India vs Pakistan
India has a population of 1.42B, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. India is 5.9 times more populous than Pakistan. Economically, India ($3.91T) has a GDP 10.5 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). India covers 3,287,263 km², 4.1 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in India stands at 72.0 years, 4.4 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
IndiaPakistan| Population | +487.0%1.42B | -83.0%241.5M |
| Area | +312.9%3,287,263 km² | -75.8%796,095 km² |
| GDP | +952.3%$3.91T | -90.5%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +82.2%$2,694.738 | -45.1%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +6.4%72.0 yrs | -6.0%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -51.1%24.5 | +104.5%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -22.2%4.2% | +28.5%5.4% |
| Capital | New Delhi | Islamabad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Hindi, Tamil | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | INR (₹) | PKR (₨) |
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
India is 5.9 times more populous than Pakistan, with 1.42B residents compared to 241.5M. India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, India averages 431 people per km² (dense), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The India economy ($3.91T) is 10.5 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of India are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in India is 72.0 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 4.4 years. India (72.0 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 104% higher than India's 24.5.
Geographic Comparison
India (3,287,263 km²) is 4.1 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). India shares borders with 6 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. India spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Both India and Pakistan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between India and Pakistan is in GDP: India's $3.91T compared to Pakistan's $371.6B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between India and Pakistan is in population: India's 1.42B compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between India and Pakistan is in land area: India's 3,287,263 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between India's lower-middle-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
India has a GDP per capita of $2,694.738, which is 1.8x that of Pakistan ($1,478.773). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in India is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
India is 1.4x more densely populated than Pakistan (431 vs 303 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Pakistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of India live an average of 4.4 years longer than those of Pakistan (72.0 vs 67.6 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
India's economy grew at 6.5% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. India's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
India vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, India generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.5 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though India's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
India vs Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in India. However, India may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
India vs Pakistan for Retirees
India's life expectancy of 72.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan 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.
India vs Pakistan Cost of Living
India's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in India, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Pakistan can approach or exceed average costs in India's smaller cities.
India vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between India and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. India spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan'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, India or Pakistan by population?
India is larger by population, with 1.42B residents compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. India is 5.9 times more populous than Pakistan.
Which country has a higher GDP, India or Pakistan?
India has the higher GDP at $3.91T, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. India's economy is 10.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between India and Pakistan?
India has a higher life expectancy at 72.0 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.4 years. India's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan's is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, India or Pakistan?
India is larger by land area, covering 3,287,263 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². India is 4.1 times larger than Pakistan.
What languages are spoken in India and Pakistan?
India recognizes the following languages: English, Hindi, Tamil. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, India or Pakistan?
India has lower inflation at 5.0%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. India's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Pakistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median.
Is India or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, India generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.5 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is India or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in India. However, India may offer better value i...
Is India or Pakistan better for retirement?
India's life expectancy of 72.0 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is India or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
India's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in India, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is India or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between India and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. India spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...