Cambodia vs India
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to India's 1.42B. 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.
CambodiaIndia| Population | -98.8%17.6M | +7964.1%1.42B |
| Area | -94.5%181,035 km² | +1715.8%3,287,263 km² |
| GDP | -98.8%$46.4B | +8335.1%$3.91T |
| GDP Per Capita | -2.5%$2,627.88 | +2.5%$2,694.738 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.9%70.7 yrs | +1.9%72.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -17.1%20.3 | +20.7%24.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -93.8%0.3% | +1504.2%4.2% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | New Delhi |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Khmer | English, Hindi, Tamil |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | 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 80.6 times more populous than Cambodia, with 1.42B residents compared to 17.6M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while India averages 431 people per km² (dense). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for India.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The India economy ($3.91T) is 84.4 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% 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 India are on average 1.0 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 72.0 years in India, 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). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while India borders 6 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to India's 1 timezone. Both Cambodia 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 Cambodia and India is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to India's $3.91T represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and India is in population: Cambodia's 17.6M compared to India's 1.42B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and India is in land area: Cambodia's 181,035 km² compared to India's 3,287,263 km² represents a 94% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and India'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
Cambodia vs India 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.
Cambodia vs India 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.
Cambodia vs India 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.
Cambodia vs India 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.
Cambodia vs India for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and India, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while India 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, Cambodia or India 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, Cambodia or India?
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 Cambodia and India?
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. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while India's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or India?
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 Cambodia and India?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. India recognizes: English, Hindi, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or India?
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 Cambodia or India 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 Cambodia or India 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 Cambodia or India 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 Cambodia or India 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 Cambodia or India better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and India, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while India covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...