Egypt vs Israel
Egypt has a population of 107.3M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Egypt is 10.6 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 1.4 times larger than Egypt's ($389.1B). Egypt covers 1,002,450 km², 45.7 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 11.6 years higher than Egypt's 71.6 years.
EgyptIsrael| Population | +958.4%107.3M | -90.6%10.1M |
| Area | +4469.7%1,002,450 km² | -97.8%21,937 km² |
| GDP | -28.0%$389.1B | +38.9%$540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -93.8%$3,338.474 | +1522.8%$54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | -13.9%71.6 yrs | +16.1%83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +496.3%16.1 | -83.2%2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +94.4%6.8% | -48.5%3.5% |
| Capital | Cairo | Jerusalem |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | EGP (£) | ILS (₪) |
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
Egypt is 10.6 times more populous than Israel, with 107.3M residents compared to 10.1M. Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Egypt has grown at 1.85% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 1.4 times larger than Egypt's ($389.1B). Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 16.2 times wealthier than those in Egypt.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Egypt is 71.6 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 11.6 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Egypt (71.6 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 16.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Egypt's infant mortality is 496% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Egypt (1,002,450 km²) is 45.7 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Egypt shares borders with 4 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Egypt spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Egypt lies in Africa, while Israel is located in Asia. Egypt is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Israel belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Egypt and Israel is in land area: Egypt's 1,002,450 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Israel is in GDP per capita: Egypt's $3,338.474 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Israel is in population: Egypt's 107.3M compared to Israel's 10.1M represents a 91% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Egypt's lower-middle-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 16.2x that of Egypt ($3,338.474). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 4.3x more densely populated than Egypt (462 vs 107 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Egypt's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Israel live an average of 11.6 years longer than those of Egypt (83.2 vs 71.6 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
Egypt's economy grew at 2.4% compared to Israel's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Egypt has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Egypt vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 16.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Egypt offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Egypt vs Israel for Budget Travelers
Egypt is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,338.474 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Egypt can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Egypt vs Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Egypt 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.
Egypt vs Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 16.2x that of Egypt, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Egypt offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Egypt can approach or exceed average costs in Israel's smaller cities.
Egypt vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Egypt'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, Egypt or Israel by population?
Egypt is larger by population, with 107.3M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Egypt is 10.6 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Egypt or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to Egypt's $389.1B. Israel's economy is 1.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Egypt and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Egypt's 71.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.6 years. Egypt's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Egypt or Israel?
Egypt is larger by land area, covering 1,002,450 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Egypt is 45.7 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Egypt and Israel?
Egypt recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Egypt or Israel?
Israel has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Egypt's 28.3%. Israel's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Egypt's rate is severely elevated at 28.3%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Egypt or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 16.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Egypt offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Egypt or Israel cheaper to visit?
Egypt is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,338.474 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Egypt can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in sp...
Is Egypt or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Egypt may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate ...
Is Egypt or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 16.2x that of Egypt, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Egypt offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by c...
Is Egypt or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Egypt's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both...