India vs Vietnam
India has a population of 1.42B, compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. India is 14.0 times more populous than Vietnam. Economically, India ($3.91T) has a GDP 8.2 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). India covers 3,287,263 km², 9.9 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 2.6 years higher than India's 72.0 years.
IndiaVietnam| Population | +1298.7%1.42B | -92.9%101.3M |
| Area | +892.5%3,287,263 km² | -89.9%331,212 km² |
| GDP | +720.7%$3.91T | -87.8%$476.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -42.9%$2,694.738 | +75.1%$4,717.29 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.5%72.0 yrs | +3.6%74.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +75.0%24.5 | -42.9%14.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +177.0%4.2% | -63.9%1.5% |
| Capital | New Delhi | Hanoi |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Hindi, Tamil | Vietnamese |
| Currencies | INR (₹) | VND (₫) |
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 14.0 times more populous than Vietnam, with 1.42B residents compared to 101.3M. India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion, while Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, India averages 431 people per km² (dense), while Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for India.
Economy Comparison
India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The India economy ($3.91T) is 8.2 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in India.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in India is 72.0 years, compared to 74.6 years in Vietnam, a gap of 2.6 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while India (72.0 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 24.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, India's infant mortality is 75% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
India (3,287,263 km²) is 9.9 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). India shares borders with 6 countries, while Vietnam borders 3 countries. India spans 1 timezone, compared to Vietnam's 1 timezone. Both India and Vietnam 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 India and Vietnam is in population: India's 1.42B compared to Vietnam's 101.3M represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between India and Vietnam is in land area: India's 3,287,263 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km² represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between India and Vietnam is in GDP: India's $3.91T compared to Vietnam's $476.4B represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between India's lower-middle-income economy and Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Vietnam has a GDP per capita of $4,717.29, which is 1.8x that of India ($2,694.738). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Vietnam is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
India is 1.4x more densely populated than Vietnam (431 vs 306 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Vietnam's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 2.6 years longer than those of India (74.6 vs 72.0 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
Vietnam's economy grew at 7.1% compared to India's 6.5%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
India vs Vietnam for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 24.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. India offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Vietnam's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
India vs Vietnam for Budget Travelers
India is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,694.738 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in India can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam 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 Vietnam for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. India 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 Vietnam Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of India, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while India offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in India can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.
India vs Vietnam for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between India and Vietnam, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. India spans 1 timezone while Vietnam covers 1. India'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 Vietnam by population?
India is larger by population, with 1.42B residents compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. India is 14.0 times more populous than Vietnam.
Which country has a higher GDP, India or Vietnam?
India has the higher GDP at $3.91T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. India's economy is 8.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between India and Vietnam?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to India's 72.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.6 years. India's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Vietnam's is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, India or Vietnam?
India is larger by land area, covering 3,287,263 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². India is 9.9 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in India and Vietnam?
India recognizes the following languages: English, Hindi, Tamil. Vietnam recognizes: Vietnamese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, India or Vietnam?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to India's 5.0%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while India's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is India or Vietnam better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 24.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. India offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is India or Vietnam cheaper to visit?
India is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,694.738 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in India can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value in ...
Is India or Vietnam better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. India may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is India or Vietnam more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of India, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while India offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is India or Vietnam better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between India and Vietnam, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. India spans 1 timezone while Vietnam covers 1. India's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...