A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phnom Penh vs. Atlanta for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Phnom Penh or Atlanta?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Phnom Penh and Atlanta. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Phnom Penh or Atlanta?

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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a city rich in history but modern in its development and industry. It has a population of just under 500,000 with more than five million people living in the metropolitan area. It is also the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States The city is rich in culture and was at the center of the civil rights movement. It is the capital of the state of Georgia, and was home to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. It has the world's busiest airport and arguably some of the country's worst traffic, but the residents are recognized for their friendly and welcoming nature and the city is lush with green trees and wonderful parks.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Atlanta or Phnom Penh?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $41, while the average daily cost in Atlanta is $173. 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 Phnom Penh and Atlanta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phnom Penh $12
    Atlanta $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phnom Penh $24
    Atlanta $180
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Atlanta

Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh or Atlanta? 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.

Hotels in Phnom Penh


Hotels in Atlanta


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: Phnom Penh Hotel Prices and Atlanta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.81
    Atlanta $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:

  • Vip Taxi Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $450
  • Vip Taxi Transfer from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk: $450
  • Private Taxi transfer from Bangkok to Phnom Penh City: $449
  • Private Taxi transfer from Pattaya to Phnom Penh (Cambodia): $435
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Pattaya (Thailand): $435
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Bangkok: $408
  • Private Transfer Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Hotel or Airport: $361
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Koh Kong Province: $172
  • Private taxi transfer Phnom Penh to Pursat or Battambang: $155
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh city: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Atlanta:


  • MARTA Subway Ticket
    $4.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atlanta

Also for Atlanta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer: Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta in Luxury SUV: $133
  • Arrival Transfer: Atlanta Airport ATL to Atlanta in Sedan Car: $119
  • Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Atlanta - Arrival Private Transfer: $107
  • Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Atlanta - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $215
  • Atlanta Airport (ATL) to Lithia Springs -Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Atlanta to Atlanta Airport (ATL) Departure Private Transfer: $97
  • Departure Private Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL in Luxury Car: $260
  • Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL by Luxury SUV: $127
  • Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL in Luxury SUV: $134
  • Departure Transfer: Atlanta to Atlanta Airport ATL in Sedan Car: $119
  • Hartsfield Jackson Airport (ATL) to Lithia Springs - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Hartsfield Jackson Airport (ATL) to Lithia Springs - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Atlanta?

Prices for flights to both Atlanta and Phnom Penh 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 day
    Phnom Penh $13
    Atlanta $43
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
    $4.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.

  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Avail: $9.90
  • Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Available: $9.90
  • Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour Drinks & Tuk Tuk included: $36
  • Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive over 10 Local Tastings: $44
  • Phnom Penh Morning Market & Food Tour by Tuktuk - Includes All Food & Drinks!: $45
  • Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
  • Phnom Penh Local Market & Morning Food Tour Include Drinks: $49
  • Evening Cambodian Food Tour: $60
  • Ultimate PP Food Tour by Tuk Tuk - 20 tastings & drinks included: $69
  • Phnom Penh Authentic Food Tour 100% By Local: $69
  • Phnom Penh's Ultimate Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $69

Typical Food Prices in Atlanta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Atlanta:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    $15
  • Lunch
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Atlanta

For Atlanta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 2 Hour Guided Wood Fired Pizza Class in Atlanta: $55
  • City Lights Atlanta Night-Time Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • City Lights Night Tour with Photos & Dinner Stop: $65
  • 2 Hour Historic Market Food Tour and Hands-On Biscuit Class: $70
  • Historic Market Food Tour and Biscuit Cooking Class: $70
  • Ponce City Market 2.5-Hour Weekend Food Tour: $99
  • Food Tour of Inman Park and the Atlanta Beltline: $99
  • Secret Food Tours Atlanta w/ Private Tour Option: $109
  • Private Truist Park and Battery Braves Atlanta Food Tour: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.59
    Atlanta $56

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: $20
  • Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tours: $155
  • 10 Tastings of Phnom Penh Foodie Tour: $39
  • 2 Day-Phnom Penh by Private Tours: $155
  • 2 Days Phnom Penh Cyclo and Cycling Tour: $128
  • 2 Days of Phnom Penh City Tour: $199
  • 3 Hours Private Morning Market and Art Tour in Phnom Penh: $45
  • 5-Hour Biking Tour in Mekong Island: $49
  • 9 Days Cambodia Highlights Guided Motorcycle Tour: $1,964
  • A 10-day ethical animals tour of Cambodia: $1,699
  • A Half Day Tour in Phnom Penh City: $59
  • Alternative Tour to Silk Farm, SilverSmith Village and Udong: $150

Tours and Activities in Atlanta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Atlanta.

  • Civil Rights Self-Guided Audio App Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
  • Atlanta Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Olympic Park & Pemberton Place: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Atlanta Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Guide: $10
  • The Civil Rights Movement in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Civil Rights Movement in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Atlanta Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $13
  • Atlanta Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Decatur, GA: $15
  • SkyView Ferris Wheel Ticket: $16
  • Atlanta Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phnom Penh $4.30
    Atlanta $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:

  • Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl: $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Atlanta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Atlanta:

  • Drag Queen Guided Pub Crawl and Cabaret Show: $36
  • ATLANTA Yes, Queen! Drag Queen Pub Crawl : $40
  • Half-Day Wine Tastings in the North Georgia Mountains : $115
  • North Georgia Mountains Two Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $150
  • Bartram Trail Hike plus Wine Tasting: $159
  • North Georgia Mountains Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $165
  • North Georgia Mountains Private Three Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour: $180


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phnom Penh and Atlanta, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phnom Penh is in Asia and Atlanta is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Phnom Penh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phnom Penh 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 Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta than you might in Phnom Penh.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phnom Penh Expensive? and Is Atlanta Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Atlanta?

Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh and Atlanta, 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.