Hamilton vs. Siem Reap: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Hamilton's cost of living is substantially higher than Siem Reap's, reflecting their stark economic divergence. Hamilton, with a GDP per capita of $54,100 in 2026, drives expenses significantly higher across housing, transportation, food, and healthcare compared to Siem Reap's $6,700 GDP per capita. While housing dominates the cost differential, other factors like utilities and childcare also contribute to Hamilton's premium, whereas Siem Reap offers remarkable affordability, though with certain lifestyle trade-offs.

The housing gap between these cities is particularly pronounced. Hamilton's property prices are significantly higher, yet its higher incomes mean the property price-to-income ratio is actually lower (10.4) than Siem Reap's (40.56), indicating that housing costs represent a smaller burden relative to income in Hamilton. Rent constitutes a smaller percentage of the average Hamiltonian's income than for Siem Reap residents, but absolute property values are substantially greater. Transportation costs are generally cheaper and more accessible via public transit in Hamilton, contrasting with Siem Reap's taxi-centric system. Food expenses show variation, with Hamilton offering a wider selection at relatively stable prices compared to Siem Reap's more limited options, though imported goods there might command higher prices. Utilities represent a larger monthly expense in Hamilton than in Siem Reap, and childcare costs are significantly higher in Hamilton, adding substantially to family budgets.

Quality of life metrics consistently favor Hamilton. Healthcare access and quality are vastly superior in Hamilton, with advanced medical facilities and lower waiting times compared to the basic, public healthcare system in Siem Reap. Safety is another area where Hamilton excels, benefiting from lower crime rates and a stable political environment than Siem Reap, despite tourist-focused safety improvements. The climate offers contrasting experiences: Hamilton has a temperate climate with defined seasons, while Siem Reap enjoys a tropical climate popular with tourists, though often accompanied by higher humidity and occasional monsoon challenges. Siem Reap's air quality is notably poorer, reflected in its high pollution index, impacting residents' long-term health and comfort, whereas Hamilton's environment generally supports better health outcomes.

Infrastructure disparity between Hamilton and Siem Reap is stark. Hamilton benefits from a comprehensive public transportation network, extensive road networks, reliable utilities, and modern communication infrastructure. In contrast, Siem Reap relies heavily on a limited public transport system supplemented by private taxis and motorbikes, with less robust road networks and potentially less reliable utilities, particularly during the dry season. While Siem Reap is developing its tourism infrastructure, it lacks the depth and reliability of Hamilton's systems for daily life. Educational infrastructure varies, with Hamilton having a wider range of high-quality institutions, whereas Siem Reap's offerings, while expanding, still face resource limitations compared to established Canadian systems.

The fundamental choice between Hamilton and Siem Reap hinges on balancing financial resources against desired lifestyle amenities and infrastructure reliability. Siem Reap offers significantly lower costs for housing, food, and transportation, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals or those seeking a lower cost of living. However, this comes with undeniable trade-offs in healthcare quality, safety, environmental conditions, and the reliability of public services. Hamilton provides a high standard of living with excellent infrastructure, healthcare, and safety, but at a substantially higher financial cost, reflecting the premium associated with a developed North American city compared to a developing Cambodian tourist hub.