Mexico vs United States
Mexico has a population of 130.6M, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 2.6 times more populous than Mexico. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 15.5 times larger than Mexico's ($1.86T). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 4.8 times larger than Mexico's 1,964,375 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 3.3 years higher than Mexico's 75.1 years.
MexicoUnited States| Population | -61.6%130.6M | +160.5%340.1M |
| Area | -79.4%1,964,375 km² | +384.9%9,525,067 km² |
| GDP | -93.5%$1.86T | +1448.8%$28.75T |
| GDP Per Capita | -83.2%$14,185.781 | +495.9%$84,534.041 |
| Life Expectancy | -4.2%75.1 yrs | +4.4%78.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +96.4%10.8 | -49.1%5.5 |
| Literacy Rate | 95.9% | — |
| Unemployment | -36.3%2.7% | +57.1%4.2% |
| Capital | Mexico City | Washington, D.C. |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | English |
| Currencies | MXN ($) | 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
United States is 2.6 times more populous than Mexico, with 340.1M residents compared to 130.6M. Mexico is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Mexico averages 66 people per km² (moderate), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). While Mexico has grown at 0.92% annually over the past decade, United States has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Mexico is classified as a high-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 15.5 times larger than Mexico's ($1.86T). Mexico's GDP per capita of $14,185.781 is 5% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of United States are on average 6.0 times wealthier than those in Mexico.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Mexico is 75.1 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 3.3 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Mexico (75.1 years) is 3.1 years above the global average of 72 years. At 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Mexico's infant mortality is 96% higher than United States's 5.5.
Geographic Comparison
United States (9,525,067 km²) is 4.8 times larger by land area than Mexico (1,964,375 km²). Mexico shares borders with 3 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Mexico spans 3 timezones, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Both Mexico and United States are located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: North America and North America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Mexico and United States is in GDP: Mexico's $1.86T compared to United States's $28.75T represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Mexico and United States is in GDP per capita: Mexico's $14,185.781 compared to United States's $84,534.041 represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Mexico and United States is in land area: Mexico's 1,964,375 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 79% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Mexico's high-income economy and United States's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United States has a GDP per capita of $84,534.041, which is 6.0x that of Mexico ($14,185.781). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in United States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Mexico is 1.9x more densely populated than United States (66 vs 36 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United States's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of United States live an average of 3.3 years longer than those of Mexico (78.4 vs 75.1 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
United States's economy grew at 2.8% compared to Mexico's 1.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though United States has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Mexico or United States by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Mexico's 130.6M. United States is 2.6 times more populous than Mexico.
Which country has a higher GDP, Mexico or United States?
United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Mexico's $1.86T. United States's economy is 15.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Mexico and United States?
United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to Mexico's 75.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.3 years. Mexico's life expectancy is 3.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Mexico or United States?
United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Mexico's 1,964,375 km². United States is 4.8 times larger than Mexico.
What languages are spoken in Mexico and United States?
Mexico recognizes the following official language: Spanish. United States recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Mexico or United States?
United States has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Mexico's 4.7%. United States's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Mexico's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.