Which place is cheaper, Denver or Phnom Penh?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Phnom Penh or Denver?
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 Denver. 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 Denver?
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.
Denver
The capital of Colorado, Denver is commonly referred to as "The Mile-High City" because it is at an elevation of 5,280 feet (1,600 meters) above sea level. It also sits where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, giving a beautiful backdrop for this metropolitan city. The city is the largest in the Rocky Mountains with a population of more than 600,000 and nearly 3 million in the metropolitan area. Denver is a cosmopolitan city with cowboy roots. It's cultural scene is thriving, and the outdoor recreation in the area is superb. Denver is a rapidly growing city but with change comes challenges. Urban sprawl is a problem and the city's infrastructure has reached its limits. Still, efforts are in place to maintain the character and personality that Denver is known for.
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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
-
Phnom Penh Prices
Cambodia PricesDenver Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhnom Penh $50Denver $248
The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $50, while the average daily cost in Denver is $248. 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 Denver in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhnom Penh $12Denver $87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhnom Penh $24Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Denver
Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh or Denver? 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.
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 Denver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phnom Penh $7.87Denver $101
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- PNH Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $7.00
- Techo Airport (KTI) Pickup/Transfer Private Car: $16
- Private Phnom Penh Airport Transfers to your hotel in town: $20
- Private Taxi transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: $20
- Phnom Penh Airport Private Taxi Transfer - Hotels: $21
- Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $21
- Private Airport ↔ City Center Transfer: $24
- Private Airport Transfer From/To Hotels: $24
- Techo International Airport Private Transfer: $25
- PrivateTransfer: PhnomPenh Airport(PNH/KTI) to Hotel in PhnomPenh: $27
- Private Transfer: PhnomPenh's Hotel to PhnomPenh Airport(PNH/KTI): $27
- Techo International Airport Transfer to Hotel or vice versa: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:
- Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $290
- Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $119
- Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $149
- Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $170
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $287
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $144
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $287
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $144
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $287
- Denver Airport (DEN): Private Transfer to Denver hotels: $276
- Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Arrival Transfer: $273
- Denver International Airport Private Transfer Pick up: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Denver?
Prices for flights to both Denver 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 dayPhnom Penh $23Denver $73
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$4.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
- Buffet Dinner Cruise Experience with Live Music: $12
- Nightlife three hours food tours: $27
- Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner: $29
- Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
- Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside: $35
- Street Art & Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
- Street Art and Food Tour with Pickup and Beer: $39
- Phnom Penh Morning Market & Food Tour by Tuktuk - Includes All Food & Drinks!: $45
- Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
- Evening Food Tour with Drinks & Tuk Tuk Included: $49
Typical Food Prices in Denver
Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:
-
Sushi Dinner (for 2)$61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.
- Epic Pad Thai Cooking Class in Denver: $55
- 16th Street Mall Food Tour with Local Guide: $62
- Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
- Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $85
- Downtown Denver Food Tour: $85
- Denver Food Tour: 6+ Tastings in Historic Downtown: $99
- RiNo Evening Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99
- Denver Food Tour: Wild West Flavors & Downtown Classics: $111
- Taste of the City Food Tour by Bike or E-Bike: $125
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phnom Penh $7.65Denver $52
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Riverside Walking Tour with Snack, Drinks & Local Ferry Ride: $7.20
- Phnom Penh Private Tour with Luggage Storage: $7.92
- Sunset Cruise on Kanika Boat: $8.60
- Sunset Cruise-Freeflow Beers,Soft Drinks & BBQ Buffet: $9.00
- NEW Sunset Cruise! "Your cruise U Choose "-Unlimited BBQ & Drinks: $9.00
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beers & BBQ Buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise: Your Cruise You Choose, 3 wonderful options: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with freeflow beers & BBQ buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer &Fruit platter: $9.35
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket Free Mekong Cruise: $12
- Audio Guide Tour by Tuk-Tuk to Killing Field and Genocide Museum : $12
- Killing Fields and Prison S21 Bus Tour: $15
Tours and Activities in Denver
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:
- $5 Capitol Hill History & Ghost Walking Tour: $5.00
- Denver Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $7.19
- Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
- Denver's Heart A Self Guided Tour of the State Capitol and Beyond: $8.99
- Denver’s Wild Side: Self-Guided Audio Tour of its Notorious Past: $9.99
- Winding Pathways of Denver's City Park A Self-Guided Tour : $9.99
- Fun Royal Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Arvada, CO: $10
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver by Operation City Quest: $10
- Self Guided Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
- Denver Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $15
- General Admission to Denver Botanic Gardens Ticket: $16
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhnom Penh $4.33Denver $5.31
Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:
- Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet: $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Denver
Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
- Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Food & Drinks Included!: $50
- Neighborhood Bar Crawl in RiNo Arts District (Denver): $50
- Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
- Wild West Pub Crawl: $61
- Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit: $67
- E-Bike & Brews: Denver's Platte River & Brewery E-Bike Tour: $125
- Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phnom Penh and Denver, we can see that Denver is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phnom Penh is in Asia and Denver is in North America, 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 Denver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denver 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 Phnom Penh Expensive? and Is Denver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Denver?
Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Denver. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh and Denver, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.