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

Uppsala, Sweden, and Siem Reap, Cambodia, present fundamentally contrasting environments for living, marked by significant differences in cost of living, infrastructure, and quality of life. Uppsala operates within a developed, high-income country framework, offering advanced public services and a high standard of living, albeit at a substantially higher financial cost. Conversely, Siem Reap exists within a developing nation context, characterized by significantly lower costs for goods and services but marked deficiencies in essential infrastructure like healthcare and safety, resulting in a much lower quality of life index despite some moderate affordability.

Housing costs illustrate the stark economic divide. In Uppsala, renting a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around €1,500 per month, reflecting the high property prices inherent in Sweden. While outside the center, options may be more affordable, the overall cost is prohibitive. In Siem Reap, the situation is dramatically different; a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center averages only $352 per month, making housing the most accessible component of the cost of living. This represents a potential savings of over 90% on housing expenses compared to Uppsala.

Income levels and purchasing power also differ vastly. The average net salary in Uppsala is approximately €2,800 per month, placing it among the highest in Europe. This income comfortably supports the high cost of living, including taxes and fees. In Siem Reap, the average net salary is a mere $220 per month, which is significantly lower. While the lower cost of living, particularly for basic goods and services, allows for a larger proportion of the income to be spent on essentials, the absolute purchasing power is extremely limited compared to the Uppsala salary.

Healthcare and safety stand out as critical areas where the quality gap is immense. Uppsala benefits from a world-class public healthcare system, ensuring high standards of medical care accessible to all residents. Public safety is also exceptionally high, contributing to a strong sense of security. Siem Reap, however, faces severe challenges. Healthcare infrastructure and quality are vastly inferior, with limited access to specialized care and lower standards of treatment. Public safety is a major concern, with significantly higher crime rates impacting daily life and peace of mind, reflected in the lower Safety Index.

Beyond basic costs, other quality indicators highlight the differences. Uppsala boasts excellent educational institutions, cultural amenities, environmental quality, and efficient public transportation. Siem Reap, while offering a unique cultural experience and potentially better value for entertainment and leisure (like tennis court rentals at $1.67/month), suffers from poor environmental quality, unreliable utilities (like the €83/month electricity/utility bill in Siem Reap compared to €135 in Uppsala), and a much lower quality of life overall, despite some moderate childcare fees ($250/month) and school options. The Property Price to Income Ratio is significantly higher in Siem Reap (40.56) than in Uppsala (10.5), further emphasizing the financial burden despite lower absolute costs.