Vietnam vs Australia
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Australia's 27.5M. Vietnam is 3.7 times more populous than Australia. Economically, Australia ($1.76T) has a GDP 3.7 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Australia covers 7,692,024 km², 23.2 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Australia stands at 83.1 years, 8.5 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
VietnamAustralia| Population | +268.0%101.3M | -72.8%27.5M |
| Area | -95.7%331,212 km² | +2222.4%7,692,024 km² |
| GDP | -72.9%$476.4B | +268.8%$1.76T |
| GDP Per Capita | -92.7%$4,717.29 | +1269.5%$64,603.986 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.2%74.6 yrs | +11.3%83.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +351.6%14.0 | -77.9%3.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -62.8%1.5% | +168.5%4.1% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Canberra |
| Region | Asia | Oceania |
| Languages | Vietnamese | English |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | AUD ($) |
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
Vietnam is 3.7 times more populous than Australia, with 101.3M residents compared to 27.5M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Australia is a nation of 27.5M people. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Australia averages 4 people per km² (sparse). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, Australia has grown at 1.43% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Australia is classified as a high-income economy. The Australia economy ($1.76T) is 3.7 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. Australia's GDP per capita of $64,603.986 is 105% above the regional average of 31,500 for Oceania. On a per-capita basis, residents of Australia are on average 13.7 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 83.1 years in Australia, a gap of 8.5 years. Australia (83.1 years) is 11.1 years above the global average of 72 years, while Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 14.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Vietnam's infant mortality is 352% higher than Australia's 3.1.
Geographic Comparison
Australia (7,692,024 km²) is 23.2 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Australia borders 0 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Australia's 8 timezones. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Australia is located in Oceania. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Australia belongs to Oceania (Australia and New Zealand).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Australia is in land area: Vietnam's 331,212 km² compared to Australia's 7,692,024 km² represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Australia is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Australia's $64,603.986 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Australia is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Australia's 3.1 per 1,000 represents a 78% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Australia's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Australia has a GDP per capita of $64,603.986, which is 13.7x that of Vietnam ($4,717.29). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Australia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 85.5x more densely populated than Australia (306 vs 4 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Australia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Australia live an average of 8.5 years longer than those of Vietnam (83.1 vs 74.6 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
Vietnam's economy grew at 7.1% compared to Australia's 1.4%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Australia for Families
For family travel, Australia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.1 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Australia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam vs Australia for Budget Travelers
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Australia. However, Australia 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 Australia for Retirees
Australia's life expectancy of 83.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Vietnam 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 Australia Cost of Living
Australia's GDP per capita is 13.7x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Australia, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Vietnam can approach or exceed average costs in Australia's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Australia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Australia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Australia covers 8. Vietnam'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 Australia by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Australia's 27.5M. Vietnam is 3.7 times more populous than Australia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Australia?
Australia has the higher GDP at $1.76T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. Australia's economy is 3.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Australia?
Australia has a higher life expectancy at 83.1 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.5 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Australia's is 11.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Vietnam or Australia?
Australia is larger by land area, covering 7,692,024 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Australia is 23.2 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Australia?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Australia recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Australia?
Australia has lower inflation at 3.2%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Australia's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Vietnam's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or Australia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Australia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.1 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both count...
Is Vietnam or Australia cheaper to visit?
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Australia. However, Australia may offer better va...
Is Vietnam or Australia better for retirement?
Australia's life expectancy of 83.1 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Vietnam may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Vietnam or Australia more expensive to live in?
Australia's GDP per capita is 13.7x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Australia, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Vietnam or Australia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Australia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Australia covers 8. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...