Cambodia vs Mexico
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Mexico's 130.6M. Mexico is 7.4 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Mexico ($1.86T) has a GDP 40.0 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Mexico covers 1,964,375 km², 10.9 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Mexico stands at 75.1 years, 4.4 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
CambodiaMexico| Population | -86.5%17.6M | +642.8%130.6M |
| Area | -90.8%181,035 km² | +985.1%1,964,375 km² |
| GDP | -97.5%$46.4B | +3904.9%$1.86T |
| GDP Per Capita | -81.5%$2,627.88 | +439.8%$14,185.781 |
| Life Expectancy | -5.9%70.7 yrs | +6.2%75.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +88.0%20.3 | -46.8%10.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | 95.9% |
| Unemployment | -90.2%0.3% | +916.3%2.7% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Mexico City |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Khmer | Spanish |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | MXN ($) |
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
Mexico is 7.4 times more populous than Cambodia, with 130.6M residents compared to 17.6M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Mexico is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Mexico averages 66 people per km² (moderate). While Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade, Mexico has grown at 0.92% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Mexico is classified as a high-income economy. The Mexico economy ($1.86T) is 40.0 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Mexico's GDP per capita of $14,185.781 is 5% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Mexico are on average 5.4 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 75.1 years in Mexico, a gap of 4.4 years. Mexico (75.1 years) is 3.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 20.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cambodia's infant mortality is 88% higher than Mexico's 10.8.
Geographic Comparison
Mexico (1,964,375 km²) is 10.9 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Mexico borders 3 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Mexico's 3 timezones. Cambodia lies in Asia, while Mexico is located in North America. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Mexico belongs to Americas (North America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Mexico is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to Mexico's $1.86T represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Mexico is in land area: Cambodia's 181,035 km² compared to Mexico's 1,964,375 km² represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Mexico is in population: Cambodia's 17.6M compared to Mexico's 130.6M represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Mexico's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Mexico has a GDP per capita of $14,185.781, which is 5.4x that of Cambodia ($2,627.88). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Mexico is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 1.5x more densely populated than Mexico (97 vs 66 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Mexico's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Mexico live an average of 4.4 years longer than those of Cambodia (75.1 vs 70.7 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Mexico's 1.4%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Mexico for Families
For family travel, Mexico generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.8 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Mexico's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cambodia vs Mexico for Budget Travelers
Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Mexico. However, Mexico may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Cambodia vs Mexico for Retirees
Mexico's life expectancy of 75.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia 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.
Cambodia vs Mexico Cost of Living
Mexico's GDP per capita is 5.4x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mexico, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cambodia can approach or exceed average costs in Mexico's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Mexico for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Mexico, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Mexico covers 3. Cambodia'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, Cambodia or Mexico by population?
Mexico is larger by population, with 130.6M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Mexico is 7.4 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Mexico?
Mexico has the higher GDP at $1.86T, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Mexico's economy is 40.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Mexico?
Mexico has a higher life expectancy at 75.1 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.4 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Mexico's is 3.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Mexico?
Mexico is larger by land area, covering 1,964,375 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Mexico is 10.9 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Mexico?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Mexico recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Mexico?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Mexico's 4.7%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Mexico's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Cambodia or Mexico better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Mexico generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.8 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countr...
Is Cambodia or Mexico cheaper to visit?
Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Mexico. However, Mexico may offer better value ...
Is Cambodia or Mexico better for retirement?
Mexico's life expectancy of 75.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Cambodia or Mexico more expensive to live in?
Mexico's GDP per capita is 5.4x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mexico, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Cambodia or Mexico better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Mexico, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Mexico covers 3. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inc...