ChileDominican Republic
Chile has a population of 20.2M, compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Chile is 1.9 times more populous than Dominican Republic. Economically, Chile ($330.3B) has a GDP 2.7 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Chile covers 756,102 km², 15.5 times larger than Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Life expectancy in Chile stands at 81.2 years, 7.4 years higher than Dominican Republic's 73.7 years.
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Dominican Republic wins
Metric
ChileDominican Republic| Population | 20.2M | 10.8M |
| Area | 756,102 km² | 48,671 km² |
| GDP | $330.3B | $124.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | $16,709.889 | $10,875.662 |
| Life Expectancy | 81.2 yrs | 73.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 6.2 | 28.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 9.0% | 5.1% |
| Capital | Santiago | Santo Domingo |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
| Languages | Spanish | Spanish |
| Currencies | CLP ($) | DOP ($) |
Last updated: April 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 1.9 times more populous than Dominican Republic, with 20.2M residents compared to 10.8M. Chile is a nation of 20.2M people, while Dominican Republic is a nation of 10.8M people. In terms of population density, Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while Dominican Republic averages 221 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Chile is classified as a high-income economy, while Dominican Republic is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Chile economy ($330.3B) is 2.7 times larger than Dominican Republic's ($124.3B). Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. Dominican Republic's GDP per capita of $10,875.662 is 19% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Chile are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Dominican Republic.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Chile is 81.2 years, compared to 73.7 years in Dominican Republic, a gap of 7.4 years. Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic (73.7 years) is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 28.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Dominican Republic's infant mortality is 358% higher than Chile's 6.2.
Geographic Comparison
Chile (756,102 km²) is 15.5 times larger by land area than Dominican Republic (48,671 km²). Chile shares borders with 3 countries, while Dominican Republic borders 1 country. Chile spans 2 timezones, compared to Dominican Republic's 1 timezone. Chile lies in South America, while Dominican Republic is located in North America. Both countries fall within the Americas region, though they occupy different subregions: South America and Caribbean.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Chile and Dominican Republic is in land area: Chile's 756,102 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km² represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Dominican Republic is in infant mortality: Chile's 6.2 per 1,000 compared to Dominican Republic's 28.4 per 1,000 represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Chile and Dominican Republic is in GDP: Chile's $330.3B compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B represents a 62% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Chile's high-income economy and Dominican Republic'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 1.5x that of Dominican Republic ($10,875.662). 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
Dominican Republic is 8.3x more densely populated than Chile (221 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 7.4 years longer than those of Dominican Republic (81.2 vs 73.7 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
Dominican Republic's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Chile's 2.6%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Dominican Republic has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Chile vs Dominican Republic for Families
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic for Budget Travelers
Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic for Retirees
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic Cost of Living
Chile's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Dominican Republic can approach or exceed average costs in Chile's smaller cities.
Chile vs Dominican Republic for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Dominican Republic covers 1. Dominican Republic'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 Dominican Republic by population?
Chile is larger by population, with 20.2M residents compared to Dominican Republic's 10.8M. Chile is 1.9 times more populous than Dominican Republic.
Which country has a higher GDP, Chile or Dominican Republic?
Chile has the higher GDP at $330.3B, compared to Dominican Republic's $124.3B. Chile's economy is 2.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Chile and Dominican Republic?
Chile has a higher life expectancy at 81.2 years, compared to Dominican Republic's 73.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.4 years. Chile's life expectancy is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Dominican Republic's is 1.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Chile or Dominican Republic?
Chile is larger by land area, covering 756,102 km² compared to Dominican Republic's 48,671 km². Chile is 15.5 times larger than Dominican Republic.
What languages are spoken in Chile and Dominican Republic?
Chile recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Dominican Republic recognizes: Spanish. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Chile or Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has lower inflation at 3.3%, compared to Chile's 4.3%. Dominican Republic's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Chile's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Chile or Dominican Republic better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Chile generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.2 vs 28.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Dominican Republic offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Bot...
Is Chile or Dominican Republic cheaper to visit?
Dominican Republic is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,875.662 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Dominican Republic can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Chile. However, Chile may...
Is Chile or Dominican Republic better for retirement?
Chile's life expectancy of 81.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Dominican Republic may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acce...
Is Chile or Dominican Republic more expensive to live in?
Chile's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Dominican Republic, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Chile, while Dominican Republic offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living va...
Is Chile or Dominican Republic better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Chile and Dominican Republic, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Chile spans 2 timezones while Dominican Republic covers 1. Dominican Republic's lower cost of living makes it attract...