Chile vs Guatemala
Chile has a population of 20.2M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Chile is 1.1 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, Chile ($330.3B) has a GDP 2.9 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Chile covers 756,102 km², 6.9 times larger than Guatemala's 108,889 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 8.6 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
ChileGuatemala| Population | +11.8%20.2M | -10.5%18.1M |
| Area | +594.4%756,102 km² | -85.6%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +191.8%$330.3B | -65.7%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +171.7%$16,709.889 | -63.2%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | +11.8%81.2 yrs | -10.6%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -65.4%6.2 | +188.7%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +244.6%9.0% | -71.0%2.6% |
| Capital | Santiago | Guatemala City |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Spanish |
| Currencies | CLP ($) | GTQ (Q) |
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
Chile is 1.1 times more populous than Guatemala, with 20.2M residents compared to 18.1M. Chile is a nation of 20.2M people, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Chile.
Economy Comparison
Chile is classified as a high-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Chile economy ($330.3B) is 2.9 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Chile are on average 2.7 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Chile is 81.2 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 8.6 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 17.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Guatemala's infant mortality is 189% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
Chile (756,102 km²) is 6.9 times larger by land area than Guatemala (108,889 km²). Chile shares borders with 3 countries, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. Chile spans 2 timezones, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. Chile lies in South America, while Guatemala is located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: South America and Central America.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Chile and Guatemala is in land area: Chile's 756,102 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km² represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Guatemala is in GDP: Chile's $330.3B compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Guatemala is in infant mortality: Chile's 6.2 per 1,000 compared to Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 represents a 65% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Chile's high-income economy and Guatemala's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Chile has a GDP per capita of $16,709.889, which is 2.7x that of Guatemala ($6,150.026). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Chile is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Guatemala is 6.2x more densely populated than Chile (166 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chile's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Chile live an average of 8.6 years longer than those of Guatemala (81.2 vs 72.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Chile's 2.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Chile vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Chile's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Chile vs Guatemala for Budget Travelers
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Chile. However, Chile may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Chile vs Guatemala for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala 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.
Chile vs Guatemala Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Guatemala can approach or exceed average costs in Chile's smaller cities.
Chile vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala'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, Chile or Guatemala by population?
Chile is larger by population, with 20.2M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. Chile is 1.1 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, Chile or Guatemala?
Chile has the higher GDP at $330.3B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Chile's economy is 2.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Chile and Guatemala?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.6 years. Chile's life expectancy is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala's is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Chile or Guatemala?
Chile is larger by land area, covering 756,102 km² compared to Guatemala's 108,889 km². Chile is 6.9 times larger than Guatemala.
What languages are spoken in Chile and Guatemala?
Chile recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Chile or Guatemala?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Chile's 4.3%. Guatemala's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Chile's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Chile or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Chile or Guatemala cheaper to visit?
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Chile. However, Chile may offer better value...
Is Chile or Guatemala better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Chile or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Chile or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote i...