Guatemala vs Honduras
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Honduras's 9.9M. Guatemala is 1.8 times more populous than Honduras. Economically, Guatemala ($113.2B) has a GDP 3.1 times larger than Honduras's ($37.1B). Honduras covers 112,492 km², 1.0 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Honduras stands at 72.9 years, 0.3 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
GuatemalaHonduras| Population | +82.8%18.1M | -45.3%9.9M |
| Area | -3.2%108,889 km² | +3.3%112,492 km² |
| GDP | +205.2%$113.2B | -67.2%$37.1B |
| GDP Per Capita | +79.5%$6,150.026 | -44.3%$3,426.435 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.4%72.6 yrs | +0.4%72.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +34.6%17.9 | -25.7%13.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -47.1%2.6% | +88.9%4.9% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Tegucigalpa |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Spanish |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | HNL (L) |
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
Guatemala is 1.8 times more populous than Honduras, with 18.1M residents compared to 9.9M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Honduras is a nation of 9.9M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Honduras averages 88 people per km² (moderate). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Honduras.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Honduras is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Guatemala economy ($113.2B) is 3.1 times larger than Honduras's ($37.1B). Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Honduras's GDP per capita of $3,426.435 is 75% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Guatemala are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Honduras.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 72.9 years in Honduras, a gap of 0.3 years. Honduras (72.9 years) is 0.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 17.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Guatemala's infant mortality is 35% higher than Honduras's 13.3.
Geographic Comparison
Honduras (112,492 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Honduras borders 3 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Honduras's 1 timezone. Both Guatemala and Honduras are located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: Central America and Central America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Honduras is in GDP: Guatemala's $113.2B compared to Honduras's $37.1B represents a 67% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Honduras is in population: Guatemala's 18.1M compared to Honduras's 9.9M represents a 45% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Honduras is in GDP per capita: Guatemala's $6,150.026 compared to Honduras's $3,426.435 represents a 44% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Honduras's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Guatemala has a GDP per capita of $6,150.026, which is 1.8x that of Honduras ($3,426.435). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Guatemala is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 1.9x more densely populated than Honduras (166 vs 88 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Honduras's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Honduras live an average of 0.3 years longer than those of Guatemala (72.9 vs 72.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Honduras's 3.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Honduras for Families
For family travel, Honduras generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.3 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Honduras's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala vs Honduras for Budget Travelers
Honduras is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,426.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Honduras can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Guatemala vs Honduras for Retirees
Honduras's life expectancy of 72.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala 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.
Guatemala vs Honduras Cost of Living
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Honduras, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Honduras offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Honduras can approach or exceed average costs in Guatemala's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Honduras for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Honduras, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Honduras covers 1. Honduras'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, Guatemala or Honduras by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Honduras's 9.9M. Guatemala is 1.8 times more populous than Honduras.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Honduras?
Guatemala has the higher GDP at $113.2B, compared to Honduras's $37.1B. Guatemala's economy is 3.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Honduras?
Honduras has a higher life expectancy at 72.9 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Honduras's is 0.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Guatemala or Honduras?
Honduras is larger by land area, covering 112,492 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Honduras is 1.0 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Honduras?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Honduras recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Honduras?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Honduras's 4.6%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Honduras's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Guatemala or Honduras better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Honduras generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.3 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both cou...
Is Guatemala or Honduras cheaper to visit?
Honduras is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,426.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Honduras can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Guatemala. However, Guatemala may offer better...
Is Guatemala or Honduras better for retirement?
Honduras's life expectancy of 72.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Guatemala or Honduras more expensive to live in?
Guatemala's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Honduras, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Guatemala, while Honduras offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Guatemala or Honduras better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Honduras, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Honduras covers 1. Honduras's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...