Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Phnom Penh?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Phnom Penh or Cancun?
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 Cancun. 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 Cancun?
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.
Cancun
In the northeast corner of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun is one of Mexico's most popular destinations. The area that is now Cancun was actually selected specifically by the Mexican government for development as a tourist destination. The area was chosen because it has fourteen miles of beautiful white beaches, nearby Mayan ruins, and turquoise blue water with nearby snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Prior to its development as a tourist destination, there were few inhabitants in the area.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.
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Phnom Penh Prices
Cambodia PricesCancun Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhnom Penh $50Cancun $151
The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $50, while the average daily cost in Cancun is $151. 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 Cancun in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhnom Penh $12Cancun $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhnom Penh $24Cancun $174
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Cancun
Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh or Cancun? 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: Phnom Penh Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phnom Penh $7.78Cancun $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- Transfer with tour-sightseeing Phnom Penh to Battambang: $119
- Transfer Phnom Penh to Battambang, Private Taxi Driver: $125
- Techo Phnom Penh Airport KTI to Kampot Private Transfer: $75
- Techo International Airport to Siem Reap Private Transfer: $160
- Techo International Airport Transfer to Phnom Penh Hotel: $30
- Techo International Airport Transfer to Hotel or vice versa: $30
- Taxi Transfer Phnom Penh To Siem Reap, Friendly Taxi Driver: $135
- Taxi Transfer From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $90
- Siem Reap: Private Transfer to or from Phnom Penh: $239
- Siem Reap: Private Transfer to Phnom Penh: $115
- Siem Reap: Private Transfer From/to Siem Reap - Phnom Penh: $71
- Siem Reap or Private One-Way Transfer: $158
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:
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Taxi Around Town$1.50
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Airport Shuttle (for 2)$12
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Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)$15
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Local Bus (for 2)$1.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun
Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Private Transfer Puerto Aventuras: $120
- Airport Transfer Round Trip - Cancun / Tulum: $73
- Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $210
- Airport Transfers to Puerto Morelos - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $180
- Airport transfer Cancun to Playa Mujeres for 1 to 8 passengers: $90
- Airport transfer in Cancun with continuous availability: $65
- Akumal One Way Or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $139
- Akumal One Way or Roundtrip Private Luxury Transfer: $291
- All inclusive catamaran From Cancún, round transfer + Ice Bar: $65
- Amazing ATV (single) Cenote and Ziplines with Transfer from Playa del Carmen: $101
- Arrival Private Transfer Cancun Airport CUN to Cancun by Minivan or Minibus: $37
- Best SpeedBoat and Snorkeling tour with Transfer from Cancun: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Cancun?
Prices for flights to both Cancun 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
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Food Meals for one dayPhnom Penh $22Cancun $44
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:
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Dinner for Two$10
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Breakfast for Two$4.78
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Buffet Dinner, Unlimited Beer & Tour Guide: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
- Nightlife three hours food tours: $27
- Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner: $29
- Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
- Street Art & Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
- Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside: $35
- Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
- Penh Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $36
- Street Art and Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $39
- Street Art and Food Tour with Pickup and Beer: $39
Typical Food Prices in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour in Cancun with a Local Guide: $59
- Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
- Cancun Food Tour - Taco Attack: Street Food & Tequila Tasting: $69
- Cancun Taco & Mexican Food Tour with Tequila Tasting: $70
- Puerto Morelos Walking Food Tour: $75
- Cancun Walking Food Tour: Local Food, Markets, and Street Art.: $75
- Cancun Historic Downtown Food Tour with 7+ Authentic Tastings: $76
- Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
- MYST Cancun Tickets Mexican Madness Music Show and Dinner: $79
- Cancun Hands-On Mexican Cooking Class: $79
- Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show at Cancun Couples Special: $80
- Couples Special Price! Cancun Pirate Show with Dinner & Drinks: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phnom Penh $7.56Cancun $32
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 10 Stop Phnom Penh Tour by Tuk-Tuk, includes S21 & Killing Fields: $33
- 2-Day Mekong Delta Tour: Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh via Chau Doc: $488
- 2hours Private Sunset Cruise with unlimited beer, soft drinks and Tour guide: $66
- 3 Day Cambodia Private Tours: $80
- 3 Days Local Life Experience, Nature view, Waterfall: $199
- 4 Hours Private Phnom Penh National Museum and Royal Palace Tour: $155
- 5-Hour Biking Tour in Mekong Island: $49
- 6-8 Hours Phnom Penh Private Guided Tour: $15
- A Day Hiking Adventure to Chonlos Waterfalls: $189
- A Day Trip Sightseeing of Phnom Penh With Private Tour Guide: $65
- A Full Day Tour for Royal Palace S21 Killing Fields and More: $35
- A day Trip Sightseeing Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Private English Speaking Driver: $105
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Seasick Pills$0.54
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Whale Shark Tour (for 2)$91
Tours and Activities in Cancun
For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Cancun's Hidden Gems: A Self-Guided Tour: $1.12
- Isla Mujeres tour in a Catamaran with snorkel, open bar, lunch: $14
- Cancun Beach Taco Tour Culinary Journey with Tequila Tasting: $15
- Speedboat Jungle Tour and Snorkel: $15
- Discover Isla Mujeres tour with snorkel, buffet and open bar: $15
- Cancun Clear Boat Experience: Amazing Photos & Optional Swimming: $15
- Full-Day Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres from Cancun with Lunch: $17
- Tour to Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling: $17
- 4X1 VIP Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen Tour: $18
- Mayan Culture and Speedboat Adventure in Cancun: $18
- The best tour to Isla Mujeres Catamaran, open bar& lunch included: $18
- Chichen Itzá Tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya for the best price, Book now!: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhnom Penh $4.28Cancun $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:
- Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet: $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun
Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- A bespoke wine tastings crafted for unforgettable moments: $79
- Brewery Tour Craft Beer Tasting Cancun Mexico: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phnom Penh and Cancun, we can see that Cancun 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 Cancun 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 Cancun would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cancun 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 Cancun Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Cancun?
Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh and Cancun, 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.