Philippines vs Vietnam
Philippines has a population of 114.1M, compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Philippines is 1.1 times more populous than Vietnam. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 1.0 times larger than Philippines's ($461.6B). Philippines covers 342,353 km², 1.0 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 4.8 years higher than Philippines's 69.8 years.
PhilippinesVietnam| Population | +12.6%114.1M | -11.2%101.3M |
| Area | +3.4%342,353 km² | -3.3%331,212 km² |
| GDP | -3.1%$461.6B | +3.2%$476.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -15.5%$3,984.832 | +18.4%$4,717.29 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.4%69.8 yrs | +6.8%74.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +57.9%22.1 | -36.7%14.0 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +46.7%2.2% | -31.9%1.5% |
| Capital | Manila | Hanoi |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Filipino | Vietnamese |
| Currencies | PHP (₱) | VND (₫) |
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
Philippines is 1.1 times more populous than Vietnam, with 114.1M residents compared to 101.3M. Philippines is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Philippines averages 333 people per km² (dense), while Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Philippines.
Economy Comparison
Philippines is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 1.0 times larger than Philippines's ($461.6B). Philippines's GDP per capita of $3,984.832 is 64% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Vietnam are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Philippines.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Philippines is 69.8 years, compared to 74.6 years in Vietnam, a gap of 4.8 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Philippines (69.8 years) is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 22.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Philippines's infant mortality is 58% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Philippines (342,353 km²) is 1.0 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Philippines shares borders with 0 countries, while Vietnam borders 3 countries. Philippines spans 1 timezone, compared to Vietnam's 1 timezone. Both Philippines and Vietnam 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 Philippines and Vietnam is in infant mortality: Philippines's 22.1 per 1,000 compared to Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 represents a 37% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Vietnam is in GDP per capita: Philippines's $3,984.832 compared to Vietnam's $4,717.29 represents a 16% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Vietnam is in population: Philippines's 114.1M compared to Vietnam's 101.3M represents a 11% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Philippines's lower-middle-income economy and Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Vietnam has a GDP per capita of $4,717.29, which is 1.2x that of Philippines ($3,984.832). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Vietnam is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Philippines is 1.1x more densely populated than Vietnam (333 vs 306 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Vietnam's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Vietnam live an average of 4.8 years longer than those of Philippines (74.6 vs 69.8 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
Vietnam's economy grew at 7.1% compared to Philippines's 5.7%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Philippines vs Vietnam for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 22.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Philippines offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Vietnam's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Philippines vs Vietnam for Budget Travelers
Philippines is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,984.832 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Philippines can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Philippines vs Vietnam for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Philippines 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.
Philippines vs Vietnam Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Philippines, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Philippines offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Philippines can approach or exceed average costs in Vietnam's smaller cities.
Philippines vs Vietnam for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Vietnam, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Vietnam covers 1. Philippines'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, Philippines or Vietnam by population?
Philippines is larger by population, with 114.1M residents compared to Vietnam's 101.3M. Philippines is 1.1 times more populous than Vietnam.
Which country has a higher GDP, Philippines or Vietnam?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Philippines's $461.6B. Vietnam's economy is 1.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Philippines and Vietnam?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Philippines's 69.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.8 years. Philippines's life expectancy is 2.2 years below the global average of 72 years, while Vietnam's is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Philippines or Vietnam?
Philippines is larger by land area, covering 342,353 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Philippines is 1.0 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Philippines and Vietnam?
Philippines recognizes the following languages: English, Filipino. Vietnam recognizes: Vietnamese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Philippines or Vietnam?
Philippines has lower inflation at 3.2%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. Philippines'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 Philippines or Vietnam better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 22.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Philippines offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frien...
Is Philippines or Vietnam cheaper to visit?
Philippines is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,984.832 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Philippines can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer bett...
Is Philippines or Vietnam better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Philippines may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, c...
Is Philippines or Vietnam more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Philippines, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Philippines offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Philippines or Vietnam better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Vietnam, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Vietnam covers 1. Philippines's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching...