What is the Difference Between GDP Per Capita and Income Per Capita?

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The difference between GDP per capita and income per capita lies in what they measure and how they are calculated. Here are the key differences:

  • GDP per capita: This metric breaks down a country's GDP per person and is calculated by dividing the GDP of a country by its population. GDP (Gross Domestic Product) refers to the income generated by production activities on the economic territory of a country. GDP per capita measures the economic output of a nation per person, seeking to determine the prosperity of a nation by economic growth per person.
  • Income per capita: This metric measures the amount of money earned per person in a nation. It is used to evaluate the average per-person income for a given region to determine the standard of living and economic well-being of the population. Income per capita can be more focused on individual earnings, whereas GDP per capita takes into account the overall economic output of a nation.

In summary, GDP per capita measures the economic output of a nation per person, while income per capita measures the average earnings per person in a nation. Both metrics are used to understand a country's average level of prosperity and make comparisons across countries.

Comparative Table: GDP Per Capita vs Income Per Capita

Here is a table comparing GDP per capita and income per capita:

Metric Definition Usage
GDP Per Capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person, calculated by dividing the GDP of a country by its population. Measures the economic output of a nation per person and is used to determine the prosperity of a nation by economic growth per person.
Income Per Capita The amount of money earned per person in a nation. Measures the average per-person income for a given region to determine the level of prosperity.

GDP per capita measures the economic output of a nation per person, while income per capita measures the amount of money earned per person in a nation. Both metrics are used to evaluate the prosperity and economic growth of a country or region.