Back to Resources

    Phnom Penh vs Singapore: A Complete Data-Driven Comparison

    ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ญ

    Phnom Penh

    Cambodia ยท $700/mo

    0.00
    Total
    0.00
    Nomad
    ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ

    Singapore

    Singapore ยท $3,900/mo

    0.00
    Total
    0.00
    Nomad

    Choosing between Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Singapore, Singapore is one of the most common dilemmas facing digital nomads, expats, and remote workers in 2026. Both cities offer unique advantages. But the right choice depends entirely on your priorities, budget, and lifestyle preferences.

    In this comprehensive comparison, we analyze Phnom Penh and Singapore across 12 critical categories: Economic Factors, Quality of Life, Infrastructure & Connectivity, Housing & Living Spaces, and 8 more categories. Each category is scored on a 0-100 scale using data from over 20 verified sources, including Numbeo, WHO, Speedtest, and local government statistics.

    Phnom Penh earns an overall score of 63.01/100, while Singapore scores 79.80/100. A 16.79-point significant gap that Singapore leads. But headline scores never tell the full story. Let's break down exactly where each city excels and where it falls short.

    Phnom Penh is described as: "Cambodia's rapidly developing capital. Ultra-cheap with a growing expat scene." Meanwhile, Singapore is known as: "The gold standard for safety and efficiency. A compact city-state with world-class everything." These reputations are earned. But how do they hold up under rigorous data analysis? Read on.

    Economic Factors

    Phnom Penh

    69
    / 100

    Singapore

    70

    In economic factors, Singapore takes the lead with a score of 70/100 compared to 69/100. This category covers employment & income, cost factors, economic environment.

    Singapore has a commanding lead in employment & income (87 vs 53). Phnom Penh has a commanding lead in cost factors (78 vs 37). Singapore has a commanding lead in economic environment (95 vs 73).

    Singapore stands out for business regulations, banking system, economic stability, though housing costs and education costs could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in daily living costs and housing costs despite the overall gap.

    Employment & Income

    Phnom Penh

    53
    / 100

    Singapore

    87

    Job Market Strength

    48/ 10091

    Salary Levels

    37/ 10088

    Freelance/Remote Work Market

    72/ 10074

    Entrepreneurship Environment

    56/ 10094

    Cost Factors

    Phnom Penh

    78
    / 100

    Singapore

    37

    Housing Costs

    88/ 10012

    Daily Living Costs

    91/ 10028

    Transportation Costs

    87/ 10082

    Entertainment Costs

    82/ 10034

    Healthcare Costs

    76/ 10045

    Education Costs

    42/ 10022

    Economic Environment

    Phnom Penh

    73
    / 100

    Singapore

    95

    Tax Rates

    79/ 10089

    Business Regulations

    58/ 10098

    Economic Stability

    74/ 10096

    Currency Stability

    88/ 10095

    Banking System

    64/ 10097

    Quality of Life

    Phnom Penh

    54
    / 100

    Singapore

    77

    In quality of life, Singapore takes the lead with a score of 77/100 compared to 54/100. This category covers healthcare, education, safety & environment, climate & nature.

    Singapore has a solid advantage in healthcare (83 vs 66). Singapore has a commanding lead in education (92 vs 60). Singapore has a commanding lead in safety & environment (87 vs 49).

    Singapore stands out for english-speaking medical staff, personal safety, crime rates, though mountains/hiking and rainfall patterns could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in english-speaking medical staff and healthcare affordability despite the overall gap.

    Healthcare

    Phnom Penh

    66
    / 100

    Singapore

    83

    Healthcare Quality

    64/ 10093

    Healthcare Accessibility

    68/ 10091

    Healthcare Affordability

    77/ 10058

    English-Speaking Medical Staff

    79/ 10099

    Mental Health Services

    46/ 10068

    Dental Care

    61/ 10089

    Education

    Phnom Penh

    60
    / 100

    Singapore

    92

    School Quality

    67/ 10097

    International Schools

    74/ 10094

    Universities

    51/ 10092

    Language Schools

    63/ 10085

    Vocational Training

    43/ 10090

    Safety & Environment

    Phnom Penh

    49
    / 100

    Singapore

    87

    Crime Rates

    53/ 10098

    Personal Safety

    63/ 10099

    Political Stability

    72/ 10094

    Natural Disaster Risk

    47/ 10096

    Air Quality

    38/ 10072

    Water Quality

    32/ 10098

    Noise Pollution

    41/ 10052

    Climate & Nature

    Phnom Penh

    45
    / 100

    Singapore

    52

    Climate Suitability

    59/ 10042

    Sunshine Hours

    68/ 10061

    Rainfall Patterns

    49/ 10031

    Natural Beauty

    54/ 10064

    Green Spaces

    44/ 10091

    Beach/Water Access

    22/ 10054

    Mountains/Hiking

    18/ 10024

    Infrastructure & Connectivity

    Phnom Penh

    61
    / 100

    Singapore

    82

    In infrastructure & connectivity, Singapore takes the lead with a score of 82/100 compared to 61/100. This category covers transportation, connectivity, digital infrastructure.

    Singapore has a commanding lead in transportation (79 vs 52). Singapore has a commanding lead in connectivity (76 vs 55). Singapore has a solid advantage in digital infrastructure (93 vs 78).

    Singapore stands out for airport connectivity, public transport quality, internet speed, though car ownership necessity and train connections could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in public transport affordability and internet cost despite the overall gap.

    Transportation

    Phnom Penh

    52
    / 100

    Singapore

    79

    Public Transport Quality

    49/ 10098

    Public Transport Coverage

    46/ 10097

    Public Transport Affordability

    89/ 10092

    Bike Infrastructure

    24/ 10071

    Walkability

    39/ 10087

    Traffic Congestion

    31/ 10062

    Driving Conditions

    36/ 10089

    Taxi/Rideshare

    84/ 10096

    Car Ownership Necessity

    71/ 10015

    Connectivity

    Phnom Penh

    55
    / 100

    Singapore

    76

    Airport Connectivity

    71/ 10099

    Airport Distance

    78/ 10094

    Train Connections

    19/ 10041

    Bus Connections

    69/ 10068

    Ferry Connections

    37/ 10076

    Digital Infrastructure

    Phnom Penh

    78
    / 100

    Singapore

    93

    Internet Speed

    86/ 10098

    Internet Reliability

    79/ 10097

    Internet Cost

    88/ 10084

    Mobile Network Quality

    87/ 10096

    Coworking Spaces

    71/ 10092

    Public WiFi

    58/ 10089

    Housing & Living Spaces

    Phnom Penh

    70
    / 100

    Singapore

    74

    In housing & living spaces, Singapore takes the lead with a score of 74/100 compared to 70/100. This category covers housing market, neighborhoods.

    Singapore has a solid advantage in neighborhoods (87 vs 70).

    Singapore stands out for proximity to amenities, expat/international areas, housing quality, though rental costs and landlord regulations could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in rental costs and purchase prices despite the overall gap.

    Housing Market

    Phnom Penh

    70
    / 100

    Singapore

    65

    Rental Availability

    76/ 10061

    Rental Costs

    89/ 10014

    Purchase Prices

    84/ 10090

    Housing Quality

    54/ 10091

    Housing Variety

    66/ 10078

    Landlord Regulations

    52/ 10056

    Neighborhoods

    Phnom Penh

    70
    / 100

    Singapore

    87

    Neighborhood Diversity

    69/ 10084

    Expat/International Areas

    78/ 10095

    Gentrification Trends

    57/ 10072

    Proximity to Amenities

    74/ 10098

    Daily Life & Services

    Phnom Penh

    71
    / 100

    Singapore

    92

    In daily life & services, Singapore takes the lead with a score of 92/100 compared to 71/100. This category covers shopping & retail, food & dining, essential services, utilities & connectivity.

    Singapore has a commanding lead in shopping & retail (95 vs 70). Singapore has a commanding lead in essential services (91 vs 67). Singapore has a commanding lead in utilities & connectivity (93 vs 65).

    Singapore stands out for shopping mall quantity, street food, electricity reliability, though restaurant affordability and utility costs could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in street food and restaurant affordability despite the overall gap.

    Shopping & Retail

    Phnom Penh

    70
    / 100

    Singapore

    95

    Supermarket Availability

    71/ 10097

    Shopping Mall Quantity

    64/ 10099

    Shopping Mall Quality

    62/ 10098

    International Brands

    66/ 10098

    Local Markets

    87/ 10086

    Opening Hours

    76/ 10094

    E-commerce

    61/ 10093

    Food & Dining

    Phnom Penh

    83
    / 100

    Singapore

    89

    Restaurant Variety

    83/ 10098

    Restaurant Quality

    76/ 10097

    Restaurant Affordability

    91/ 10063

    Cafรฉ Culture

    79/ 10089

    Street Food

    94/ 10099

    Alcohol Availability

    78/ 10082

    Food Delivery

    78/ 10097

    Essential Services

    Phnom Penh

    67
    / 100

    Singapore

    91

    Pharmacy Density

    79/ 10095

    24-Hour Pharmacies

    59/ 10074

    Medicine Availability

    71/ 10098

    Postal Services

    54/ 10096

    Banking Services

    73/ 10097

    Laundry Services

    69/ 10091

    Repair Services

    64/ 10088

    Hair Salons/Barbers

    81/ 10096

    Pet Services

    52/ 10084

    Utilities & Connectivity

    Phnom Penh

    65
    / 100

    Singapore

    93

    Electricity Reliability

    69/ 10099

    Water Reliability

    64/ 10099

    Utility Costs

    83/ 10071

    Heating/Cooling

    57/ 10098

    Waste Management

    51/ 10097

    Cultural & Social Life

    Phnom Penh

    60
    / 100

    Singapore

    82

    In cultural & social life, Singapore takes the lead with a score of 82/100 compared to 60/100. This category covers culture & entertainment, social life, community.

    Singapore has a commanding lead in culture & entertainment (83 vs 58). Singapore has a commanding lead in social life (77 vs 57). Singapore has a solid advantage in community (87 vs 67).

    Singapore stands out for nightlife safety, language barriers, libraries, though lgbtq+ scene and dating scene could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in local friendliness and historical sites despite the overall gap.

    Culture & Entertainment

    Phnom Penh

    58
    / 100

    Singapore

    83

    Museums & Galleries

    61/ 10082

    Historical Sites

    84/ 10074

    Theaters & Performing Arts

    41/ 10086

    Music Scene

    59/ 10068

    Cinema Options

    64/ 10095

    Libraries

    42/ 10097

    Art Scene

    52/ 10077

    Social Life

    Phnom Penh

    57
    / 100

    Singapore

    77

    Nightlife Quality

    68/ 10081

    Nightlife Safety

    54/ 10099

    Festival Calendar

    71/ 10088

    Sports Culture

    49/ 10076

    Social Clubs

    61/ 10089

    Dating Scene

    56/ 10064

    LGBTQ+ Scene

    41/ 10042

    Community

    Phnom Penh

    67
    / 100

    Singapore

    87

    Local Friendliness

    89/ 10072

    Expat Community Size

    64/ 10097

    Expat Integration

    69/ 10079

    Language Barriers

    49/ 10098

    Cultural Events

    66/ 10091

    Professional & Career

    Phnom Penh

    65
    / 100

    Singapore

    80

    In professional & career, Singapore takes the lead with a score of 80/100 compared to 65/100. This category covers business environment, work environment, market opportunities.

    Singapore has a commanding lead in business environment (94 vs 53).

    Singapore stands out for internet for work, major companies, industry clusters, though competition level and work-life balance could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in business visa options and internet for work despite the overall gap.

    Business Environment

    Phnom Penh

    53
    / 100

    Singapore

    94

    Industry Clusters

    46/ 10096

    Major Companies

    41/ 10098

    Startup Ecosystem

    55/ 10093

    Coworking Culture

    70/ 10091

    Professional Networking

    54/ 10094

    Business Associations

    51/ 10092

    Work Environment

    Phnom Penh

    81
    / 100

    Singapore

    72

    Work-Life Balance

    78/ 10038

    Remote Work Acceptance

    74/ 10069

    Internet for Work

    89/ 10099

    Time Zone

    71/ 10074

    Business Visa Options

    91/ 10081

    Market Opportunities

    Phnom Penh

    65
    / 100

    Singapore

    65

    Client Base

    52/ 10092

    Freelance Market

    71/ 10068

    Competition Level

    73/ 10034

    Lifestyle & Pace

    Phnom Penh

    64
    / 100

    Singapore

    68

    In lifestyle & pace, Singapore takes the lead with a score of 68/100 compared to 64/100. This category covers daily rhythm, lifestyle options, tourism impact.

    Phnom Penh has a solid advantage in daily rhythm (73 vs 62). Singapore has a commanding lead in lifestyle options (79 vs 56).

    Singapore stands out for tourist infrastructure, shop opening hours, dining hours, though working hours culture and pace of life could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in pace of life and authenticity despite the overall gap.

    Daily Rhythm

    Phnom Penh

    73
    / 100

    Singapore

    62

    Pace of Life

    81/ 10022

    Working Hours Culture

    69/ 10021

    Dining Hours

    72/ 10095

    Shop Opening Hours

    75/ 10096

    Weekend Culture

    68/ 10078

    Lifestyle Options

    Phnom Penh

    56
    / 100

    Singapore

    79

    Outdoor Lifestyle

    51/ 10074

    Fitness Culture

    54/ 10089

    Health Consciousness

    49/ 10086

    Pet Friendliness

    58/ 10053

    Family Orientation

    69/ 10091

    Tourism Impact

    Phnom Penh

    64
    / 100

    Singapore

    64

    Tourist Volume

    62/ 10032

    Tourism Seasonality

    53/ 10088

    Tourist Infrastructure

    68/ 10098

    Authenticity

    79/ 10064

    Crowding

    57/ 10036

    Legal & Administrative

    Phnom Penh

    57
    / 100

    Singapore

    72

    In legal & administrative, Singapore takes the lead with a score of 72/100 compared to 57/100. This category covers visa & residency, administration, rights & freedoms.

    Singapore has a commanding lead in administration (92 vs 51). Singapore has a solid advantage in rights & freedoms (63 vs 51).

    Singapore stands out for digital government, language requirements, deportation risk, though citizenship pathway and freedom of speech could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in visa requirements and residency options despite the overall gap.

    Visa & Residency

    Phnom Penh

    70
    / 100

    Singapore

    62

    Visa Requirements

    90/ 10054

    Residency Options

    84/ 10048

    Residency Process

    76/ 10078

    Citizenship Pathway

    21/ 10031

    Deportation Risk

    81/ 10097

    Administration

    Phnom Penh

    51
    / 100

    Singapore

    92

    Bureaucracy Level

    39/ 10089

    Digital Government

    53/ 10099

    Document Requirements

    59/ 10076

    Language Requirements

    54/ 10098

    Legal System

    49/ 10096

    Rights & Freedoms

    Phnom Penh

    51
    / 100

    Singapore

    63

    Freedom of Speech

    33/ 10034

    Religious Freedom

    71/ 10082

    Women's Rights

    62/ 10089

    LGBTQ+ Rights

    38/ 10047

    Worker Rights

    52/ 10062

    Family & Children

    Phnom Penh

    63
    / 100

    Singapore

    83

    In family & children, Singapore takes the lead with a score of 83/100 compared to 63/100. This category covers child-friendly infrastructure, family services.

    Singapore has a commanding lead in child-friendly infrastructure (96 vs 59).

    Singapore stands out for child safety, kid activities, playgrounds, though childcare costs and family housing could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in family housing and childcare costs despite the overall gap.

    Child-Friendly Infrastructure

    Phnom Penh

    59
    / 100

    Singapore

    96

    Playgrounds

    51/ 10096

    Kid Activities

    62/ 10097

    Child Safety

    64/ 10099

    Pediatric Care

    66/ 10094

    Baby/Toddler Facilities

    53/ 10095

    Family Services

    Phnom Penh

    66
    / 100

    Singapore

    71

    Childcare Availability

    61/ 10078

    Childcare Costs

    71/ 10042

    School Holidays

    62/ 10075

    Extracurricular Activities

    65/ 10094

    Family Housing

    72/ 10064

    Practical Considerations

    Phnom Penh

    62
    / 100

    Singapore

    84

    In practical considerations, Singapore takes the lead with a score of 84/100 compared to 62/100. This category covers transportation costs, special services, communication, emergency services.

    Singapore has a commanding lead in special services (93 vs 60). Singapore has a commanding lead in communication (94 vs 61). Singapore has a commanding lead in emergency services (98 vs 65).

    Singapore stands out for emergency response, emergency numbers, postal reliability, though vehicle costs and fuel prices could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in emergency numbers and gas station density despite the overall gap.

    Transportation Costs

    Phnom Penh

    62
    / 100

    Singapore

    55

    Fuel Prices

    76/ 10034

    Gas Station Density

    79/ 10082

    EV Infrastructure

    24/ 10079

    Vehicle Costs

    62/ 10020

    Vehicle Maintenance

    71/ 10058

    Special Services

    Phnom Penh

    60
    / 100

    Singapore

    93

    Moving Services

    59/ 10091

    Storage Facilities

    49/ 10087

    Translation Services

    68/ 10096

    Legal Services

    64/ 10094

    Accounting Services

    61/ 10096

    Communication

    Phnom Penh

    61
    / 100

    Singapore

    94

    Postal Reliability

    55/ 10098

    Package Import

    52/ 10088

    Language Learning

    59/ 10092

    International Calling

    79/ 10097

    Emergency Services

    Phnom Penh

    65
    / 100

    Singapore

    98

    Emergency Response

    61/ 10099

    Emergency Healthcare

    69/ 10098

    Emergency Numbers

    80/ 10099

    Natural Disaster Preparedness

    48/ 10097

    Specific to Your Profile

    Phnom Penh

    62
    / 100

    Singapore

    83

    In specific to your profile, Singapore takes the lead with a score of 83/100 compared to 62/100. This category covers remote work specific, personal circumstances.

    Singapore has a commanding lead in personal circumstances (84 vs 56).

    Singapore stands out for video call quality, language skills, citizenship advantages, though pet import rules and time zone alignment could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in video call quality and cafรฉ laptop culture despite the overall gap.

    Remote Work Specific

    Phnom Penh

    72
    / 100

    Singapore

    80

    Time Zone Alignment

    70/ 10054

    Coworking Day Passes

    69/ 10089

    Cafรฉ Laptop Culture

    83/ 10062

    Video Call Quality

    84/ 10099

    Tech Ecosystem

    52/ 10095

    Personal Circumstances

    Phnom Penh

    56
    / 100

    Singapore

    84

    Citizenship Advantages

    49/ 10098

    Partner Citizenship Advantages

    41/ 10074

    Industry Presence

    50/ 10096

    Language Skills

    47/ 10099

    Religious/Cultural Fit

    69/ 10084

    Dietary Requirements

    73/ 10097

    Hobby Availability

    64/ 10088

    Pet Import Rules

    53/ 10038

    The Verdict: Phnom Penh or Singapore?

    With an overall score of 79.80/100 versus 63.01/100, Singapore leads on paper. But the "better" city ultimately depends on what matters most to you.

    Phnom Penh excels in several areas. Singapore leads in economic factors, quality of life, infrastructure & connectivity.

    Use our interactive comparison tool to drill deeper into specific metrics. No single ranking captures the complexity of choosing a new home. But data-driven analysis gives you the best starting point.

    Dive Deeper with Our Interactive Tool

    See the full data breakdown with live filtering and side-by-side analysis.

    Compare Phnom Penh vs Singapore Live