Mexico vs Peru
Mexico has a population of 130.6M, compared to Peru's 34.4M. Mexico is 3.8 times more populous than Peru. Economically, Mexico ($1.86T) has a GDP 6.4 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Mexico covers 1,964,375 km², 1.5 times larger than Peru's 1,285,216 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 2.7 years higher than Mexico's 75.1 years.
MexicoPeru| Population | +280.1%130.6M | -73.7%34.4M |
| Area | +52.8%1,964,375 km² | -34.6%1,285,216 km² |
| GDP | +541.8%$1.86T | -84.4%$289.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +67.8%$14,185.781 | -40.4%$8,452.372 |
| Life Expectancy | -3.4%75.1 yrs | +3.6%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -20.0%10.8 | +25.0%13.5 |
| Literacy Rate | 95.9% | — |
| Unemployment | -47.8%2.7% | +91.4%5.1% |
| Capital | Mexico City | Lima |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | MXN ($) | PEN (S/ ) |
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 3.8 times more populous than Peru, with 130.6M residents compared to 34.4M. Mexico is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Peru is a nation of 34.4M people. In terms of population density, Mexico averages 66 people per km² (moderate), while Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Mexico has grown at 0.92% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Peru.
Economy Comparison
Mexico is classified as a high-income economy, while Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Mexico economy ($1.86T) is 6.4 times larger than Peru's ($289.2B). Mexico's GDP per capita of $14,185.781 is 5% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Mexico are on average 1.7 times wealthier than those in Peru.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mexico is 75.1 years, compared to 77.7 years in Peru, a gap of 2.7 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Mexico (75.1 years) is 3.1 years above the global average of 72 years. At 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Peru's infant mortality is 25% higher than Mexico's 10.8.
Geographic Comparison
Mexico (1,964,375 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Peru (1,285,216 km²). Mexico shares borders with 3 countries, while Peru borders 5 countries. Mexico spans 3 timezones, compared to Peru's 1 timezone. Mexico lies in North America, while Peru is located in South America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: North America and South America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mexico and Peru is in GDP: Mexico's $1.86T compared to Peru's $289.2B represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Mexico and Peru is in population: Mexico's 130.6M compared to Peru's 34.4M represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Mexico and Peru is in GDP per capita: Mexico's $14,185.781 compared to Peru's $8,452.372 represents a 40% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mexico's high-income economy and Peru's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Mexico has a GDP per capita of $14,185.781, which is 1.7x that of Peru ($8,452.372). 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
Mexico is 2.5x more densely populated than Peru (66 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 2.7 years longer than those of Mexico (77.7 vs 75.1 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
Peru's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Mexico's 1.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Peru has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Mexico vs Peru for Families
For family travel, Mexico generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.8 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru 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.
Mexico vs Peru for Budget Travelers
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru 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.
Mexico vs Peru for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mexico 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.
Mexico vs Peru Cost of Living
Mexico's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mexico, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Peru can approach or exceed average costs in Mexico's smaller cities.
Mexico vs Peru for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Mexico and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mexico spans 3 timezones while Peru covers 1. Peru'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, Mexico or Peru by population?
Mexico is larger by population, with 130.6M residents compared to Peru's 34.4M. Mexico is 3.8 times more populous than Peru.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mexico or Peru?
Mexico has the higher GDP at $1.86T, compared to Peru's $289.2B. Mexico's economy is 6.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mexico and Peru?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Mexico's 75.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.7 years. Mexico's life expectancy is 3.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Peru's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Mexico or Peru?
Mexico is larger by land area, covering 1,964,375 km² compared to Peru's 1,285,216 km². Mexico is 1.5 times larger than Peru.
What languages are spoken in Mexico and Peru?
Mexico recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Peru recognizes: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mexico or Peru?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Mexico's 4.7%. Peru'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 Mexico or Peru better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Mexico generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.8 vs 13.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Peru offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Mexico or Peru cheaper to visit?
Peru is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,452.372 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Peru can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Mexico. However, Mexico may offer better value in spec...
Is Mexico or Peru better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Mexico may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Mexico or Peru more expensive to live in?
Mexico's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Peru, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Mexico, while Peru offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Mexico or Peru better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Mexico and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Mexico spans 3 timezones while Peru covers 1. Peru's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...