Philippines vs Cambodia
Philippines has a population of 114.1M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Philippines is 6.5 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, Philippines ($461.6B) has a GDP 10.0 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Philippines covers 342,353 km², 1.9 times larger than Cambodia's 181,035 km². Life expectancy in Cambodia stands at 70.7 years, 0.8 years higher than Philippines's 69.8 years.
PhilippinesCambodia| Population | +549.2%114.1M | -84.6%17.6M |
| Area | +89.1%342,353 km² | -47.1%181,035 km² |
| GDP | +895.9%$461.6B | -90.0%$46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | +51.6%$3,984.832 | -34.1%$2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | -1.2%69.8 yrs | +1.2%70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +8.9%22.1 | -8.1%20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +749.8%2.2% | -88.2%0.3% |
| Capital | Manila | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Filipino | Khmer |
| Currencies | PHP (₱) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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
Philippines is 6.5 times more populous than Cambodia, with 114.1M residents compared to 17.6M. Philippines is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, Philippines averages 333 people per km² (dense), 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 Philippines.
Economy Comparison
Philippines is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Philippines economy ($461.6B) is 10.0 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Philippines's GDP per capita of $3,984.832 is 64% below 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 Philippines are on average 1.5 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Philippines is 69.8 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 0.8 years. Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below 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 9% higher than Cambodia's 20.3.
Geographic Comparison
Philippines (342,353 km²) is 1.9 times larger by land area than Cambodia (181,035 km²). Philippines shares borders with 0 countries, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. Philippines spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both Philippines 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 Philippines and Cambodia is in GDP: Philippines's $461.6B compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Cambodia is in population: Philippines's 114.1M compared to Cambodia's 17.6M represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Philippines and Cambodia is in land area: Philippines's 342,353 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km² represents a 47% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Philippines's lower-middle-income economy and Cambodia's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Philippines has a GDP per capita of $3,984.832, which is 1.5x 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 Philippines is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Philippines is 3.4x more densely populated than Cambodia (333 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 Cambodia live an average of 0.8 years longer than those of Philippines (70.7 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to Philippines's 5.7%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Philippines vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 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 Cambodia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Philippines 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 Philippines. However, Philippines 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 Cambodia for Retirees
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 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 Cambodia Cost of Living
Philippines's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Philippines, 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 Philippines's smaller cities.
Philippines vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines 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, Philippines or Cambodia by population?
Philippines is larger by population, with 114.1M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. Philippines is 6.5 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Philippines or Cambodia?
Philippines has the higher GDP at $461.6B, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. Philippines's economy is 10.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Philippines and Cambodia?
Cambodia has a higher life expectancy at 70.7 years, compared to Philippines's 69.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.8 years. Philippines's life expectancy is 2.2 years below 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, Philippines or Cambodia?
Philippines is larger by land area, covering 342,353 km² compared to Cambodia's 181,035 km². Philippines is 1.9 times larger than Cambodia.
What languages are spoken in Philippines and Cambodia?
Philippines recognizes the following languages: English, Filipino. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Philippines or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to Philippines's 3.2%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Philippines's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Philippines or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Cambodia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (20.3 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-frie...
Is Philippines 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 Philippines. However, Philippines may offer bet...
Is Philippines or Cambodia better for retirement?
Cambodia's life expectancy of 70.7 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, ...
Is Philippines or Cambodia more expensive to live in?
Philippines's GDP per capita is 1.5x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Philippines, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Philippines or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Philippines and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Philippines spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...