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

Should you visit Phnom Penh or Sucre?

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 Sucre. 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 Sucre?

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.

Sucre

Sucre is famous for its gorgeous town center and delightful climate, making it for many Bolivia's most beautiful city. Also considered the symbolic heart of the nation, 'La ciudad blanca' or the white city has preserved stunning whitewashed buildings sheltering pretty patios and other beauties of colonial architecture. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991 and is under strict controls on development. It offers many attractions including historic buildings and a renowned theatre, but you can also wander around prehistoric sites and discover indigenous culture in the surrounding towns and countryside.

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 3-Day Tours from La Paz, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bolivia.


Which place is cheaper, Sucre 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 Sucre is $44. 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 Sucre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phnom Penh $12
    Sucre $11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phnom Penh $24
    Sucre $22
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Sucre

Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh or Sucre? 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 Sucre


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 Sucre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.81
    Sucre $12

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 Sucre

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Sucre are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sucre

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

  • Departure Transfer from Sucre to Sucre Airport by MiniVan or Bus: $27
  • Private MiniVan or Bus Transfer from Sucre Airport SRE to Sucre: $28
  • Private Transfer from Sucre Airport SRE to Sucre by SUV or Car: $23
  • Private transfer Sucre - Uyuni, stopover in Potosí Mines: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Sucre?

Prices for flights to both Sucre 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
    Sucre $18
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 Sucre

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


  • Dinner
    $4.49
  • Juice
    $0.87
  • Juice
    $1.01
  • Chocolate
    $1.74
  • Cappuccino
    $4.34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sucre

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

  • Traditional Bolivian Cooking Class w/ Cocktail Making by La Boca del Sapo, Sucre: $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.59
    Sucre $16

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 Sucre

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

  • Sucre City Tour with a German local! Something different!: $17
  • Walking tour in History, Culture & Amazing Views: $18
  • Walking tour Sucre: $18
  • Guided Walking Tour in Sucre: $20
  • Private Cultural Tour in Sucre with Visit to 3 Museums: $44
  • JATUN YAMPARA - Nucleo Indigena, Agroartesanal - Half Day Tours: $58
  • Sucre - Walking City Tour - Half Day - English Speaking guide: $64
  • Private Half Day Tour: Sucre Walking Tour with Hotel Pick up: $67
  • JATUN YAMPARA - Agro-artisan Indigenous Nucleus -Full Day Tours + Lunch: $79
  • 2-Day Icla Canyon Tour from Sucre: $87
  • City Tour & Museums - Private Service: $106
  • Sucre City Tour With Visit to Cretaceous Park: $123

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phnom Penh $4.30
    Sucre $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:

  • Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl: $10


When comparing the travel costs between Phnom Penh and Sucre, we can see that Sucre is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Phnom Penh is in Asia and Sucre is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Sucre Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Sucre?

Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Sucre. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh and Sucre, 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.