Chile vs Bolivia
Chile has a population of 20.2M, compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Chile is 1.8 times more populous than Bolivia. Economically, Chile ($330.3B) has a GDP 6.0 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Bolivia covers 1,098,581 km², 1.5 times larger than Chile's 756,102 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 12.6 years higher than Bolivia's 68.6 years.
ChileBolivia| Population | +77.8%20.2M | -43.8%11.4M |
| Area | -31.2%756,102 km² | +45.3%1,098,581 km² |
| GDP | +501.8%$330.3B | -83.4%$54.9B |
| GDP Per Capita | +278.0%$16,709.889 | -73.5%$4,421.166 |
| Life Expectancy | +18.4%81.2 yrs | -15.5%68.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -69.0%6.2 | +222.6%20.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +202.5%9.0% | -66.9%3.0% |
| Capital | Santiago | Sucre |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | CLP ($) | 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
Chile is 1.8 times more populous than Bolivia, with 20.2M residents compared to 11.4M. Chile is a nation of 20.2M people, while Bolivia is a nation of 11.4M people. In terms of population density, Chile 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 Chile.
Economy Comparison
Chile is classified as a high-income economy, while Bolivia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Chile economy ($330.3B) is 6.0 times larger than Bolivia's ($54.9B). Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above 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 Chile are on average 3.8 times wealthier than those in Bolivia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Chile is 81.2 years, compared to 68.6 years in Bolivia, a gap of 12.6 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 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 223% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
Bolivia (1,098,581 km²) is 1.5 times larger by land area than Chile (756,102 km²). Chile shares borders with 3 countries, while Bolivia borders 5 countries. Chile spans 2 timezones, compared to Bolivia's 1 timezone. Both Chile 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 Chile and Bolivia is in GDP: Chile's $330.3B compared to Bolivia's $54.9B represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Bolivia is in GDP per capita: Chile's $16,709.889 compared to Bolivia's $4,421.166 represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Bolivia is in infant mortality: Chile's 6.2 per 1,000 compared to Bolivia's 20.0 per 1,000 represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Chile's high-income economy and Bolivia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chile has a GDP per capita of $16,709.889, which is 3.8x 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 Chile is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Chile 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 Chile live an average of 12.6 years longer than those of Bolivia (81.2 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
Chile's economy grew at 2.6% compared to Bolivia's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Chile has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Bolivia's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Chile vs Bolivia for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 20.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bolivia 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.
Chile 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 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.
Chile vs Bolivia for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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.
Chile vs Bolivia Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 3.8x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, 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 Chile's smaller cities.
Chile vs Bolivia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones 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, Chile or Bolivia by population?
Chile is larger by population, with 20.2M residents compared to Bolivia's 11.4M. Chile is 1.8 times more populous than Bolivia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Chile or Bolivia?
Chile has the higher GDP at $330.3B, compared to Bolivia's $54.9B. Chile's economy is 6.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Chile and Bolivia?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Bolivia's 68.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.6 years. Chile's life expectancy is 9.2 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, Chile or Bolivia?
Bolivia is larger by land area, covering 1,098,581 km² compared to Chile's 756,102 km². Bolivia is 1.5 times larger than Chile.
What languages are spoken in Chile and Bolivia?
Chile recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Bolivia recognizes: Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua, Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Chile or Bolivia?
Chile has lower inflation at 4.3%, compared to Bolivia's 5.1%. Chile's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Bolivia's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Chile or Bolivia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 20.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Bolivia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Chile 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 Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in ...
Is Chile or Bolivia better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 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 Chile or Bolivia more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 3.8x that of Bolivia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Bolivia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Chile or Bolivia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Bolivia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Bolivia covers 1. Bolivia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....