India vs Cambodia
India has a population of 1.42B, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. India is 80.6 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, India ($3.91T) has a GDP 84.4 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). India covers 3,287,263 km², 18.2 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in India stands at 72.0 years, 1.3 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
IndiaCambodia| Population | +7964.1%1.42B | -98.8%17.6M |
| Area | +1715.8%3,287,263 km² | -94.5%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +8335.1%$3.91T | -98.8%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2.5%$2,694.738 | -2.5%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.9%72.0 yrs | -1.9%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +20.7%24.5 | -17.1%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1504.2%4.2% | -93.8%0.3% |
| Capital | New Delhi | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Hindi, Tamil | Khmer |
| Currencies | INR (₹) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
India is 80.6 times more populous than Cambodia, with 1.42B residents compared to 17.6M. India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, India averages 431 people per km² (dense), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for India.
Economy Comparison
India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The India economy ($3.91T) is 84.4 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% 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 India are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in India is 72.0 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 1.3 years. India (72.0 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, India's infant mortality is 21% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
India (3,287,263 km²) is 18.2 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). India shares borders with 6 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. India spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both India and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between India and Cambodia is in GDP: India's $3.91T compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between India and Cambodia is in population: India's 1.42B compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between India and Cambodia is in land area: India's 3,287,263 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between India's lower-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
India has a GDP per capita of $2,694.738, which is 1.0x 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 India is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
India is 4.4x more densely populated than Cambodia (431 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 India live an average of 1.3 years longer than those of Cambodia (72.0 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
India's economy grew at 6.5% compared to Cambodia's 6.0%. India's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
India vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 24.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. India offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Cambodia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
India 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 India. However, India may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
India vs Cambodia for Retirees
India's life expectancy of 72.0 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.
India vs Cambodia Cost of Living
India's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in India, 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 India's smaller cities.
India vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between India and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. India 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, India or Cambodia by population?
India is larger by population, with 1.42B residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. India is 80.6 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, India or Cambodia?
India has the higher GDP at $3.91T, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. India's economy is 84.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between India and Cambodia?
India has a higher life expectancy at 72.0 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.3 years. India's life expectancy is at 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, India or Cambodia?
India is larger by land area, covering 3,287,263 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². India is 18.2 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in India and Cambodia?
India recognizes the following languages: English, Hindi, Tamil. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, India or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to India's 5.0%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while India's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is India or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 vs 24.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. India offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is India 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 India. However, India may offer better value in...
Is India or Cambodia better for retirement?
India's life expectancy of 72.0 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, climat...
Is India or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
India's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in India, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is India or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between India and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. India spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...