Phnom Penhis 62% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (55/10) vs Melaka "Fair" (51/10). Dorms avg $10/night vs $8/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇾 Melaka
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★8 hostels, avg 8.7 rating
★★★★★15 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $26/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $25/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $11.66, dorms avg $10
★★★★★Coffee $2.92, dorms avg $8
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $8.00, 8 hostels
★★★★★Beer $1.50, 15 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇾 Melaka | 🇰🇭 Phnom Penh | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $52 | $20 cheaper | $32/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $96 | $41 cheaper | $55/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $154 | $77 cheaper | $77/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇾 Melaka | 🇰🇭 Phnom Penh |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $15 | $5 67% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $45 | $20 56% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $8 | $1.50 81% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $11.66 | $2.92 75% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $2 | $0.40 80% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇲🇾51
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $10/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelThree Little Birds Home (9.5)
Annual dorm avg$10/night
Total hostels8
🇰🇭55
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Very affordable dorms (avg $8/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelVilla Martial Arts Gym And Hostel (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$8/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇾 Melaka
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh
City to City
Getting Between Melaka & Phnom Penh
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇾 Melaka
🌧 Rainfall: 253mm/month
Best months: Jul, Aug
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh
🌧 Rainfall: 38mm/month
Best months: Jan, Dec
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇲🇾 Melaka
1. Baba and Nyonya House
2. Democratic Government MuseumFree
3. Kite MuseumFree
4. Melaka Stamp MuseumFree
5. Museum of Enduring BeautyFree
🇰🇭 Phnom Penh
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Melaka or Phnom Penh cheaper for backpackers?+
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Do I need a visa for Melaka or Phnom Penh?+
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