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

Should you visit Rhodes or Phnom Penh?

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 Rhodes and Phnom Penh. 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: Rhodes or Phnom Penh?

Rhodes

Rhodes Island is one of the largest and most visited islands in Greece both because of its diversity of sights and its wonderful climate. On the island are some beautiful beaches, well preserved historic sights, and lovely towns. Rhodes City is the capital city on the island of Rhodes and is famous as the former site of the Colossus. Colossus is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe. Today Rhodes City has an interesting old town that is surrounded by the medieval wall. Inside you'll find countless souvenir shops and restaurants that cater to tourists. Cruise ships also frequent the island, so it's best visited during the off season when the crowds may be slightly less. You will also find that prices drop when the crowds are thinner and the cruise ships are scarce.

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 Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia.


Which place is cheaper, Phnom Penh or Rhodes?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rhodes is €135, while the average daily cost in Phnom Penh is €38. 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 Rhodes and Phnom Penh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rhodes 58
    Phnom Penh 11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rhodes 116
    Phnom Penh 22
Compare Hotels in Rhodes and Phnom Penh

Looking for a hotel in Rhodes 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.

Hotels in Rhodes


Hotels in Phnom Penh


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: Rhodes Hotel Prices and Phnom Penh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rhodes 48
    Phnom Penh 7.28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rhodes

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rhodes:


  • Taxi Ride
    7.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rhodes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rhodes:

  • Rhodes Airport Transfer to Rhodes Town city or Faliraki (ONE WAY: $55
  • Airport Transfer - From/To Airport - From/To Rhodes: $53
  • Diagoras Airport: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Rhodes: $39
  • East Coast Bay to Bay Full-Day Boat Trip with Transfers: $71
  • From Lindos Round-Trip Bus Transfer with Free Time: $28
  • Lindos Day Cruise from Rhodes Town with Swimming stops and Hotel Transfers: $55
  • Lindos comfortable Transfer with aprx 5hrs Free Time: $22
  • Lindos: Transfer to Lindos with 4-Hour Stop (Small Group): $24
  • One Way Private Airport Transfers Rhodes Island: $60
  • One Way Private Transfer Rhodes Airport to / from Ialyssos - Ixia: $24
  • One Way Shuttle Transfer Rhodes Airport to / from Ialyssos-Ixia: $14
  • Private One Way Rhodes Airport Transfer To or From Rhodes: $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:

  • Daily Transfer from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville: $115
  • From Private Transfer to Siem Reap: $61
  • Fully Private Phnom Penh International Airport Transfers: $30
  • Ground Transfer/SUV/ Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $110
  • Intercity Transfer Siem Reap-Phnom Penh/Phnom Penh-Siem Reap: $110
  • Overland Taxi Transfer From Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville : $59
  • Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) Pickup/Transfer Private Car: $23
  • Phnom Penh Airport Pickup/Transfer: $25
  • Phnom Penh Airport Transfers: $19
  • Phnom Penh Airport or Hotel Private Transfer: $28
  • Phnom Penh International Airport Transfer (PNH): $23
  • Phnom Penh International Airport Transfers: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Rhodes or Phnom Penh?

Prices for flights to both Phnom Penh and Rhodes 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
    Rhodes 47
    Phnom Penh 12
Typical Food Prices in Rhodes

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rhodes:


  • Coffee
    1.95
  • Dinner for Two
    23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rhodes

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

  • All Inclusive Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Unlimited Aperol Spritz, Beer, Wine: $44
  • Rhodes Sunset Cruise - Dinner with Live Music set: $44
  • Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $54
  • Guided Rhodes City By Night with Live Music & Dinner: $70
  • Rhodes by Night With Dinner - Laterna: $72
  • Food & Wine Tour: 11- Course Lunch, Cooking Class, Wine Tasting: $75
  • Vine & Dine Tale: 11-Plate Lunch, Wine Discovery, Cooking Mastery: $76
  • Sunset Cruise w/ Gourmet Dinner, Drinks & Live Music: $77
  • Rhodes Wine & Food Tour: 10 Meal Course Lunch, Wine Tasting, Cooking Class : $86
  • Traditional Greek COOKING class and Wine Tasting in Rhodes: $86
  • Winery Tour, Tasting and cooking with the Winemaker in Rhodes: $87
  • Rhodes Exclusive Sunset Cruise incl. Gourmet Dinner, Drinks, Sax!: $88

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
    9.41
  • Breakfast for Two
    4.47

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rhodes 19
    Phnom Penh 7.08

Tours and Activities in Rhodes

Here are a few actual costs in Rhodes for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Rhodes Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Treasure Hunt & Tour: $7.00
  • Escape Game and Tour: $7.00
  • Palace of the Grand Master Admission Ticket: $11
  • Palace of the Grand Master E-Ticket & Optional Audio: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Rhodes Town: Yellow Submarine Cruise with Underwater Views: $11
  • Rhodes Town: 45’ Semi-Submarine Cruise with Drinks Included: $11
  • Medieval City Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • The Palace of the Grand Master. Self-guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Throne of Helios: The History of Rhodes 9D Experience: $14
  • Submarine Cruise with Underwater Views from Rhodes: $16
  • Lindos Bus Tour with Free Time to Explore: $16

Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh

Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Riverside Walking Tour: $6.00
  • One Hour City Light Cruise-Foods & Drinks available for purchase: $8.00
  • Sunset Cruise on Kanika Boat: $8.60
  • Private Phnom Penh Day Tour : Explore All Highlights Sites: $9.00
  • Sunset River Cruise with Drink and BBQ Options: $12
  • Sunset Cruise in Phnom Penh - One and a Half Hours: $12
  • Phnom Penh Killing Fields and Prison S21 Join Tour: $15
  • The killing field and Toul Sleng Genocide museum (S21) Tour: $15
  • From Killing Fields and Prison S21 Tour: $15
  • Sunset Cruise with unlimited beer & soft drinks -English speaking guide on board: $16
  • killing field and Toul Sleng genocide museum Tour: $16
  • Mekong River Sunset Cruise Tour: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rhodes 12
    Phnom Penh 4.01

Sample the Local Flavors in Rhodes

Also in Rhodes, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Experience for Beginners: $38
  • Rhodian Wines - Private Wine Tasting Under a Sommelier: $54
  • 1 Day Rhodes Island Tour with Olive Oil, Honey and Wine Tasting : $55
  • Enchanting Lindos, Old Town, History, Culture & Wine Tour: $56
  • Rhodes Shore Excursion Including Olive Oil, Honey & Wine Tasting: $59
  • Full Day Rhodes Island Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wine tasting in Rhodes, inside the vineyards with the Producer: $60
  • Rhodes Island Tour: Lindos, Old Town, Pottery Workshop, Wine Tasting : $60
  • Full-Day Rhodes Island Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $63
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience for Wine Lovers: $65
  • Rhodes Deluxe Tour including Lindos, Old Town, Wine Tasting : $65
  • Full-Day Сomprehensive Tour of Rhodes including Wine Tasting : $67

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rhodes and Phnom Penh, we can see that Rhodes is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rhodes is in Europe and Phnom Penh is in Asia, 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 Rhodes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rhodes 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 Rhodes Expensive? and Is Phnom Penh Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rhodes or Phnom Penh?

Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rhodes. When comparing the sizes of Rhodes 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.