Which place is cheaper, Phnom Penh or Melaka?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Melaka or Phnom Penh?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Melaka or Phnom Penh, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Melaka or Phnom Penh?
Melaka
Melaka (or Malacca) is a large city on the western coast of Malaysia about half way between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This historical city grew up as a result of trading in the region due to its position on the namesake Straights of Malacca, a natural waterway formed from the peninsula of Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.
Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.
Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.
Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia.
-
Melaka Prices
Malaysia PricesPhnom Penh Prices
Cambodia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMelaka $33Phnom Penh $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Melaka is $33, while the average daily cost in Phnom Penh is $50. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Melaka and Phnom Penh in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMelaka $9.51Phnom Penh $12
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMelaka $19Phnom Penh $24
Compare Hotels in Melaka and Phnom Penh
Looking for a hotel in Melaka or Phnom Penh? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Melaka Hotel Prices and Phnom Penh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Melaka $2.09Phnom Penh $7.87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melaka
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Melaka are as follows:
-
Taxi$4.75
-
Bus Ride$0.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melaka
Also for Melaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Car]: $282
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Van]: $81
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Genting Highlands Transfer [Van]: $76
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Ipoh Transfer [Car]: $240
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Ipoh Transfer [Van]: $99
- Chauffeur: Malacca to Mersing Transfer [Car]: $213
- Malacca City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels 1-way Transfer: $43
- Malacca Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $99
- Malacca Hotels to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Departure Transfer: $52
- Private Transfer : National Park Kuala Tahan to Cameron Highlands: $165
- Private Transfer : Taman Negara Kuala Tahan to Cameron Highlands: $165
- Private Transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) to Malacca Port: $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- Private Taxi transfer from Can Tho City to Phnom Penh city: $375
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Phnom Penh HTL-APT (PNH): $200
- Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by VIP Alphard 2010: $190
- Private Transfer/ Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by VIP Alphard 2010: $180
- Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by VIP Alphard 2005: $165
- Techo International Airport to Siem Reap Private Transfer : $160
- Ground Transfer/ Minivan/ Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $150
- Private taxi transfer Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $129
- Comfortable Private Transfer Phnom Penh To Siem Reap: $125
- Ground Transfer/SUV/ Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $110
- Private Transfer: Phnom Penh's Hotel or Airport to Sihanouville: $100
- A day trip transfer sightseeing Phnom Penh Siem Reap: $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Melaka or Phnom Penh?
Prices for flights to both Phnom Penh and Melaka change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayMelaka $20Phnom Penh $23
Typical Food Prices in Melaka
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Melaka:
-
Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$7.13
-
Dinner at the Market (for Two)$3.09
-
Asam Pedas (Fish Curry)$1.43
-
Taiwanese Noodle Soup$1.19
-
Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$7.61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melaka
For Melaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Peranakan and Malay Cooking Class in Malacca: $90
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:
-
Dinner for Two$10
-
Breakfast for Two$4.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
- Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
- Phnom Penh Local Market & Morning Food Tour Include Drinks: $49
- Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive 5 stops local Tastings: $49
- Evening Food Tour By Tuk-Tuk in Phnom Penh: $59
- Phnom Penh Food Tour By Night With Hotel Pickup: $59
- Evening Cambodian Food Tour: $60
- Phnom Penh Authentic Evening Food Tour 100% By Local: $69
- Ultimate Phnom Penh Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: 20 Tastings and Drinks: $69
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Melaka $4.03Phnom Penh $7.65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Melaka
For Melaka, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Maritime Museum Entrance$0.71
-
Taming Sari Revolving Tower Entrance$4.75
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$11
-
Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum Entrance$2.38
-
Melaka Zoo Entrance$1.66
-
Low Cost Kite$0.71
-
Malacca Duck Tour$9.51
-
Melaka River Cruise (One Hour)$2.38
Tours and Activities in Melaka
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Melaka.
- Essential Self-Guided Tour of it's UNESCO Heritage Centre: $15
- Malaysia: Melaka A'famosa Water Park & Safari Wonderland Ticket: $15
- A'Famosa Safari and Water Park in Melaka Ticket (Only Malaysian): $28
- From Kuala Lumpur Full Day A'Famosa Theme Park Experience: $40
- Malacca City Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $48
- Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
- Malacca To Kuala Lumpur EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
- Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
- *13 Hrs Best of Melaka Full Day Flexible Van Tour w' Tour Guide: $84
- *14 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Flexible Van Tour from Melaka w' Tour Guide: $108
- ~15Hrs Kuala Lumpur & Genting Van Tour from Melaka w' Tour Guide: $129
- Malacca Shore Excursion with Professional Tour Guide & Lunch: $229
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Killing field and Toul Sleng genocide museum Tour: $19
- Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tours: $155
- Phnom Penh boating sunset Tour: $87
- 2 Day Mt. Aural Hiking Adventure Cambodia's Peak Challenge: $219
- 2 Day SUV and Minivan Tour Phnom Penh and Siem Reap: $145
- 2 Day-Phnom Penh by Private Tours: $155
- 2 Days Phnom Penh Siem Reap Private Tour, Cambodia Road Tour: $25
- 2 Days Private Guide Tour Phnom Penh Heritage: $282
- 2 Days of Phnom Penh City Tour: $199
- 5-Hour Biking Tour in Mekong Island: $49
- A Full Day Tour for Royal Palace, S21, Killing Fields & More : $35
- A day Trip Sightseeing Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Private English Speaking Driver : $105
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMelaka $8.25Phnom Penh $4.33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melaka and Phnom Penh, we can see that Phnom Penh is more expensive. And not only is Melaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Melaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melaka and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Phnom Penh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phnom Penh than you might in Melaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Melaka Expensive? and Is Phnom Penh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Melaka or Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Melaka. When comparing the sizes of Melaka and Phnom Penh, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.