China is the world's most populous nation (1.4 billion) with the second-largest economy ($17.9 trillion GDP), while the United States has the world's largest economy ($27.4 trillion GDP) and leads in per-capita income ($76,398 vs $12,556). The U.S. maintains technological and military superiority, while China leads in manufacturing output and infrastructure investment.
China vs United States — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
The United States leads in per-capita wealth, military power, and technological innovation, making it superior for individuals seeking the highest standard of living and most advanced economy. China excels in manufacturing scale, infrastructure development, and population size, positioning it as a global manufacturing and infrastructure leader. Choose the U.S. for individual opportunity and innovation; choose China for understanding global manufacturing and the world's most populous market.
Compare People's Republic of China vs United States of America
One-party socialist state with world's second-largest economy, dominant manufacturing sector, and 1.4 billion population.
Federal republic with the world's largest economy and military superpower status.
China vs United States — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for China vs United States with 116 attributes.
Combined Global Economic Share (Nominal)
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
JPMorgan Growth Leadership Outlook (2026)
Average Annual GDP Growth Rate (2024-2026)
China vs United States — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for China vs United States.
The United States has the larger nominal GDP at $27.4 trillion vs China's $17.9 trillion (2024). However, China has been the faster-growing economy historically. On a per-capita basis, the U.S. is dramatically wealthier at $76,398 vs $12,556 per person, indicating much higher individual prosperity.
The United States dominates with 61% of global AI funding, 8 of the world's top 10 technology companies by market cap (Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Tesla, Nvidia, Meta, Broadcom), and 50% of global venture capital. China leads in specific areas like renewable energy manufacturing and 5G deployment but remains behind in foundational AI research.
Which country has superior infrastructure?
China leads dramatically in high-speed rail with 45,000 km of networks vs the U.S.'s 735 km. However, the U.S. infrastructure is ranked 13th globally while China is 26th according to the World Economic Forum. The U.S. excels in road networks and airports, while China focuses on rail and urban transit systems.
The United States maintains clear military superiority with $843 billion in military spending (2.8x China's $296 billion), 11 aircraft carrier groups, advanced nuclear capabilities, and global military bases. China has the world's largest navy by ship count but lacks comparable global reach and technological sophistication in defense systems.
The United States offers higher individual quality of life with 6x higher per-capita income, better healthcare access (though more expensive), superior higher education, and stronger legal protections. China offers better public transportation and lower living costs in major cities but faces air pollution challenges and more limited personal freedoms.