Cambodia vs Indonesia
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to Indonesia's 284.4M. Indonesia is 16.2 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Indonesia ($1.40T) has a GDP 30.1 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Indonesia covers 1,904,569 km², 10.5 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Indonesia stands at 71.1 years, 0.5 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
CambodiaIndonesia| Population | -93.8%17.6M | +1518.2%284.4M |
| Area | -90.5%181,035 km² | +952.0%1,904,569 km² |
| GDP | -96.7%$46.4B | +2912.3%$1.40T |
| GDP Per Capita | -46.6%$2,627.88 | +87.4%$4,925.43 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.7%70.7 yrs | +0.7%71.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +19.4%20.3 | -16.3%17.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -91.9%0.3% | +1130.8%3.2% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Jakarta |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Khmer | Indonesian |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | IDR (Rp) |
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
Indonesia is 16.2 times more populous than Cambodia, with 284.4M residents compared to 17.6M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while Indonesia is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Indonesia averages 149 people per km² (moderate). While Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade, Indonesia has grown at 0.95% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Indonesia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Indonesia economy ($1.40T) is 30.1 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. Indonesia's GDP per capita of $4,925.43 is 56% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Indonesia are on average 1.9 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 71.1 years in Indonesia, a gap of 0.5 years. Indonesia (71.1 years) is 0.9 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 20.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cambodia's infant mortality is 19% higher than Indonesia's 17.0.
Geographic Comparison
Indonesia (1,904,569 km²) is 10.5 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while Indonesia borders 3 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to Indonesia's 3 timezones. Both Cambodia and Indonesia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and Indonesia is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to Indonesia's $1.40T represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Indonesia is in population: Cambodia's 17.6M compared to Indonesia's 284.4M represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and Indonesia is in land area: Cambodia's 181,035 km² compared to Indonesia's 1,904,569 km² represents a 90% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy and Indonesia's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Indonesia has a GDP per capita of $4,925.43, which is 1.9x 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 Indonesia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Indonesia is 1.5x more densely populated than Cambodia (149 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 Indonesia live an average of 0.5 years longer than those of Cambodia (71.1 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Indonesia's 5.0%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs Indonesia for Families
For family travel, Indonesia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.0 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Indonesia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cambodia vs Indonesia 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 Indonesia. However, Indonesia 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 Indonesia for Retirees
Indonesia's life expectancy of 71.1 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 Indonesia Cost of Living
Indonesia's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Indonesia, 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 Indonesia's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs Indonesia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Indonesia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Indonesia covers 3. 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 Indonesia by population?
Indonesia is larger by population, with 284.4M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Indonesia is 16.2 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or Indonesia?
Indonesia has the higher GDP at $1.40T, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Indonesia's economy is 30.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and Indonesia?
Indonesia has a higher life expectancy at 71.1 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.5 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Indonesia's is 0.9 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Cambodia or Indonesia?
Indonesia is larger by land area, covering 1,904,569 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Indonesia is 10.5 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and Indonesia?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. Indonesia recognizes: Indonesian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or Indonesia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Indonesia's 2.2%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Indonesia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Cambodia or Indonesia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Indonesia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (17.0 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both cou...
Is Cambodia or Indonesia 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 Indonesia. However, Indonesia may offer better ...
Is Cambodia or Indonesia better for retirement?
Indonesia's life expectancy of 71.1 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, cl...
Is Cambodia or Indonesia more expensive to live in?
Indonesia's GDP per capita is 1.9x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Indonesia, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Cambodia or Indonesia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and Indonesia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while Indonesia covers 3. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...