Gothenburg
Sweden
5/6
Budget$1,848
Internet190 Mbps
Vibe8/10
Side-by-side city decision
Gothenburg vs Phnom Penh.
A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit.
GothenburgSweden5
VS
Phnom PenhCambodia1
$1,848Gothenburg monthly budget
$925Phnom Penh monthly budget
190 MbpsGothenburg internet
45 MbpsPhnom Penh internet
Decision summary
Gothenburg
Gothenburg leads on more of the six headline signals.
Cost
Best budget
Phnom Penh
Speed
Fastest internet
Gothenburg
Vibe
Best nomad vibe
Gothenburg
Safety
Highest safety
Gothenburg
Air
Cleanest air
Gothenburg
Walk
Most walkable
Gothenburg
Quick read
Two cities at a glance
The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison.
Phnom Penh
Cambodia
1/6
Budget$925
Internet45 Mbps
Vibe7/10
Full comparison
Compare what matters
Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner.
Monthly budget and costs
7 signalsTotal estimated budget
$1,848
$925
1-bed center rent
$1,120
$450
Coworking desk
$310
$110
Local meal
$14.5
$3
Cappuccino
$4.6
$2.4
Gym membership
$43
$38
Transport budget
$78
$55
Work and infrastructure
2 signalsInternet speed
190 Mbps
45 Mbps
Nomad vibe
8/10
7/10
Quality of life
5 signalsSafety index
70/100
57/100
Air quality
82/100
53/100
Walkability
8/10
5/10
Female safety
8/10
6/10
LGBTQ+ friendly
9/10
6/10
Culture and climate
4 signalsHealthcare quality
Excellent
Average
English proficiency
Excellent
Average
Climate type
Oceanic maritime
Tropical monsoon
Best time to visit
May - Sep
Nov - Feb
Beyond the numbers
What each city asks you to trade
Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture.
Gothenburg
Sweden
Strengths
- Fast, reliable fiber internet and strong mobile coverage
- Excellent public transport, cycling infrastructure, and walkability
- Very high English proficiency in daily life and workplaces
- Progressive, LGBTQ-friendly culture with strong public services
- Access to islands, parks, forests, and the Gothenburg archipelago
- Clean tap water and high-quality healthcare
Trade-offs
- Housing is expensive and long-term rentals are difficult to secure
- Winters are dark, wet, windy, and often overcast
- Restaurants, alcohol, and nightlife have high prices
- No dedicated Swedish digital nomad visa
- Social circles can take time to enter despite widespread English
- Short winter daylight hours can affect mood and routines
Common visa routes
- Schengen visa-free stay for eligible nationalities: up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- Schengen short-stay visa for nationals who require one
- Swedish residence permit for work, study, family ties, or self-employment where eligible
Phnom Penh
Cambodia
Strengths
- Low everyday costs compared with many regional capitals
- Large and established international community
- English is widely used in central expat areas
- Affordable local food and international dining
- Convenient ride-hailing through Grab and PassApp
- Long-stay visa extensions are relatively accessible
Trade-offs
- Hot, humid weather for much of the year
- Traffic, uneven sidewalks, and limited pedestrian infrastructure
- Petty theft and phone-snatching require vigilance
- Tap water is not safe to drink
- Air quality can worsen during the dry season
- Healthcare is adequate but limited for complex treatment
Common visa routes
- Tourist Visa (T), typically 30 days and extendable once
- Ordinary Visa (E), extendable through approved agents for longer stays
- Business Extension of Stay (EB), for eligible workers and business travelers
Reading the result
Use this as a planning benchmark
The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices.
Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices.
Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity.
Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.