Guatemala vs Dominican Republic
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Guatemala is 1.7 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Dominican Republic ($124.3B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Guatemala covers 108,889 km², 2.2 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Dominican Republic stands at 73.7 years, 1.1 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
GuatemalaDominican Republic| Population | +67.8%18.1M | -40.4%10.8M |
| Area | +123.7%108,889 km² | -55.3%48,671 km² |
| GDP | -8.9%$113.2B | +9.8%$124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -43.5%$6,150.026 | +76.8%$10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.5%72.6 yrs | +1.5%73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -37.0%17.9 | +58.7%28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -48.9%2.6% | +95.5%5.1% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Spanish |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | DOP ($) |
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
Guatemala is 1.7 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 18.1M residents compared to 10.8M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Dominican Republic.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Dominican Republic economy ($124.3B) is 1.1 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Dominican Republic are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 1.1 years. Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 59% higher than Guatemala's 17.9.
Geographic Comparison
Guatemala (108,889 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Both Guatemala and Dominican Republic are located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: Central America and Caribbean.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Dominican Republic is in land area: Guatemala's 108,889 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 55% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Dominican Republic is in GDP per capita: Guatemala's $6,150.026 compared to Dominican Republic's $10,875.662 represents a 43% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Dominican Republic is in population: Guatemala's 18.1M compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M represents a 40% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy and Dominican Republic's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Dominican Republic has a GDP per capita of $10,875.662, which is 1.8x that of Guatemala ($6,150.026). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Dominican Republic is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Dominican Republic is 1.3x more densely populated than Guatemala (221 vs 166 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Guatemala's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Dominican Republic live an average of 1.1 years longer than those of Guatemala (73.7 vs 72.6 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
Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Guatemala's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Guatemala's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Guatemala vs Dominican Republic for Budget Travelers
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Republic may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Guatemala vs Dominican Republic for Retirees
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala 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.
Guatemala vs Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Guatemala can approach or exceed average costs in Dominican Republic's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Guatemala'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, Guatemala or Dominican Republic by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Guatemala is 1.7 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has the higher GDP at $124.3B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Dominican Republic's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has a higher life expectancy at 73.7 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.1 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Guatemala or Dominican Republic?
Guatemala is larger by land area, covering 108,889 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Guatemala is 2.2 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Dominican Republic?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Dominican Republic?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Dominican Republic's 3.3%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Dominican Republic's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Guatemala or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Guatemala generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.9 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children...
Is Guatemala or Dominican Republic cheaper to visit?
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Dominican Republic. However, Dominican Repub...
Is Guatemala or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Dominican Republic's life expectancy of 73.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare ...
Is Guatemala or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Dominican Republic's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Dominican Republic, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of l...
Is Guatemala or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Dominican Republic covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractiv...