Peru vs Chile
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Chile's 20.2M. Peru is 1.7 times more populous than Chile. Economically, Chile ($330.3B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 1.7 times larger than Chile's 756,102 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 3.4 years higher than Peru's 77.7 years.
PeruChile| Population | +70.0%34.4M | -41.2%20.2M |
| Area | +70.0%1,285,216 km² | -41.2%756,102 km² |
| GDP | -12.4%$289.2B | +14.2%$330.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -49.4%$8,452.372 | +97.7%$16,709.889 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.2%77.7 yrs | +4.4%81.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +117.7%13.5 | -54.1%6.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -43.0%5.1% | +75.4%9.0% |
| Capital | Lima | Santiago |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | Spanish |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | CLP ($) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Peru is 1.7 times more populous than Chile, with 34.4M residents compared to 20.2M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Chile is a nation of 20.2M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Chile is classified as a high-income economy. The Chile economy ($330.3B) is 1.1 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Chile are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Peru.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 81.2 years in Chile, a gap of 3.4 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Peru's infant mortality is 118% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Chile (756,102 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Chile borders 3 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Chile's 2 timezones. Both Peru and Chile are located in South America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: South America and South America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Chile is in infant mortality: Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 compared to Chile's 6.2 per 1,000 represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Chile is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Chile's $16,709.889 represents a 49% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Chile is in population: Peru's 34.4M compared to Chile's 20.2M represents a 41% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Chile's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chile has a GDP per capita of $16,709.889, which is 2.0x that of Peru ($8,452.372). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Chile is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Peru is 1.0x more densely populated than Chile (27 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chile's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Chile live an average of 3.4 years longer than those of Peru (81.2 vs 77.7 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Peru's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Chile's 2.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Peru has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Chile for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Chile's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru vs Chile for Budget Travelers
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Chile for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Peru may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Peru vs Chile Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Peru can approach or exceed average costs in Chile's smaller cities.
Peru vs Chile for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. Peru's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Peru or Chile by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Chile's 20.2M. Peru is 1.7 times more populous than Chile.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Chile?
Chile has the higher GDP at $330.3B, compared to Peru's $289.2B. Chile's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Chile?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Peru's 77.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.4 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Chile's is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Peru or Chile?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Chile's 756,102 km². Peru is 1.7 times larger than Chile.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Chile?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Chile recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Chile?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Chile's 4.3%. Peru's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Chile's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Peru or Chile better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attrac...
Is Peru or Chile cheaper to visit?
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in specif...
Is Peru or Chile better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Peru may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Peru or Chile more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Peru or Chile better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. Peru's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both coun...