Vietnam vs India
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to India's 1.42B. India is 14.0 times more populous than Vietnam. Economically, India ($3.91T) has a GDP 8.2 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). India covers 3,287,263 km², 9.9 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 2.6 years higher than India's 72.0 years.
VietnamIndia| Population | -92.9%101.3M | +1298.7%1.42B |
| Area | -89.9%331,212 km² | +892.5%3,287,263 km² |
| GDP | -87.8%$476.4B | +720.7%$3.91T |
| GDP Per Capita | +75.1%$4,717.29 | -42.9%$2,694.738 |
| Life Expectancy | +3.6%74.6 yrs | -3.5%72.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -42.9%14.0 | +75.0%24.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -63.9%1.5% | +177.0%4.2% |
| Capital | Hanoi | New Delhi |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Vietnamese | English, Hindi, Tamil |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | INR (₹) |
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 14.0 times more populous than Vietnam, with 1.42B residents compared to 101.3M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while India averages 431 people per km² (dense). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for India.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The India economy ($3.91T) is 8.2 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. India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% 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 India.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 72.0 years in India, a gap of 2.6 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while India (72.0 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 24.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, India's infant mortality is 75% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
India (3,287,263 km²) is 9.9 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while India borders 6 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to India's 1 timezone. Both Vietnam and India are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and India is in population: Vietnam's 101.3M compared to India's 1.42B represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and India is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to India's 3,287,263 km² represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and India is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to India's $3.91T represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and India'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 India ($2,694.738). 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
India is 1.4x more densely populated than Vietnam (431 vs 306 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Vietnam's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 2.6 years longer than those of India (74.6 vs 72.0 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 India's 6.5%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs India for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 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 Vietnam's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs India for Budget Travelers
India is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,694.738 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in India 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 India for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. India 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 India Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of India, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while India offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in India can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs India for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and India, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while India covers 1. India'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 India by population?
India is larger by population, with 1.42B residents compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. India is 14.0 times more populous than Vietnam.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or India?
India has the higher GDP at $3.91T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. India's economy is 8.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and India?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to India's 72.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.6 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while India's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or India?
India is larger by land area, covering 3,287,263 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². India is 9.9 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and India?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. India recognizes: English, Hindi, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or India?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to India's 5.0%. Vietnam's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while India's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or India better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 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 at...
Is Vietnam or India cheaper to visit?
India is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,694.738 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in India can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value in ...
Is Vietnam or India better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. India 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 Vietnam or India more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of India, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while India offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Vietnam or India better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and India, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while India covers 1. India's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...