Can You Save Money Teaching in Cambodia? Salary vs. Cost of Living Breakdown

14 November 2025 • Cambodia

One of the top questions for anyone considering TEFL jobs in Cambodia is simple: Can I earn enough to live comfortably, travel, and save money teaching in Cambodia?

The short answer is yes. Cambodia offers some of the best saving potential in Southeast Asia due to its impressively low cost of living, which stretches a modest TEFL salary in Cambodia much further than in neighboring countries.

This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to earn and spend, so you can calculate your own saving potential.

The Average TEFL Teacher Salary in Cambodia

Salaries for English teachers in Cambodia vary significantly based on your qualifications and the type of institution you work for. Crucially, the US Dollar ($) is the official currency for most transactions, meaning your earnings are stable and easy to calculate.

Typical Monthly Salary Ranges (USD)

• Private Language Centers: $800 – $1,300
  • Ideal For: New teachers, those without a degree, and flexibility for private tutoring.
    
• International Schools: $1,500 – $2,500+
  • Ideal For: Experienced, degree-holding teachers (often includes better benefits like health insurance, paid holidays, and housing allowances).
    
• Public Schools / NGOs: $500 – $1,000
  • Ideal For: Teachers focused on making a local impact, often with fewer hours.

The range of $800 to $1,300 is the most common starting salary, which is more than enough to live a comfortable life in Cambodia.

Cost of Living in Cambodia: Your Monthly Budget

The cost of living in Cambodia for teachers is the game-changer. It's notoriously low, especially compared to cities like Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City. Your budget will largely depend on your choice of city (Phnom Penh vs. Siem Reap) and your accommodation standard.

Accommodation (The Biggest Cost Factor)

• Phnom Penh (Outside Center, 1-Bedroom): Average Monthly Rent $250 – $400 USD.
  • Comfortable, local-style apartments.
    
• Phnom Penh (Central/Modern Condo): Average Monthly Rent $450 – $700 USD.
  • Higher-end, expat-focused living with amenities like pools/gyms.
    
• Siem Reap (Outside Center, 1-Bedroom): Average Monthly Rent $200 – $350 USD.
  • Generally 10-20% cheaper than the capital.
    
• Tip: Sharing a two or three-bedroom apartment with other teachers can easily reduce your rent cost to under $200 per person.

Essential Monthly Expenses (Excluding Rent)

• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $75 – $120 USD
• Food & Groceries (Mix of local/Western): $250 – $400 USD
• Transportation (Tuk-tuks & Moto-Taxis): $50 – $100 USD
• Mobile & Internet (High-speed): $20 – $30 USD
• TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES (Excl. Rent): $395 – $650 USD

Saving Potential: Can You Actually Save?

A comfortable, moderate monthly budget for a single person teaching in a major city like Phnom Penh, including rent and utilities, is generally $850 to $1,200 USD.

Potential Monthly Savings Estimates

New Teacher (Language School)

• Monthly Salary (Estimate): $1,000
• Monthly Expenses (Comfortable): $850
• Potential Monthly Savings: $150 USD

Experienced Teacher (Private Center)

• Monthly Salary (Estimate): $1,300
• Monthly Expenses (Comfortable): $950
• Potential Monthly Savings: $350 USD

International School (High-End)

• Monthly Salary (Estimate): $2,000
• Monthly Expenses (Comfortable): $1,200
• Potential Monthly Savings: $800 USD+
  

Conclusion: Yes, you can absolutely save money teaching English in Cambodia. If you earn the average starting salary of $1,000 and adopt a local-friendly lifestyle (eating local food, sharing a decent apartment outside the city center), saving $150 to $300 USD per month is very realistic. Higher-earning teachers at international schools have the potential to save over $8,000 annually. 

Core Concerns Addressed

1. The Power of Private Tutoring

Many teachers substantially boost their income by offering private English lessons. You can easily charge $10 to $20 per hour for private lessons, which can add an extra $200 to $500 per month to your savings total, even if you only teach a few hours a week.

2. Is a Degree Necessary?

While a Bachelor’s degree is preferred for top-tier International School jobs, it is not always a strict requirement for landing entry-level jobs at private language centers. However, having your TEFL certification is essential.

3. Healthcare and Insurance

Standard local contracts often do not include comprehensive health insurance. It is highly recommended to purchase an international health insurance plan before you arrive, as this is a cost you must budget for (typically $50 - $100 per month for basic coverage).

Ready to turn that savings potential into reality?

View all current TEFL Jobs in Cambodia and start your application today!