Which place is cheaper, Seoul 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 Seoul?
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 Seoul. 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 Seoul?
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.
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
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Phnom Penh Prices
Cambodia PricesSeoul Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhnom Penh $51Seoul $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $51, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $118. 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 Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhnom Penh $12Seoul $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhnom Penh $24Seoul $100
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh or Seoul? 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 Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phnom Penh $7.90Seoul $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- PNH Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $7.00
- Techo Airport (KTI) Pickup/Transfer Private Car: $16
- KTI Techo Airport Pickup or Transfer Private Car: $18
- Private Phnom Penh Airport Transfers to your hotel in town: $20
- Private Taxi transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: $20
- Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $21
- Techo International Airport Transfer by Car or Minivan: $22
- Private Airport Transfer From/To Hotels: $24
- Private Transfer: Phnom Penh's Hotel to Techo Airport(KTI): $27
- Private Transfer: Techo Airport (KTI) to Hotel in Phnom Penh: $27
- Techo International Airport Transfer to Hotel or vice versa: $30
- Techo Private (KTI) Private Airport Transfer: $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.32
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Short Taxi Ride$4.64
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Metro Ride$0.90
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Seoul City Pass Plus$6.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $50
- Gimpo Airport GMP Private Transfer To From Seoul Hotels: $108
- Incheon Airport (ICN) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $68
- Incheon Airport transfer directly to Seoul city: $113
- Incheon International Airport (ICN): Private Seoul Transfer: $95
- Lotte World 1Day Pass+Obesrvatoy+Private round transfer(Seoul): $115
- Premium Seoul Airport Transfer: Affordable & Convenience: $105
- Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport Seoul (1-5 people): $91
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $89
- Private Airport Transfer : Incheon to/from Seoul (up to 7 pax): $98
- Private Airport Transfer From Incheon Airport To Seoul(up to 12): $190
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport → Hotel in the City: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul 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 $23Seoul $47
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$4.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Sunset & Evening Dinner Cruise With One Way Free Pick Up: $9.90
- Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
- Dinner 4-course Mekong River cruise with Kanika Boat: $27
- 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
- Small Group Phnom Penh Food Tour and Local Market Experience: $39
- Street Art and Food Tour with Pickup and Beer: $39
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$3.98
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Waffle$0.66
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Dippin' Dots$1.33
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.65
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Chicken Stick$1.33
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.26
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Lunch Buffet$3.98
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Donut$0.66
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Mushroom Burger$3.45
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.19
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Udon & Sushi$4.64
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Fresh Burger$3.18
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Soba Noodles Lunch$2.98
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.32
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Fried Rice$3.65
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.30
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.30
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Donut$1.66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
- Korean Grandma Cooking Class l Gimbap & Kimchi Pancake l Seoul: $52
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $58
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $59
- Dinner at a Local's Hanok & Seoul's Night Life: $60
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
- Incheon Full-Day Sunset and Sea Food Tour: $65
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phnom Penh $7.68Seoul $24
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Riverside Walking Tour with Snack, Drinks & Local Ferry Ride: $7.20
- Sunset Cruise-Unlimited BBQ Buffet-Beers, Sodas & Fruit Platter**: $7.45
- Sunset Cruise on the Mekong with Kanika Boat: $8.00
- Sunset Cruise on Kanika Boat: $8.60
- Phnom Penh Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer & BBQ Buffet: $9.00
- Sunset Cruise-Unlimited Beers-Sodas-BBQ buffet-Fruit platter: $9.00
- Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Angkor Optional Mekong Cruise: $9.00
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beers & BBQ Buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with freeflow beers & BBQ buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise: Your Cruise You Choose, 3 wonderful options: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer &Fruit platter: $9.35
- Phnom Penh Bus with Free Boat Cruise 1 Day Pass: $10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.30
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Movie Ticket$5.30
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Kimchi Museum$1.99
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- K-Culture Adventure in Seoul Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.53
- Seoul Walking Tour 3h30 and 19 audio reviews: $6.72
- Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.10
- Gwanghwamun Tour l 120 Minutes to Understand South Korea: $10
- Street Hustle Adventure in Seoul: $10
- Rabbithole Drag Show Entry Ticket: $10
- Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
- Seoul : Essential History Walking Tour for Visitor: $13
- K-Beauty Scalp Spa Experience in Hongdae: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhnom Penh $4.35Seoul $11
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 Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute: $20
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78
- Gangnam Premium Pub Crawl with VIP Bottle Service: $81
- From Yeongdong Day Trip with Wine Tasting and Janggu: $91
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phnom Penh and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul 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 Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Seoul?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Phnom Penh. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh and Seoul, 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.