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

Should you visit Phnom Penh or Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles?

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.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California is probably one of the most well known cities in the United States. It is the second most populated metro area in the country with more than 17 million people. The city's diversity is wide reaching, giving it a character that is unique from any other place in the country. LA has many world famous sights and neighborhoods including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Santa Monica, but there is really so much more to this city.

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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Los Angeles 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.

  • Phnom Penh Prices
    Cambodia Prices
    Los Angeles Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Phnom Penh $50
    Los Angeles $300

The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $50, while the average daily cost in Los Angeles is $300. 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 Los Angeles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phnom Penh $12
    Los Angeles $138
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phnom Penh $24
    Los Angeles $276
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Los Angeles

Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh or Los Angeles? 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 Phnom Penh


Hotels in Los Angeles


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 Los Angeles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.87
    Los Angeles $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Phnom Penh HTL-APT (PNH): $200
  • Transfer Phnom Penh to Battambang, Private Taxi Driver: $125
  • Techo Phnom Penh Airport KTI to Kampot Private Transfer: $75
  • Techo International Airport Transfer to Hotel or vice versa: $30
  • Techo International Airport Private Transfer: $25
  • Taxi Transfer Phnom Penh To Siem Reap, Friendly Taxi Driver: $135
  • Taxi Transfer From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $90
  • Siem Reap: Private Transfer to or from Phnom Penh: $239
  • Siem Reap: Private Transfer to Phnom Penh: $115
  • Siem Reap: Private Transfer From/to Siem Reap - Phnom Penh: $71
  • Siem Reap or Private One-Way Transfer: $158
  • Scenic Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Transfer with Sightseeing: $119

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Los Angeles

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:


  • Hotel Parking for a Day
    $22
  • Taxi to Airport
    $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles

Also for Los Angeles, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Long Beach to Los Angeles port- Departure Private Transfer: $142
  • Los Angeles Private Transfer To or From Orange County North.: $73
  • Cruise Terminal to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) - Departure Transfer: $69
  • Departure Private Transfer: Los Angeles to Airport LAX in Business Car: $179
  • Departure Private Transfer: Los Angeles to Airport LAX in Luxury SUV: $215
  • Departure Private Transfer: Los Angeles to Ontario Airport ONT in Luxury Van: $299
  • Departure Transfer: Los Angeles to Airport LAX by Luxury Car: $299
  • Garden Groove to John Wayne Airport (SNA) - Departure Private Transfer: $64
  • Helicopter Transfer: Long Beach to Catalina Island: $216
  • INDIAN WELLS to Palm Springs Airport (PSP) Private Transfer: $153
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) to Anaheim - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $127
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) to Buena Park - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $127

Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Los Angeles?

Prices for flights to both Los Angeles 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 day
    Phnom Penh $23
    Los Angeles $104
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 Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Mexican Dinner (family of 4)
    $32
  • Burritos for Two
    $15
  • Coffee and Danish
    $7.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Silver Lake Food Tour with Comedian Foodie Guide!: $59
  • West LA Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $65
  • Santa Monica Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Downtown Food Tour: $89
  • Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $89
  • The Immigrant & Historic Businesses of Silver Lake Food Tour: $89
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour of Venice Beach: $94
  • Marina Del Rey: Romantic Cruise, Dinner Charcuterie or Sushi: $99
  • Venice Beach Food Tour: $99
  • Venice Beach LA Food Tour: $99
  • Marina Del Rey: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Hollywood Night Tour with Dinner & Comedy Show: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.65
    Los Angeles $84

Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh

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

  • Killing field and Toul Sleng genocide museum Tour: $19
  • Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tours: $155
  • Phnom Penh Private Tour with Luggage Storage: $7.92
  • ( Free eSim) Classic Phnom Penh Full Day Tour : $45
  • 2 Day SUV and Minivan Tour Phnom Penh and Siem Reap: $145
  • 2 Days Phnom Penh Cyclo and Cycling Tour: $128
  • 2 Days Private Guide Tour Phnom Penh Heritage: $282
  • 5-Hour Biking Tour in Mekong Island: $49
  • 6-8 Hours Phnom Penh Private Guided Tour : $15
  • A Day Trip Sightseeing of Phnom Penh With Private Tour Guide : $65
  • A Full Day Tour for Royal Palace, S21, Killing Fields & More : $35
  • A day Trip Sightseeing Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Private English Speaking Driver : $105

Typical Entertainment Prices in Los Angeles

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)
    $37
  • Bowling
    $13
  • Hollywood Tour for Two
    $30
  • Six Flags for 2
    $96

Tours and Activities in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept Secrets: $3.59
  • Santa Monica: Self-guided Bike Tour App - Audio + Written: $5.00
  • Hollywood Boulevard’s Haunting History and Hidden Gems: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Los Angeles Downtown Scavenger Hunt Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.20
  • Pasadena Puzzle Adventure: Stop the Bomb!: $7.20
  • LA Little Tokyo to Olvera St Smartphone (App/GPS) Walking Tour: $7.50
  • Pasadena Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.74
  • Secrets of Venice Boardwalk: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure in LA: $8.42
  • Beverly Hills on Foot Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Lost Souls of Hollywood Blvd: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Pasadena by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Experience in Fontana by Operation City Quest: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phnom Penh $4.33
    Los Angeles $15

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 Los Angeles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:

  • LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Drag Bar Crawl with Drink in Los Angeles : $39
  • LA : Drag Highlights - Bar Crawl & Show – Drinks Included!: $50
  • 2 Hours Party Bike Pub Crawl Tour in Glendale California: $55
  • Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $195
  • Wine Tour at Fess Parker Winery by Helicopter: $4,299


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phnom Penh and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Phnom Penh. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh and Los Angeles, 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.