

Healthcare Affordability 8.2 Weight 25

Routine consultations are inexpensive by international standards; hospital bills and evacuation are separate costs. 1 51

Evidence

Livingcost doctor USD 22.10; Expatistan private visit KHR 103,605, about USD 25.48 at the prep rate, with a very small sample.

Healthcare 5.5 Weight 20

Routine and emergency care is accessible privately, with limits on specialist depth and the need for suitable insurance. 7 8

Evidence

Royal Angkor lists emergency referral and round-the-clock critical-care facilities; FCDO calls for treatment and evacuation cover.

Climate & Environment

6 factors · average 5.6
Weather 5.4 Weight 80

Warm dry-season months are attractive, but sustained heat and a long monsoon reduce year-round comfort. 12

Measured Mean daily high c: 31.9163, Mean daily low c: 24.0264, Annual rain mm: 1795.34, Period: 2016-2025 (open-meteo, 2025-12)
Evidence

2016-2025 model: mean daily high 31.92 C, low 24.03 C; April high 34.38 C; annual rain 1,795.34 mm.

Natural Disaster Risk 5.5 Weight 10

Seasonal flooding is a meaningful local risk; check drainage and road access around prospective housing. 47 13

Evidence

ADRC September 2026 flood entry reports 73,922 affected families nationally by 30 September, with major impacts in Siem Reap and Battambang provinces.

Green Spaces 6.0 Weight 10

Riverside public space and nearby forest offer useful greenery, though Angkor is outside the everyday city neighbourhoods. 13 19

Evidence

JICA records riverside benches, sidewalks and trees; UNESCO Angkor covers roughly 400 km2 including forest.

Air Conditioning 7.7 Weight 15

Air-conditioned housing and professional workspaces are readily available, with electricity and venue choice affecting comfort. 3 4

Evidence

Commune includes A/C in desk plans; Level Up describes an air-conditioned coworking and games space.

Seasonal Variety 3.5 Weight 10

The main change is between wet and dry periods, with limited temperature variation compared with four-season cities. 12

Measured Monthly high min c: 29.92, Monthly high max c: 34.38, January rain mm: 18.27, September rain mm: 343.02, Period: 2016-2025 (open-meteo, 2025-12)
Evidence

2016-2025 monthly mean highs range 29.92-34.38 C; January rain 18.27 mm versus September 343.02 mm.

Noise Pollution 5.4 Weight 10

Pub Street is noisy at night; quieter residential streets need to be assessed at the actual property. 15 13

Low confidence
Evidence

Wikivoyage describes loud music and nightly crowds along Street 8; JICA records city traffic congestion. No decibel survey was found.

Culture & Entertainment

6 factors · average 7.3
Culture 8.8 Weight 20

Angkor heritage and living Khmer performance give this small city exceptional cultural depth. 19 20

Evidence

UNESCO identifies 9th-15th century Khmer capitals at Angkor; Phare presents contemporary Cambodian theatre, music and dance.

Nightlife 7.0 Weight 15

Pub Street supplies lively tourist nightlife, with a smaller choice of quieter social venues elsewhere. 15 18

Evidence

Wikivoyage describes a nightly bar scene concentrated on Street 8; Social Club advertises Thursday evenings in Wat Damnak.

Outdoors & Nature 7.8 Weight 15

Forest, reservoir, lake and waterfall trips are accessible from town, usually by bicycle or hired transport. 49 19

Evidence

Provincial investment guide names West Baray, Kulen waterfall, Tonle Sap flooded forests and a bird sanctuary.

Language Learning Opportunities 6.0 Weight 10

Structured Khmer tuition, private lessons and flexible group courses are available locally. 41

Evidence

Be Like Khmer lists Siem Reap private lessons USD 10-12/hour, full-time group USD 160/month and several part-time schedules.

Local Experiences & Tours 8.7 Weight 10

Temple guiding, crafts, cooking and countryside excursions provide a wide choice of local experiences. 50 22 49

Evidence

Angkor Enterprise lists 50+ temples on its pass; Peace Cafe teaches vegetarian cooking; the investment guide describes artisan workshops.

Indoors Fun 5.4 Weight 10

Board games, museum visits and classes cover quiet days, with less variety than a large city. 4 20

Evidence

Level Up offers hundreds of games, private-room hire and kids sessions; Phare provides a covered performance option.

Food & Fitness

4 factors · average 6.8
Food Scene 7.5 Weight 25

Khmer cooking, markets and international restaurants offer good variety for a city of this size. 15 22

Evidence

Wikivoyage lists dining across Old Market, Kandal, Wat Bo and Wat Damnak; Peace Cafe publishes a Khmer vegetarian class menu.

Yoga Studios 6.6 Weight 10

Daily classes and retreat options are accessible, though the verified choice is smaller than in major wellness hubs. 21

Evidence

Yoga Space at Baby Elephant advertises daily rooftop classes, private sessions and drop-ins; single pass USD 8.

Fitness Facilities 6.1 Weight 15

Modern gym equipment, classes and hotel facilities cover ordinary fitness needs. 23 16

Evidence

Bulldogs at Rose Apple Square lists trainers and classes, open 06:00-21:00 daily; the 2026 visitor guide distinguishes basic and premium gyms.

Healthy Food Options 6.9 Weight 15

Vegetarian meals and fresh local ingredients are easy to find in the central cafe scene. 22 15

Evidence

Peace Cafe offers a vegetarian menu/class; Wikivoyage Footprint entry updated November 2025 explicitly lists vegan and vegetarian options.

Work Environment

5 factors · average 5.2
Time Zone Favorability 5.8 Weight 20

UTC+7 allows European afternoon overlap, while ordinary US working hours mostly fall at night. 24

Evidence

Timeanddate confirms UTC+7 with no 2026 DST. Calculated 09:00-17:00 New York corresponds to roughly 20:00-04:00 or 21:00-05:00 locally.

Networking Opportunities 5.1 Weight 25

Coworking and open social gatherings provide contacts, but specialised professional events are limited. 18 3 17

Evidence

Current Social Club invitation lists a weekly Thursday gathering; Commune offers shared desks and meeting rooms; August guide says no large startup circuit.

Remote Job Opportunities 3.5 Weight 20

Local remote employment is a thin market; visitors should arrive with work already arranged. 25 17

Low confidence
Evidence

ADB June 2022 finds startup support concentrated in Phnom Penh; the August 2026 local nomad guide reports no sizeable startup circuit. Neither measures current vacancies.

Freelance Ecosystem 4.3 Weight 20

Affordable desks and a small resident network support independent work, with limited evidence of a deep local client market. 4 3 25

Low confidence
Evidence

Level Up sells USD 60 monthly coworking; Commune offers desks and offices; ADB locates most startup support in the capital.

Coworking Quality 7.3 Weight 30

The strongest verified workspace offers proper ergonomics and call facilities, a clear improvement over cafe-only working. 3

Evidence

Commune specifies ergonomic desks/chairs, three phone booths, meeting rooms, AC and advertised 300 Mbps Wi-Fi.

Business & Economy

3 factors · average 4.6
Startup Scene 3.5 Weight 15

Small tourism-linked enterprise activity exists, with limited depth in technology investment and acceleration. 25 17

Low confidence
Evidence

ADB reports almost all incubator/accelerator programmes in Phnom Penh; the 7 August 2026 local guide describes no large startup circuit.

Local Payment Services 7.5 Weight 10

Visitors can use a dedicated KHQR payment app funded by an eligible foreign card, alongside cash and cards. 26

Evidence

Visa announced Bakong Tourists card linking on 22 January 2025, enabling KHQR at about 4.5 million merchants nationally.

Blockchain & Crypto Adoption 2.9 Weight 15

Regulated crypto services have a legal framework, but everyday local merchant acceptance remains unproven. 27

Low confidence
Evidence

DFDL explains NBC prior-approval/licensing requirements under the 26 December 2024 Prakas and restrictions on bank exposures.

Transportation

7 factors · average 6.0
Airport Connectivity 6.5 Weight 30

The new SAI airport offers useful Asian connections, with a lengthy transfer into the city. 28 45

Evidence

Airport guide lists Bangkok, Singapore, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; official airport-town bus publishes USD 8 fares and scheduled departures.

Public Transit 2.6 Weight 20

Scheduled airport transport exists, while most everyday movement relies on hired vehicles and walking. 13 45

Low confidence
Evidence

JICA describes tourist mobility based on tour buses, tuk-tuks and rental cars; the airport shuttle operates one airport-town corridor.

Walkability 6.2 Weight 20

The flat centre and improved riverside sidewalks work well on foot; parked vehicles, heat and outer distances remain obstacles. 15 13

Evidence

Wikivoyage now describes wide paved central sidewalks with some parking obstruction; JICA confirms built riverside sidewalks, benches and lights.

Ride-sharing Services 7.5 Weight 15

App-booked tuk-tuks and cars make central travel straightforward, with fewer options than the largest regional hubs. 30 15

Evidence

Wikivoyage identifies Grab and PassApp locally; Grab Cambodia offers upfront-fare cars, TukTuk and Remorque.

Cycling 5.8 Weight 10

Flat terrain, a riverside path and Angkor routes make cycling practical, with uneven protection from motor traffic. 15 13

Evidence

Wikivoyage describes a green riverside cycle path and Angkor forest trails; JICA identifies traffic and parking conflicts.

Intercity Travel Options 5.5 Weight 15

Buses and domestic flights cover major Cambodian destinations, while Thai border closures limit overland regional travel. 52 29

Evidence

Giant Ibis publishes Siem Reap-Phnom Penh service; FCDO current 22 October 2026 says Thailand land crossings remain suspended.

Scooter/Bike Rental Availability 7.9 Weight 10

Scooters and bicycles are widely rentable; confirm licence, deposit and insurance conditions. 15

Evidence

Wikivoyage describes plentiful motorbike rental options starting around USD 8/day and bicycle hire USD 1-8/day.

Connectivity

4 factors · average 6.7
Mobile Network Coverage 8.2 Weight 20

Fast mobile service is available in the market, but indoor reception and coverage around temples need local checking. 9 32

Low confidence
Evidence

Ookla September 2026 national mobileMedian 123.88 Mbps; Smart offers both 5G and 4G packages. No local coverage test was obtained.

VPN Reliability 6.8 Weight 20

Ordinary remote work is feasible, but content restrictions make the open-internet environment less dependable. 33

Low confidence
Evidence

Freedom House 2025 gives Cambodia 42/100 and content-blocking B1 3/6; it reports National Internet Gateway plans. No local VPN protocol tests.

Power Grid Reliability 6.3 Weight 15

Grid supply is improving, though a dependable connection and backup arrangements should be checked per building. 46

Low confidence
Evidence

15 September 2026 report describes a new 30 MVA South Siem Reap mobile substation serving the centre; permanent replacement expected end-2027.

Public WiFi Availability 5.3 Weight 10

Free connections exist at visitor facilities and many businesses, with no verified comprehensive municipal network. 45 29

Low confidence
Evidence

Official airport-bus site provides free Wi-Fi in the airport waiting area; Giant Ibis includes onboard Wi-Fi.

Digital Nomad Community

3 factors · average 6.3
Nomad Friendly 7.5 Weight 50

Low costs, visitor services and usable workspaces suit independent remote workers who accept a smaller community. 3 17 2

Evidence

City-costs nomad monthly total USD 1,087.36; Commune desk USD 90; August 2026 organiser guide describes a small resident nomad scene.

Nomad Events & Meetups 5.8 Weight 25

A weekly open gathering and workspace social activity offer entry points, with few confirmed specialist nomad events. 18 4

Evidence

Social Club currently advertises Thursday Social from 6pm; Level Up offers community games sessions. August article mentions a different older meetup day.

Online Community Presence 5.5 Weight 20

Public WhatsApp and Facebook entry points help newcomers connect, while private activity levels remain unknown. 18

Low confidence
Evidence

Social Club website links its WhatsApp community, Facebook page and events; its weekly invitation targets nomads, expats and locals.

Safety & Tolerance

3 factors · average 7.0
Safety 7.4 Weight 100

Everyday central travel is generally manageable with care for belongings and late-night transport. 5 6

Evidence

Numbeo safety 68.43 from 25 contributors, updated 26 September 2026; FCDO warns of bag snatching and local assaults.

Female Friendly 6.5 Weight 50

Women can use established visitor services, but late-night transport and drink safety require care. 6 5

Evidence

FCDO specifically records sexual assaults on lone women by men claiming to be motorbike taxi drivers around Siem Reap Pub Street.

Racial Tolerance 7.2 Weight 50

Visitor perceptions suggest relatively low hostility, though reliable experience data across ethnic groups is limited. 5

Low confidence
Evidence

Numbeo identity-based physical-attack worry is 15.22/100, based on 25 city contributors; this is not a representative discrimination survey.

About these scores

Method
Researched
Last updated
Oct 22, 2026
Last changed
Oct 31, 2026

Checked against the sources below and compared with similar cities. Numbers in the list point to these sources.

Compared with Phnom Penh, Battambang, Kampot, Kep, Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, Banlung, Don Khon, Kampong Cham, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Da Nang, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Canggu, Luang Prabang

  1. Livingcost Siem Reap, 21 June 2026Index
  2. Numbeo Siem Reap prices, 21 October 2026Index
  3. Commune Work memberships and facilitiesOfficial
  4. Level Up coworking and board gamesOfficial
  5. Numbeo Siem Reap safety, 26 September 2026Index
  6. FCDO Cambodia safetyOfficial
  7. Royal Angkor Hospital emergency and referralOfficial
  8. FCDO Cambodia healthOfficial
  9. Ookla Cambodia September 2026 embedded reportMeasurement
  10. BTI 2026 Cambodia, monetary stability p22Index
  11. Open-Meteo Siem Reap 2025 PM2.5 modelMeasurement
  12. Open-Meteo Siem Reap 2016-2025 climateMeasurement
  13. Siem Reap Smart City Roadmap, February 2023 updateOfficial
  14. ASEAN 2025 environmental awardsOfficial
  15. Wikivoyage Siem Reap, sections checked individuallySecondary
  16. Everywhere We Go Siem Reap, 2026 updatesSecondary
  17. Siem Reap Social Club nomad guide, 7 August 2026Official
  18. Siem Reap Social Club current invitationOfficial
  19. UNESCO Angkor World Heritage siteOfficial
  20. Phare Cambodian CircusOfficial
  21. Yoga Space Siem Reap classesOfficial
  22. Peace Cafe vegetarian cooking classOfficial
  23. Rose Apple Square Bulldogs Fitness CentreOfficial
  24. Siem Reap time zoneReference
  25. ADB Cambodia technology startup ecosystem, June 2022Official
  26. Visa Bakong Tourists launch, 22 January 2025Official
  27. DFDL NBC cryptoasset regulation, 17 January 2025Professional
  28. Siem Reap airport guide airlines and destinationsSecondary
  29. Giant Ibis Siem Reap-Phnom PenhOfficial
  30. Grab Cambodia transport servicesOfficial
  31. Smart Traveller SIMOfficial
  32. Smart 5G DataOfficial
  33. Freedom House Freedom on the Net 2025 CambodiaIndex
  34. FCDO Cambodia entry requirementsOfficial
  35. PwC salary tax, reviewed 2 April 2026Professional
  36. PwC residence, reviewed 2 April 2026Professional
  37. RSF Cambodia 2026Index
  38. WGI Cambodia political stability 2024Index
  39. ABA savings account foreigner requirementsOfficial
  40. Cambodia Online Business Registration portalOfficial
  41. Be Like Khmer courses and Siem Reap feesOfficial
  42. International School of Siem ReapOfficial
  43. IPS Svay Dangkum apartment 21796Listings
  44. IPS Sala Kamreuk apartment 21033Listings
  45. Siem Reap airport shuttleOfficial
  46. Cambodianess South Siem Reap power upgrade, 15 September 2026Secondary
  47. ADRC Cambodia September-October 2026 floodsOfficial
  48. EF EPI Cambodia 2025Index
  49. Siem Reap business and investment guideOfficial
  50. Angkor Enterprise available ticketsOfficial
  51. Expatistan Siem Reap, 10 August 2026Index
  52. FCDO warnings current 22 October 2026Official

Change history

    • Method Generated Researched
    • Accommodation cost 8.5 7.9
    • Air quality 5.5 6.5
    • Cleanliness 5.5 6.2
    • Coworking quality 5.3 7.3
    • Currency stability 6.4 8.5
    25 more changes
    • Cycling 4.4 5.8
    • Digital nomad visa availability 1.7 1.5
    • Ease of opening bank account 5.8 4.8
    • Entertainment cost 7.9 7.6
    • Female friendly 7.3 6.5
    • Food groceries 8.4 8.2
    • Freedom of speech 3.2 3.3
    • Gym membership cost 7.3 6.9
    • Healthcare affordability 8.6 8.2
    • Healthcare quality 4.7 5.5
    • Intercity travel options 6 5.5
    • Internet speed 7.2 5.3
    • Language barrier 6.5 5.8
    • Language learning opportunities 4.9 6
    • Local payment services 5.5 7.5
    • Mobile network coverage 7.7 8.2
    • Natural disaster risk 6.3 5.5
    • Political stability 6 5.3
    • Ride sharing services 5.8 7.5
    • Safety 7.7 7.4
    • Tax friendliness 6.5 6
    • Time zone favorability 7 5.8
    • Visa ease 8 7.9
    • Vpn reliability 7.8 6.8
    • Walkability 4.8 6.2

    female-friendly 7.3 -> 6.5; recalibrated from the opened source and comparison values (gov.uk).

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