Vietnam vs Russia
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Russia's 146.0M. Russia is 1.4 times more populous than Vietnam. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 4.6 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 51.6 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 1.3 years higher than Russia's 73.3 years.
VietnamRussia| Population | -30.6%101.3M | +44.1%146.0M |
| Area | -98.1%331,212 km² | +5062.3%17,098,246 km² |
| GDP | -78.1%$476.4B | +356.3%$2.17T |
| GDP Per Capita | -68.3%$4,717.29 | +215.6%$14,889.019 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.8%74.6 yrs | -1.8%73.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +278.4%14.0 | -73.6%3.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -28.6%1.5% | +40.1%2.1% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Moscow |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Russian |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | RUB (₽) |
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
Russia is 1.4 times more populous than Vietnam, with 146.0M residents compared to 101.3M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Russia has grown at 0.00% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Russia is classified as a high-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 4.6 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Russia are on average 3.2 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 73.3 years in Russia, a gap of 1.3 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years. At 14.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Vietnam's infant mortality is 278% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 51.6 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Russia borders 14 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Russia's 9 timezones. Both Vietnam and Russia are located in Asia. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Russia belongs to Europe (Eastern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Russia is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Russia's 17,098,246 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Russia is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Russia's $2.17T represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Russia is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Russia's 3.7 per 1,000 represents a 74% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Russia's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Russia has a GDP per capita of $14,889.019, which is 3.2x that of Vietnam ($4,717.29). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Russia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 35.8x more densely populated than Russia (306 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Russia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 1.3 years longer than those of Russia (74.6 vs 73.3 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 Russia's 4.3%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Russia for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Russia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Russia for Budget Travelers
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Russia. However, Russia 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 Russia for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Russia 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 Russia Cost of Living
Russia's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Vietnam can approach or exceed average costs in Russia's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Russia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Vietnam'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 Russia by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Russia is 1.4 times more populous than Vietnam.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Russia?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. Russia's economy is 4.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Russia?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Russia's 73.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.3 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Russia's is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Russia?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Russia is 51.6 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Russia?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Russia recognizes: Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Russia?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Russia's 8.4%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Russia's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 2.4 times the global median.
Is Vietnam or Russia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Vietnam or Russia cheaper to visit?
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Russia. However, Russia may offer better value in...
Is Vietnam or Russia better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Russia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Vietnam or Russia more expensive to live in?
Russia's GDP per capita is 3.2x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Russia, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Vietnam or Russia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Russia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Russia covers 9. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income...