Phnom Penh vs Vientiane for Digital Nomads
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh vs 🇱🇦 Vientiane · updated 2026-07
Verdict
Cheaper: Vientiane · Faster internet: Phnom Penh · Higher Nomad Score: Phnom Penh.
Head-to-head
| 🇰🇭 Phnom Penh | 🇱🇦 Vientiane | |
|---|---|---|
| Comfortable / month | $990 | $915 ★ |
| 1-bed rent | $450 | $420 ★ |
| Food | $250 | $230 ★ |
| Coworking | $90 | $80 ★ |
| Internet (Mbps) | 70 ★ | 55 |
| Affordability | 93 | 95 ★ |
| Weather | 74 ★ | 72 |
| Community | 72 ★ | 64 |
| Nomad Score | 79 ★ | 77 |
| Climate | Tropical, hot | Tropical monsoon |
★ = better on that row. Figures are aggregated estimates.
FAQ
Is Phnom Penh or Vientiane cheaper for digital nomads?
Vientiane is cheaper — about $915/month vs $990/month for a comfortable solo setup.
Which has faster internet, Phnom Penh or Vientiane?
Phnom Penh has faster average broadband (70 Mbps vs 55 Mbps).
Which has the higher Nomad Score?
Phnom Penh scores 79 vs 77 on our composite of affordability, connectivity, weather and community.