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

This report provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living and quality of life between Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Antalya, Turkey, based on projected data for 2026. The analysis covers key factors such as overall cost indices, specific expense categories, property prices, taxes, and quality-of-life indicators. While Siem Reap offers significantly lower living expenses, Antalya presents a higher cost of living coupled with superior quality-of-life metrics. The decision between these two locations depends on individual priorities regarding budget, lifestyle, and economic opportunities.

The overall cost of living in Siem Reap is substantially lower than in Antalya. Siem Reap’s cost of living index stands at 39, compared to Antalya’s index of 39.06. This difference is primarily driven by lower expenses in key areas such as groceries, transportation, and childcare. Groceries: Basic groceries in Siem Reap are approximately 40% cheaper than in Antalya. For example, a loaf of bread costs $0.65 in Siem Reap versus $1.04 in Antalya, and a kilogram of local cheese is priced at $0.50 in Siem Reap versus $9.65 in Antalya. Transportation: Public transportation in Siem Reap is far more affordable, with a monthly pass costing just $3.50 compared to $27.29 in Antalya. However, fuel costs are slightly lower in Siem Reap ($0.09/L) than in Antalya ($0.12/L). Childcare: Childcare expenses are significantly higher in Antalya, with a private preschool costing $646.54 per month versus $125 in Siem Reap. International school tuition is also higher in Antalya ($10,875.86 annually) compared to Siem Reap ($5,000 annually).

Siem Reap offers much more affordable housing options compared to Antalya. The average price per square meter for an apartment in Siem Reap is $1,100, while in Antalya, it is $2,520.72. Additionally, Antalya has a much higher mortgage interest rate (40.87%) compared to Siem Reap (typically below 5%), making property ownership significantly more expensive in the Turkish city.

The tax environment differs significantly between the two locations. In Antalya, the average net salary is $943.63 per month, which is higher than Siem Reap’s average net salary of $350. However, Antalya’s high cost of living and taxes (including a corporate tax rate of 20%) may offset the higher income.

Antalya scores significantly higher than Siem Reap across most quality-of-life indicators. The safety index in Antalya is 70.8, compared to 49.5 in Siem Reap. Healthcare quality is also superior in Antalya, with a healthcare index of 73.54 versus Siem Reap’s 59. The climate in Antalya is rated highly, with a climate index of 91.52, reflecting its favorable Mediterranean weather. Pollution levels are lower in Antalya (44.69) than in Siem Reap (69.52).

Siem Reap offers a much lower cost of living and is ideal for those prioritizing budget constraints. Antalya, while more expensive, provides a higher quality of life with better safety, healthcare, and climate. The choice between these two locations depends on individual priorities and financial capacity.