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    Phnom Penh vs Stockholm: A Complete Data-Driven Comparison

    ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ญ

    Phnom Penh

    Cambodia ยท $700/mo

    0.00
    Total
    0.00
    Nomad
    ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ช

    Stockholm

    Sweden ยท $2,600/mo

    0.00
    Total
    0.00
    Nomad

    Choosing between Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Stockholm, Sweden 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 Stockholm 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 Stockholm scores 80.91/100. A 17.90-point significant gap that Stockholm 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, Stockholm is known as: "A tech startup hub spread across 14 islands. Innovation meets Nordic design." These reputations are earned. But how do they hold up under rigorous data analysis? Read on.

    Economic Factors

    Phnom Penh

    69
    / 100

    Stockholm

    70

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

    Stockholm has a commanding lead in employment & income (83 vs 53). Phnom Penh has a commanding lead in cost factors (78 vs 58).

    Stockholm stands out for healthcare costs, banking system, economic stability, though housing costs and daily living 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

    Stockholm

    83

    Job Market Strength

    48/ 10085

    Salary Levels

    37/ 10088

    Freelance/Remote Work Market

    72/ 10075

    Entrepreneurship Environment

    56/ 10082

    Cost Factors

    Phnom Penh

    78
    / 100

    Stockholm

    58

    Housing Costs

    88/ 10025

    Daily Living Costs

    91/ 10030

    Transportation Costs

    87/ 10085

    Entertainment Costs

    82/ 10040

    Healthcare Costs

    76/ 10095

    Education Costs

    42/ 10070

    Economic Environment

    Phnom Penh

    73
    / 100

    Stockholm

    75

    Tax Rates

    79/ 10035

    Business Regulations

    58/ 10070

    Economic Stability

    74/ 10092

    Currency Stability

    88/ 10085

    Banking System

    64/ 10095

    Quality of Life

    Phnom Penh

    54
    / 100

    Stockholm

    82

    In quality of life, Stockholm takes the lead with a score of 82/100 compared to 54/100. This category covers healthcare, education, safety & environment, climate & nature.

    Stockholm has a commanding lead in healthcare (86 vs 66). Stockholm has a commanding lead in education (85 vs 60). Stockholm has a commanding lead in safety & environment (83 vs 49).

    Stockholm stands out for healthcare affordability, political stability, natural disaster risk, though mountains/hiking and crime rates could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in english-speaking medical staff and healthcare affordability despite the overall gap.

    Healthcare

    Phnom Penh

    66
    / 100

    Stockholm

    86

    Healthcare Quality

    64/ 10088

    Healthcare Accessibility

    68/ 10092

    Healthcare Affordability

    77/ 10095

    English-Speaking Medical Staff

    79/ 10085

    Mental Health Services

    46/ 10080

    Dental Care

    61/ 10078

    Education

    Phnom Penh

    60
    / 100

    Stockholm

    85

    School Quality

    67/ 10090

    International Schools

    74/ 10085

    Universities

    51/ 10088

    Language Schools

    63/ 10080

    Vocational Training

    43/ 10082

    Safety & Environment

    Phnom Penh

    49
    / 100

    Stockholm

    83

    Crime Rates

    53/ 10065

    Personal Safety

    63/ 10068

    Political Stability

    72/ 10095

    Natural Disaster Risk

    47/ 10095

    Air Quality

    38/ 10090

    Water Quality

    32/ 10095

    Noise Pollution

    41/ 10075

    Climate & Nature

    Phnom Penh

    45
    / 100

    Stockholm

    74

    Climate Suitability

    59/ 10065

    Sunshine Hours

    68/ 10070

    Rainfall Patterns

    49/ 10075

    Natural Beauty

    54/ 10092

    Green Spaces

    44/ 10090

    Beach/Water Access

    22/ 10085

    Mountains/Hiking

    18/ 10040

    Infrastructure & Connectivity

    Phnom Penh

    61
    / 100

    Stockholm

    86

    In infrastructure & connectivity, Stockholm takes the lead with a score of 86/100 compared to 61/100. This category covers transportation, connectivity, digital infrastructure.

    Stockholm has a commanding lead in transportation (85 vs 52). Stockholm has a commanding lead in connectivity (84 vs 55). Stockholm has a solid advantage in digital infrastructure (88 vs 78).

    Stockholm stands out for public transport quality, internet speed, public transport coverage, though traffic congestion and ferry connections could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in public transport affordability and internet cost despite the overall gap.

    Transportation

    Phnom Penh

    52
    / 100

    Stockholm

    85

    Public Transport Quality

    49/ 10095

    Public Transport Coverage

    46/ 10092

    Public Transport Affordability

    89/ 10088

    Bike Infrastructure

    24/ 10085

    Walkability

    39/ 10080

    Traffic Congestion

    31/ 10075

    Driving Conditions

    36/ 10080

    Taxi/Rideshare

    84/ 10085

    Car Ownership Necessity

    71/ 10088

    Connectivity

    Phnom Penh

    55
    / 100

    Stockholm

    84

    Airport Connectivity

    71/ 10090

    Airport Distance

    78/ 10080

    Train Connections

    19/ 10090

    Bus Connections

    69/ 10085

    Ferry Connections

    37/ 10075

    Digital Infrastructure

    Phnom Penh

    78
    / 100

    Stockholm

    88

    Internet Speed

    86/ 10095

    Internet Reliability

    79/ 10092

    Internet Cost

    88/ 10085

    Mobile Network Quality

    87/ 10090

    Coworking Spaces

    71/ 10085

    Public WiFi

    58/ 10080

    Housing & Living Spaces

    Phnom Penh

    70
    / 100

    Stockholm

    66

    In housing & living spaces, Phnom Penh takes the lead with a score of 70/100 compared to 66/100. This category covers housing market, neighborhoods.

    Phnom Penh has a solid advantage in housing market (70 vs 56).

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

    Housing Market

    Phnom Penh

    70
    / 100

    Stockholm

    56

    Rental Availability

    76/ 10045

    Rental Costs

    89/ 10025

    Purchase Prices

    84/ 10030

    Housing Quality

    54/ 10088

    Housing Variety

    66/ 10080

    Landlord Regulations

    52/ 10070

    Neighborhoods

    Phnom Penh

    70
    / 100

    Stockholm

    79

    Neighborhood Diversity

    69/ 10080

    Expat/International Areas

    78/ 10085

    Gentrification Trends

    57/ 10060

    Proximity to Amenities

    74/ 10092

    Daily Life & Services

    Phnom Penh

    71
    / 100

    Stockholm

    83

    In daily life & services, Stockholm takes the lead with a score of 83/100 compared to 71/100. This category covers shopping & retail, food & dining, essential services, utilities & connectivity.

    Stockholm has a solid advantage in shopping & retail (85 vs 70). Stockholm has a solid advantage in essential services (87 vs 67). Stockholm has a solid advantage in utilities & connectivity (81 vs 65).

    Stockholm stands out for banking services, electricity reliability, water reliability, though utility costs and street food could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in street food and restaurant affordability despite the overall gap.

    Shopping & Retail

    Phnom Penh

    70
    / 100

    Stockholm

    85

    Supermarket Availability

    71/ 10090

    Shopping Mall Quantity

    64/ 10085

    Shopping Mall Quality

    62/ 10088

    International Brands

    66/ 10085

    Local Markets

    87/ 10080

    Opening Hours

    76/ 10075

    E-commerce

    61/ 10090

    Food & Dining

    Phnom Penh

    83
    / 100

    Stockholm

    76

    Restaurant Variety

    83/ 10085

    Restaurant Quality

    76/ 10088

    Restaurant Affordability

    91/ 10065

    Cafรฉ Culture

    79/ 10090

    Street Food

    94/ 10055

    Alcohol Availability

    78/ 10065

    Food Delivery

    78/ 10085

    Essential Services

    Phnom Penh

    67
    / 100

    Stockholm

    87

    Pharmacy Density

    79/ 10092

    24-Hour Pharmacies

    59/ 10085

    Medicine Availability

    71/ 10090

    Postal Services

    54/ 10088

    Banking Services

    73/ 10095

    Laundry Services

    69/ 10085

    Repair Services

    64/ 10082

    Hair Salons/Barbers

    81/ 10088

    Pet Services

    52/ 10080

    Utilities & Connectivity

    Phnom Penh

    65
    / 100

    Stockholm

    81

    Electricity Reliability

    69/ 10095

    Water Reliability

    64/ 10095

    Utility Costs

    83/ 10040

    Heating/Cooling

    57/ 10085

    Waste Management

    51/ 10090

    Cultural & Social Life

    Phnom Penh

    60
    / 100

    Stockholm

    84

    In cultural & social life, Stockholm takes the lead with a score of 84/100 compared to 60/100. This category covers culture & entertainment, social life, community.

    Stockholm has a commanding lead in culture & entertainment (89 vs 58). Stockholm has a commanding lead in social life (83 vs 57). Stockholm has a solid advantage in community (79 vs 67).

    Stockholm stands out for museums & galleries, historical sites, libraries, though language barriers and nightlife quality could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in local friendliness and historical sites despite the overall gap.

    Culture & Entertainment

    Phnom Penh

    58
    / 100

    Stockholm

    89

    Museums & Galleries

    61/ 10095

    Historical Sites

    84/ 10092

    Theaters & Performing Arts

    41/ 10088

    Music Scene

    59/ 10085

    Cinema Options

    64/ 10085

    Libraries

    42/ 10090

    Art Scene

    52/ 10088

    Social Life

    Phnom Penh

    57
    / 100

    Stockholm

    83

    Nightlife Quality

    68/ 10075

    Nightlife Safety

    54/ 10090

    Festival Calendar

    71/ 10085

    Sports Culture

    49/ 10082

    Social Clubs

    61/ 10080

    Dating Scene

    56/ 10080

    LGBTQ+ Scene

    41/ 10088

    Community

    Phnom Penh

    67
    / 100

    Stockholm

    79

    Local Friendliness

    89/ 10082

    Expat Community Size

    64/ 10075

    Expat Integration

    69/ 10078

    Language Barriers

    49/ 10070

    Cultural Events

    66/ 10090

    Professional & Career

    Phnom Penh

    65
    / 100

    Stockholm

    81

    In professional & career, Stockholm takes the lead with a score of 81/100 compared to 65/100. This category covers business environment, work environment, market opportunities.

    Stockholm has a commanding lead in business environment (84 vs 53).

    Stockholm stands out for internet for work, work-life balance, major companies, though competition level and business visa options 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

    Stockholm

    84

    Industry Clusters

    46/ 10085

    Major Companies

    41/ 10088

    Startup Ecosystem

    55/ 10082

    Coworking Culture

    70/ 10085

    Professional Networking

    54/ 10082

    Business Associations

    51/ 10080

    Work Environment

    Phnom Penh

    81
    / 100

    Stockholm

    84

    Work-Life Balance

    78/ 10092

    Remote Work Acceptance

    74/ 10085

    Internet for Work

    89/ 10095

    Time Zone

    71/ 10080

    Business Visa Options

    91/ 10070

    Market Opportunities

    Phnom Penh

    65
    / 100

    Stockholm

    70

    Client Base

    52/ 10075

    Freelance Market

    71/ 10070

    Competition Level

    73/ 10065

    Lifestyle & Pace

    Phnom Penh

    64
    / 100

    Stockholm

    82

    In lifestyle & pace, Stockholm takes the lead with a score of 82/100 compared to 64/100. This category covers daily rhythm, lifestyle options, tourism impact.

    Stockholm has a commanding lead in lifestyle options (86 vs 56). Stockholm has a solid advantage in tourism impact (81 vs 64).

    Stockholm stands out for working hours culture, outdoor lifestyle, family orientation, though tourist volume and dining hours could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in pace of life and authenticity despite the overall gap.

    Daily Rhythm

    Phnom Penh

    73
    / 100

    Stockholm

    80

    Pace of Life

    81/ 10080

    Working Hours Culture

    69/ 10090

    Dining Hours

    72/ 10075

    Shop Opening Hours

    75/ 10075

    Weekend Culture

    68/ 10080

    Lifestyle Options

    Phnom Penh

    56
    / 100

    Stockholm

    86

    Outdoor Lifestyle

    51/ 10090

    Fitness Culture

    54/ 10085

    Health Consciousness

    49/ 10085

    Pet Friendliness

    58/ 10080

    Family Orientation

    69/ 10090

    Tourism Impact

    Phnom Penh

    64
    / 100

    Stockholm

    81

    Tourist Volume

    62/ 10070

    Tourism Seasonality

    53/ 10075

    Tourist Infrastructure

    68/ 10090

    Authenticity

    79/ 10088

    Crowding

    57/ 10080

    Legal & Administrative

    Phnom Penh

    57
    / 100

    Stockholm

    79

    In legal & administrative, Stockholm takes the lead with a score of 79/100 compared to 57/100. This category covers visa & residency, administration, rights & freedoms.

    Stockholm has a commanding lead in administration (73 vs 51). Stockholm has a commanding lead in rights & freedoms (92 vs 51).

    Stockholm stands out for deportation risk, women's rights, lgbtq+ rights, though residency process and bureaucracy level could be improved. Phnom Penh performs well in visa requirements and residency options despite the overall gap.

    Visa & Residency

    Phnom Penh

    70
    / 100

    Stockholm

    71

    Visa Requirements

    90/ 10065

    Residency Options

    84/ 10080

    Residency Process

    76/ 10055

    Citizenship Pathway

    21/ 10060

    Deportation Risk

    81/ 10095

    Administration

    Phnom Penh

    51
    / 100

    Stockholm

    73

    Bureaucracy Level

    39/ 10055

    Digital Government

    53/ 10090

    Document Requirements

    59/ 10070

    Language Requirements

    54/ 10060

    Legal System

    49/ 10092

    Rights & Freedoms

    Phnom Penh

    51
    / 100

    Stockholm

    92

    Freedom of Speech

    33/ 10090

    Religious Freedom

    71/ 10090

    Women's Rights

    62/ 10095

    LGBTQ+ Rights

    38/ 10095

    Worker Rights

    52/ 10090

    Family & Children

    Phnom Penh

    63
    / 100

    Stockholm

    87

    In family & children, Stockholm takes the lead with a score of 87/100 compared to 63/100. This category covers child-friendly infrastructure, family services.

    Stockholm has a commanding lead in child-friendly infrastructure (90 vs 59). Stockholm has a solid advantage in family services (84 vs 66).

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

    Child-Friendly Infrastructure

    Phnom Penh

    59
    / 100

    Stockholm

    90

    Playgrounds

    51/ 10090

    Kid Activities

    62/ 10092

    Child Safety

    64/ 10092

    Pediatric Care

    66/ 10090

    Baby/Toddler Facilities

    53/ 10088

    Family Services

    Phnom Penh

    66
    / 100

    Stockholm

    84

    Childcare Availability

    61/ 10085

    Childcare Costs

    71/ 10075

    School Holidays

    62/ 10085

    Extracurricular Activities

    65/ 10088

    Family Housing

    72/ 10085

    Practical Considerations

    Phnom Penh

    62
    / 100

    Stockholm

    82

    In practical considerations, Stockholm takes the lead with a score of 82/100 compared to 62/100. This category covers transportation costs, special services, communication, emergency services.

    Stockholm has a commanding lead in special services (85 vs 60). Stockholm has a commanding lead in communication (86 vs 61). Stockholm has a commanding lead in emergency services (92 vs 65).

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

    Transportation Costs

    Phnom Penh

    62
    / 100

    Stockholm

    68

    Fuel Prices

    76/ 10040

    Gas Station Density

    79/ 10090

    EV Infrastructure

    24/ 10085

    Vehicle Costs

    62/ 10045

    Vehicle Maintenance

    71/ 10080

    Special Services

    Phnom Penh

    60
    / 100

    Stockholm

    85

    Moving Services

    59/ 10085

    Storage Facilities

    49/ 10080

    Translation Services

    68/ 10085

    Legal Services

    64/ 10088

    Accounting Services

    61/ 10085

    Communication

    Phnom Penh

    61
    / 100

    Stockholm

    86

    Postal Reliability

    55/ 10088

    Package Import

    52/ 10080

    Language Learning

    59/ 10085

    International Calling

    79/ 10090

    Emergency Services

    Phnom Penh

    65
    / 100

    Stockholm

    92

    Emergency Response

    61/ 10090

    Emergency Healthcare

    69/ 10092

    Emergency Numbers

    80/ 10095

    Natural Disaster Preparedness

    48/ 10090

    Specific to Your Profile

    Phnom Penh

    62
    / 100

    Stockholm

    83

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

    Stockholm has a solid advantage in remote work specific (87 vs 72). Stockholm has a commanding lead in personal circumstances (80 vs 56).

    Stockholm stands out for video call quality, cafรฉ laptop culture, hobby availability, though partner citizenship advantages and language skills 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

    Stockholm

    87

    Time Zone Alignment

    70/ 10080

    Coworking Day Passes

    69/ 10085

    Cafรฉ Laptop Culture

    83/ 10090

    Video Call Quality

    84/ 10095

    Tech Ecosystem

    52/ 10085

    Personal Circumstances

    Phnom Penh

    56
    / 100

    Stockholm

    80

    Citizenship Advantages

    49/ 10075

    Partner Citizenship Advantages

    41/ 10070

    Industry Presence

    50/ 10085

    Language Skills

    47/ 10070

    Religious/Cultural Fit

    69/ 10085

    Dietary Requirements

    73/ 10085

    Hobby Availability

    64/ 10088

    Pet Import Rules

    53/ 10080

    The Verdict: Phnom Penh or Stockholm?

    With an overall score of 80.91/100 versus 63.01/100, Stockholm leads on paper. But the "better" city ultimately depends on what matters most to you.

    Phnom Penh excels in housing & living spaces. Stockholm 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 Stockholm Live