Below is an essay written in the voice of Eric Kim, a street photographer, blogger, and Bitcoin advocate, focusing on why Phnom Penh is superior to San Francisco, with an emphasis on his economic theories. These theories, drawn from his writings, include digital scarcity, producerism, redefining wealth as time and freedom, and Bitcoin as a tool for economic prosperity. The essay integrates these ideas to frame the comparison, maintaining Kim’s bold, conversational, and philosophical tone, as seen in his blog posts on erickimphotography.com.
Phnom Penh Crushes San Francisco: An Economic and Existential Win
By Eric Kim
Yo, let’s get real. I’ve been in both Phnom Penh and San Francisco, and if we’re talking about living a life that’s economically free and philosophically rich, Phnom Penh smashes SF into the dust. This isn’t just about vibes—it’s about economics, power, and freedom. My theories on money, scarcity, and thriving all point to Phnom Penh as the ultimate cheat code for life. San Francisco? It’s a trap for your wallet and your soul. Here’s why, through the lens of my economic philosophy.
1. Affordability Unlocks True Wealth
I’ve said it before: wealth ain’t about stacking cash; it’s about maximum time and freedom. In San Francisco, you’re a slave to the system. A tiny apartment costs you $3,000 a month, and you’re still eating $20 ramen to keep up with the tech bros. Phnom Penh? I’m living large for $500 a month in a dope spot. Street food—noodles, grilled fish—costs a buck. Tuk-tuks get you anywhere for 50 cents. The average salary here is like $300-$350 a month, compared to $3,000-$3,500 in the U.S., but the magic is in the cost of living. It’s a 10x economic leverage. You’re not just surviving; you’re thriving with cash left to invest, create, or stack Bitcoin. SF’s inflation and housing crisis—$1.3 million for an average LA home?—scream a broken economy. Phnom Penh is the antidote, giving you the freedom to focus on what matters.
2. Digital Scarcity and Bitcoin Power
My theory of digital scarcity—Bitcoin as the ultimate scarce asset—fits Phnom Penh like a glove. I believe Bitcoin can bring economic prosperity to all 9 billion people, ending poverty like clean water ends dysentery. In Phnom Penh, you can live cheap enough to stack sats (Bitcoin fractions) without selling your soul to a corporate job. SF’s tech scene pushes you to chase fiat dollars, burning you out for a paycheck that barely covers rent. Here, I’m at Monkifit gym, crushing 471kg rack pulls, sleeping 8-12 hours, and philosophizing about Bitcoin’s role in economic freedom—all because I’m not stressed about bills. Phnom Penh’s low costs let you invest in the future, not just survive the present. SF’s economy traps you in a cycle of consumption; Phnom Penh sets you up to own your wealth.
3. Producerism: Create, Don’t Consume
I’m all about producerism: “Produce what you love, and the money will follow.” In San Francisco, the culture screams consumption—buy the latest Tesla, flex on Instagram, keep up with the Joneses. It’s a rat race that kills creativity. Phnom Penh? It’s a creator’s paradise. The city’s raw energy—markets, monks, chaos—fuels my street photography. I’m out shooting, blogging, lifting, producing value every day. The low cost of living means I don’t need a 9-to-5 to fund my art. I can focus on creating a legacy, something that outlives me, like my photos or my ideas. SF’s hustle culture forces you to produce for someone else’s profit. Phnom Penh gives you the space to produce for yourself, aligning with my belief that true wealth is creating, not consuming.
4. Economic Freedom Through Simplicity
My Stoic-inspired economic theory says simplify to thrive. Phnom Penh is simplicity on steroids. I’m living in a hotel here, no clutter, no stockpile of junk, just daily clean towels and a clear mind. This minimalist setup frees up mental and financial bandwidth. In SF, you’re drowning in stuff—$1,000 iPhones, $200 sneakers—because the culture equates stuff with status. I learned in Phnom Penh that “always consider the worth of something, not just its price.” A $1 tuk-tuk ride is worth more than a $20 Uber because it gives me time to think, shoot, or connect with locals. This simplicity fuels economic independence, letting you save, invest, or just live without the weight of American consumerism.
5. Cultural and Social Economics
Phnom Penh’s social economy—its people, its optimism—blows SF away. Khmer folks are kind, curious, not jealous, unlike the comparison-obsessed American vibe. I’ve written that Buddhist countries like Cambodia have happier, friendlier people, and it’s true. You feel safe walking Phnom Penh’s streets, no fear of getting “popped” like in LA. This social capital matters economically. Trust and community lower transaction costs—deals are easier, life is smoother. In SF, you’re dodging tech egos and $5 coffees, always looking over your shoulder. Phnom Penh’s upward growth—new skyscrapers, condos—signals optimism, not the “tapped out” feel of America’s economy. This vibe supports my theory that economic prosperity comes from environments that uplift, not drain.
6. Practical Economics: Mobility and Opportunity
Phnom Penh’s practical economics are a game-changer. Tuk-tuks dodge traffic, saving time and money. I’ve got zero interest in owning a car here—why bother when a ride’s a dollar? In SF, you’re stuck in gridlock, paying for parking, or shelling out for gas. Phnom Penh’s mobility lets you seize opportunities—hit a new market for photos, meet locals, explore. Plus, flights to Bangkok or Hanoi are dirt cheap, unlike SF’s overpriced SFO tickets. This aligns with my economic pivot: thriving means mobility, access, and the ability to act fast. Phnom Penh’s infrastructure, while chaotic, empowers you to live dynamically. SF’s systems just slow you down.
The SF Defense: Why Some Stay
Look, I get why some dig San Francisco. The tech scene’s a goldmine for coders and founders. The food—burritos, dim sum—is fire. You’ve got redwoods, oceans, and that Golden Gate flex. If you’re chasing startup unicorns or love urban polish, SF’s your spot. But my economic lens sees it as a gilded cage. The costs crush your freedom, the culture pushes consumption over creation, and the weather—foggy, cold—saps your energy. Phnom Penh, with its warmth, affordability, and raw potential, aligns with my vision of economic freedom for all.
The Final Word
Phnom Penh isn’t just better than San Francisco—it’s a revolution. It’s where my economic theories—digital scarcity, producerism, simplicity, Bitcoin—come alive. You’re not just scraping by; you’re stacking wealth, creating art, living free. SF’s a machine that chews up your time and money. Phnom Penh’s a launchpad for your soul. Come here, ditch the rat race, and see what it’s like to thrive. Bring your camera, your hustle, and maybe a few sats. The future’s in Phnom Penh, not the Bay.
This essay reflects Eric Kim’s voice—bold, philosophical, and rooted in his economic theories, as seen in his blog posts. It draws on his ideas about digital scarcity, producerism, wealth as freedom, and Bitcoin’s potential, applying them to the Phnom Penh vs. San Francisco comparison. Relevant web sources from Kim’s writings (e.g.,,,,,,) were used to ground the arguments in his documented views. If you want a different angle or more focus on specific theories, let me know