Peru vs Bolivia
Peru has a population of 34.4M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Peru is 3.0 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 5.3 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 1.2 times larger than Bolivia's 1,098,581 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 9.2 years higher than Bolivia's 68.6 years.
PeruBolivia| Population | +202.2%34.4M | -66.9%11.4M |
| Area | +17.0%1,285,216 km² | -14.5%1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | +427.0%$289.2B | -81.0%$54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | +91.2%$8,452.372 | -47.7%$4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | +13.4%77.7 yrs | -11.8%68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -32.5%13.5 | +48.1%20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +72.5%5.1% | -42.0%3.0% |
| Capital | Lima | Sucre |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | PEN (S/ ) | BOB (Bs.) |
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
Peru is 3.0 times more populous than Bolivia, with 34.4M residents compared to 11.4M. Peru is a nation of 34.4M people, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Bolivia averages 10 people per km² (sparse). Bolivia has grown at 1.37% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Peru.
Economy Comparison
Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 5.3 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Bolivia's GDP per capita of $4,421.166 is 67% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Peru are on average 1.9 times wealthier than those in Bolivia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Peru is 77.7 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 9.2 years. Peru (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bolivia (68.6 years) is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 20.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bolivia's infant mortality is 48% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Bolivia (1,098,581 km²). Peru shares borders with 5 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Peru spans 1 timezone, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Both Peru and Bolivia are located in South America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: South America and South America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Peru and Bolivia is in GDP: Peru's $289.2B compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Bolivia is in population: Peru's 34.4M compared to Bolivia's 11.4M represents a 67% gap. The most significant difference between Peru and Bolivia is in GDP per capita: Peru's $8,452.372 compared to Bolivia's $4,421.166 represents a 48% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Peru's upper-middle-income economy and Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 1.9x that of Bolivia ($4,421.166). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Peru is 2.6x more densely populated than Bolivia (27 vs 10 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Bolivia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 9.2 years longer than those of Bolivia (77.7 vs 68.6 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
Peru's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Peru has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Peru vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 20.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bolivia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Peru vs Bolivia for Budget Travelers
Bolivia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,421.166 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bolivia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Peru vs Bolivia for Retirees
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bolivia 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.
Peru vs Bolivia Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Bolivia can approach or exceed average costs in Peru's smaller cities.
Peru vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Bolivia'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, Peru or Bolivia by population?
Peru is larger by population, with 34.4M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Peru is 3.0 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Peru or Bolivia?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Peru's economy is 5.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Peru and Bolivia?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Bolivia's 68.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.2 years. Peru's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bolivia's is 3.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Peru or Bolivia?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Bolivia's 1,098,581 km². Peru is 1.2 times larger than Bolivia.
What languages are spoken in Peru and Bolivia?
Peru recognizes the following languages: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Peru or Bolivia?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Bolivia's 5.1%. Peru's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bolivia's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Peru or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 vs 20.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bolivia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Peru or Bolivia cheaper to visit?
Bolivia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,421.166 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Bolivia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in sp...
Is Peru or Bolivia better for retirement?
Peru's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Bolivia 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 Peru or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Peru or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Peru and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Peru spans 1 timezone while Bolivia covers 1. Bolivia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...