Vietnam vs Cambodia
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Vietnam is 5.8 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 10.3 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Vietnam covers 331,212 km², 1.8 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 3.9 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
VietnamCambodia| Population | +476.5%101.3M | -82.7%17.6M |
| Area | +83.0%331,212 km² | -45.3%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +927.7%$476.4B | -90.3%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +79.5%$4,717.29 | -44.3%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.5%74.6 yrs | -5.3%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -31.0%14.0 | +45.0%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +479.1%1.5% | -82.7%0.3% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Khmer |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Vietnam is 5.8 times more populous than Cambodia, with 101.3M residents compared to 17.6M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 10.3 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% 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 Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 3.9 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 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 45% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Vietnam (331,212 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Vietnam and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Cambodia is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Cambodia is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Cambodia is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 45% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-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 Cambodia ($2,627.88). 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
Vietnam is 3.2x more densely populated than Cambodia (306 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cambodia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 3.9 years longer than those of Cambodia (74.6 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
Vietnam's economy grew at 7.1% compared to Cambodia's 6.0%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 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 Vietnam's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Cambodia 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 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.
Vietnam vs Cambodia for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 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.
Vietnam vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, 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 Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. 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, Vietnam or Cambodia by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Vietnam is 5.8 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Cambodia?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Vietnam's economy is 10.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Cambodia?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.9 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia's is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Cambodia?
Vietnam is larger by land area, covering 331,212 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Vietnam is 1.8 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Cambodia?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Vietnam's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 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 count...
Is Vietnam or Cambodia 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 Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better valu...
Is Vietnam or Cambodia better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 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, clim...
Is Vietnam or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Vietnam or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...