Saudi Arabia vs Cambodia
Saudi Arabia has a population of 35.3M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Saudi Arabia is 2.0 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Saudi Arabia ($1.24T) has a GDP 26.7 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km², 11.9 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia stands at 78.7 years, 8.1 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
Saudi ArabiaCambodia| Population | +100.8%35.3M | -50.2%17.6M |
| Area | +1087.4%2,149,690 km² | -91.6%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +2574.7%$1.24T | -96.3%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +1236.5%$35,121.663 | -92.5%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +11.4%78.7 yrs | -10.2%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -75.9%4.9 | +314.3%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1055.1%3.0% | -91.3%0.3% |
| Capital | Riyadh | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Khmer |
| Currencies | SAR (ر.س) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Saudi Arabia is 2.0 times more populous than Cambodia, with 35.3M residents compared to 17.6M. Saudi Arabia is a nation of 35.3M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Saudi Arabia averages 16 people per km² (sparse), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). Cambodia has grown at 1.39% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Saudi Arabia.
Economy Comparison
Saudi Arabia is classified as a high-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Saudi Arabia economy ($1.24T) is 26.7 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita of $35,121.663 is 214% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Saudi Arabia are on average 13.4 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 78.7 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 8.1 years. Saudi Arabia (78.7 years) is 6.7 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 314% higher than Saudi Arabia's 4.9.
Geographic Comparison
Saudi Arabia (2,149,690 km²) is 11.9 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Saudi Arabia shares borders with 7 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Saudi Arabia and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Cambodia is in GDP: Saudi Arabia's $1.24T compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Saudi Arabia's $35,121.663 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Cambodia is in land area: Saudi Arabia's 2,149,690 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 92% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Saudi Arabia's high-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Saudi Arabia has a GDP per capita of $35,121.663, which is 13.4x 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 Saudi Arabia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Cambodia is 5.9x more densely populated than Saudi Arabia (97 vs 16 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Saudi Arabia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Saudi Arabia live an average of 8.1 years longer than those of Cambodia (78.7 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 Saudi Arabia's 2.0%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Saudi Arabia vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 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 Saudi Arabia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Saudi Arabia vs Cambodia 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 Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Saudi Arabia vs Cambodia for Retirees
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 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.
Saudi Arabia vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 13.4x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, 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 Saudi Arabia's smaller cities.
Saudi Arabia vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Cambodia 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, Saudi Arabia or Cambodia by population?
Saudi Arabia is larger by population, with 35.3M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Saudi Arabia is 2.0 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Saudi Arabia or Cambodia?
Saudi Arabia has the higher GDP at $1.24T, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Saudi Arabia's economy is 26.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Saudi Arabia and Cambodia?
Saudi Arabia has a higher life expectancy at 78.7 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.1 years. Saudi Arabia's life expectancy is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia's is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Saudi Arabia or Cambodia?
Saudi Arabia is larger by land area, covering 2,149,690 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Saudi Arabia is 11.9 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia and Cambodia?
Saudi Arabia recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Saudi Arabia or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Saudi Arabia's 1.7%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Saudi Arabia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Saudi Arabia or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 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 c...
Is Saudi Arabia or Cambodia 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 Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia may offer b...
Is Saudi Arabia or Cambodia better for retirement?
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 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 Saudi Arabia or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 13.4x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies ...
Is Saudi Arabia or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...