Cambodia vs United States
Cambodia has a population of 17.6M, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 19.3 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 620.3 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 52.6 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 7.7 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
CambodiaUnited States| Population | -94.8%17.6M | +1834.9%340.1M |
| Area | -98.1%181,035 km² | +5161.5%9,525,067 km² |
| GDP | -99.8%$46.4B | +61926.6%$28.75T |
| GDP Per Capita | -96.9%$2,627.88 | +3116.8%$84,534.041 |
| Life Expectancy | -9.8%70.7 yrs | +10.9%78.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +269.1%20.3 | -72.9%5.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -93.7%0.3% | +1496.2%4.2% |
| Capital | Phnom Penh | Washington, D.C. |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Khmer | English |
| Currencies | KHR (៛), USD ($) | 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 19.3 times more populous than Cambodia, with 340.1M residents compared to 17.6M. Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). While Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade, United States has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 620.3 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. 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 32.2 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Cambodia is 70.7 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 7.7 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 years above 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 269% higher than United States's 5.5.
Geographic Comparison
United States (9,525,067 km²) is 52.6 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Cambodia shares borders with 3 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Cambodia spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Cambodia lies in Asia, while United States is located in North America. Cambodia is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas United States belongs to Americas (North America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Cambodia and United States is in GDP: Cambodia's $46.4B compared to United States's $28.75T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and United States is in land area: Cambodia's 181,035 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Cambodia and United States is in GDP per capita: Cambodia's $2,627.88 compared to United States's $84,534.041 represents a 97% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Cambodia's lower-middle-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 32.2x 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 United States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 2.7x more densely populated than United States (97 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 7.7 years longer than those of Cambodia (78.4 vs 70.7 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to United States's 2.8%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Cambodia vs United States for Families
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 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 United States's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Cambodia vs United States 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 United States. However, United States 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 United States for Retirees
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 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 United States Cost of Living
United States's GDP per capita is 32.2x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, 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 United States's smaller cities.
Cambodia vs United States for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. 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 United States by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. United States is 19.3 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Cambodia or United States?
United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. United States's economy is 620.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Cambodia and United States?
United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.7 years. Cambodia's life expectancy is 1.3 years below 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, Cambodia or United States?
United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². United States is 52.6 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Cambodia and United States?
Cambodia recognizes the following official language: Khmer. United States recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Cambodia or United States?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to United States's 2.9%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while United States's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Cambodia or United States better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 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 ...
Is Cambodia or United States 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 United States. However, United States may offer...
Is Cambodia or United States better for retirement?
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 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...
Is Cambodia or United States more expensive to live in?
United States's GDP per capita is 32.2x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varie...
Is Cambodia or United States better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Cambodia and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Cambodia spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretc...