Bangladesh vs Philippines
Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Philippines's 114.1M. Bangladesh is 1.5 times more populous than Philippines. Economically, Philippines ($461.6B) has a GDP 1.0 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). Philippines covers 342,353 km², 2.3 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 4.8 years higher than Philippines's 69.8 years.
BangladeshPhilippines| Population | +48.8%169.8M | -32.8%114.1M |
| Area | -56.9%147,570 km² | +132.0%342,353 km² |
| GDP | -2.5%$450.1B | +2.6%$461.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | -34.9%$2,593.416 | +53.7%$3,984.832 |
| Life Expectancy | +6.9%74.7 yrs | -6.5%69.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +10.4%24.4 | -9.4%22.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +69.0%3.8% | -40.8%2.2% |
| Capital | Dhaka | Manila |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Bengali | English, Filipino |
| Currencies | BDT (৳) | PHP (₱) |
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
Bangladesh is 1.5 times more populous than Philippines, with 169.8M residents compared to 114.1M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Philippines is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), while Philippines averages 333 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Philippines is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Philippines economy ($461.6B) is 1.0 times larger than Bangladesh's ($450.1B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Philippines's GDP per capita of $3,984.832 is 64% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Philippines are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Bangladesh.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 69.8 years in Philippines, a gap of 4.8 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Philippines (69.8 years) is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bangladesh's infant mortality is 10% higher than Philippines's 22.1.
Geographic Comparison
Philippines (342,353 km²) is 2.3 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Philippines borders 0 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Philippines's 1 timezone. Both Bangladesh and Philippines are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Philippines is in land area: Bangladesh's 147,570 km² compared to Philippines's 342,353 km² represents a 57% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Philippines is in GDP per capita: Bangladesh's $2,593.416 compared to Philippines's $3,984.832 represents a 35% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Philippines is in population: Bangladesh's 169.8M compared to Philippines's 114.1M represents a 33% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and Philippines's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Philippines has a GDP per capita of $3,984.832, which is 1.5x that of Bangladesh ($2,593.416). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Philippines is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 3.5x more densely populated than Philippines (1151 vs 333 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Philippines's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 4.8 years longer than those of Philippines (74.7 vs 69.8 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
Philippines's economy grew at 5.7% compared to Bangladesh's 4.2%. Philippines's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Bangladesh vs Philippines for Families
For family travel, Philippines generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (22.1 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Philippines's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Bangladesh vs Philippines for Budget Travelers
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Philippines. However, Philippines may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Bangladesh vs Philippines for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Philippines 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.
Bangladesh vs Philippines Cost of Living
Philippines's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Philippines, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bangladesh can approach or exceed average costs in Philippines's smaller cities.
Bangladesh vs Philippines for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Philippines, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Philippines covers 1. Bangladesh'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, Bangladesh or Philippines by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Philippines's 114.1M. Bangladesh is 1.5 times more populous than Philippines.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Philippines?
Philippines has the higher GDP at $461.6B, compared to Bangladesh's $450.1B. Philippines's economy is 1.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Philippines?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Philippines's 69.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.8 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Philippines's is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Bangladesh or Philippines?
Philippines is larger by land area, covering 342,353 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Philippines is 2.3 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Philippines?
Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Philippines recognizes: English, Filipino. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Philippines?
Philippines has lower inflation at 3.2%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Philippines's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.
Is Bangladesh or Philippines better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Philippines generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (22.1 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bangladesh offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both...
Is Bangladesh or Philippines cheaper to visit?
Bangladesh is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,593.416 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bangladesh can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Philippines. However, Philippines may offe...
Is Bangladesh or Philippines better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Philippines may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access...
Is Bangladesh or Philippines more expensive to live in?
Philippines's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Bangladesh, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Philippines, while Bangladesh offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies...
Is Bangladesh or Philippines better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Philippines, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Philippines covers 1. Bangladesh's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stret...