South Africa vs Chile
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to Chile's 20.2M. South Africa is 3.1 times more populous than Chile. Economically, South Africa ($401.1B) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than Chile's ($330.3B). South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 1.6 times larger than Chile's 756,102 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 15.0 years higher than South Africa's 66.1 years.
South AfricaChile| Population | +212.3%63.1M | -68.0%20.2M |
| Area | +61.5%1,221,037 km² | -38.1%756,102 km² |
| GDP | +21.5%$401.1B | -17.7%$330.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -62.5%$6,267.187 | +166.6%$16,709.889 |
| Life Expectancy | -18.5%66.1 yrs | +22.7%81.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +293.5%24.4 | -74.6%6.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +260.9%32.4% | -72.3%9.0% |
| Capital | Pretoria | Santiago |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | Spanish |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | CLP ($) |
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
South Africa is 3.1 times more populous than Chile, with 63.1M residents compared to 20.2M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Chile is a nation of 20.2M people. In terms of population density, South Africa averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Chile is classified as a high-income economy. The South Africa economy ($401.1B) is 1.2 times larger than Chile's ($330.3B). South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Chile are on average 2.7 times wealthier than those in South Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years, compared to 81.2 years in Chile, a gap of 15.0 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Africa's infant mortality is 294% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Chile (756,102 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while Chile borders 3 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to Chile's 2 timezones. South Africa lies in Africa, while Chile is located in South America. South Africa is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Chile belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and Chile is in infant mortality: South Africa's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Chile's 6.2 per 1,000 represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Chile is in population: South Africa's 63.1M compared to Chile's 20.2M represents a 68% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Chile is in GDP per capita: South Africa's $6,267.187 compared to Chile's $16,709.889 represents a 62% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa's upper-middle-income economy and Chile's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chile has a GDP per capita of $16,709.889, which is 2.7x that of South Africa ($6,267.187). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Chile is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
South Africa is 1.9x more densely populated than Chile (52 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chile's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Chile live an average of 15.0 years longer than those of South Africa (81.2 vs 66.1 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Chile's economy grew at 2.6% compared to South Africa's 0.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Chile has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Africa vs Chile for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Chile's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
South Africa vs Chile for Budget Travelers
South Africa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,267.187 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Africa can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
South Africa vs Chile for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Chile Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of South Africa, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while South Africa offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in South Africa can approach or exceed average costs in Chile's smaller cities.
South Africa vs Chile for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. South Africa'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, South Africa or Chile by population?
South Africa is larger by population, with 63.1M residents compared to Chile's 20.2M. South Africa is 3.1 times more populous than Chile.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa or Chile?
South Africa has the higher GDP at $401.1B, compared to Chile's $330.3B. South Africa's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Africa and Chile?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to South Africa's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.0 years. South Africa's life expectancy is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Chile's is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Africa or Chile?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to Chile's 756,102 km². South Africa is 1.6 times larger than Chile.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and Chile?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Chile recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or Chile?
Chile has lower inflation at 4.3%, compared to South Africa's 4.4%. Chile's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while South Africa's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is South Africa or Chile better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is South Africa or Chile cheaper to visit?
South Africa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,267.187 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Africa can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Chile. However, Chile may offer better...
Is South Africa or Chile better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa 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 South Africa or Chile more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of South Africa, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while South Africa offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is South Africa or Chile better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. South Africa's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...