Malaysia vs Cambodia
Malaysia has a population of 34.2M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Malaysia is 1.9 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Malaysia ($422.2B) has a GDP 9.1 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Malaysia covers 330,803 km², 1.8 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Malaysia stands at 76.7 years, 6.0 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
MalaysiaCambodia| Population | +94.7%34.2M | -48.7%17.6M |
| Area | +82.7%330,803 km² | -45.3%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +810.9%$422.2B | -89.0%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +351.9%$11,874.427 | -77.9%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.5%76.7 yrs | -7.8%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -66.5%6.8 | +198.5%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +1331.2%3.8% | -93.0%0.3% |
| Capital | Kuala Lumpur | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Malay | Khmer |
| Currencies | MYR (RM) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Malaysia is 1.9 times more populous than Cambodia, with 34.2M residents compared to 17.6M. Malaysia is a nation of 34.2M people, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Malaysia averages 103 people per km² (moderate), 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 Malaysia.
Economy Comparison
Malaysia is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Malaysia economy ($422.2B) is 9.1 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Malaysia's GDP per capita of $11,874.427 is 6% 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 Malaysia are on average 4.5 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Malaysia is 76.7 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 6.0 years. Malaysia (76.7 years) is 4.7 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 199% higher than Malaysia's 6.8.
Geographic Comparison
Malaysia (330,803 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Malaysia shares borders with 3 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Malaysia spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Malaysia and Cambodia 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 Malaysia and Cambodia is in GDP: Malaysia's $422.2B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: Malaysia's $11,874.427 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Malaysia and Cambodia is in infant mortality: Malaysia's 6.8 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 67% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Malaysia's upper-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Malaysia has a GDP per capita of $11,874.427, which is 4.5x 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 Malaysia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Malaysia is 1.1x more densely populated than Cambodia (103 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cambodia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Malaysia live an average of 6.0 years longer than those of Cambodia (76.7 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 Malaysia's 5.1%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Malaysia vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 Malaysia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Malaysia 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Malaysia vs Cambodia for Retirees
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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.
Malaysia vs Cambodia Cost of Living
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 4.5x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, 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 Malaysia's smaller cities.
Malaysia vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia 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, Malaysia or Cambodia by population?
Malaysia is larger by population, with 34.2M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Malaysia is 1.9 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Malaysia or Cambodia?
Malaysia has the higher GDP at $422.2B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Malaysia's economy is 9.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Malaysia and Cambodia?
Malaysia has a higher life expectancy at 76.7 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.0 years. Malaysia's life expectancy is 4.7 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, Malaysia or Cambodia?
Malaysia is larger by land area, covering 330,803 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Malaysia is 1.8 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Malaysia and Cambodia?
Malaysia recognizes the following languages: English, Malay. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Malaysia or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Malaysia's 1.8%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Malaysia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Malaysia or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Malaysia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (6.8 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 count...
Is Malaysia 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 Malaysia. However, Malaysia may offer better va...
Is Malaysia or Cambodia better for retirement?
Malaysia's life expectancy of 76.7 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, cli...
Is Malaysia or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Malaysia's GDP per capita is 4.5x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Malaysia, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Malaysia or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Malaysia and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Malaysia spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...