Italy vs Saudi Arabia
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Saudi Arabia's 35.3M. Italy is 1.7 times more populous than Saudi Arabia. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 1.9 times larger than Saudi Arabia's ($1.24T). Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km², 7.1 times larger than Italy's 301,336 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 5.0 years higher than Saudi Arabia's 78.7 years.
ItalySaudi Arabia| Population | +66.9%58.9M | -40.1%35.3M |
| Area | -86.0%301,336 km² | +613.4%2,149,690 km² |
| GDP | +92.0%$2.38T | -47.9%$1.24T |
| GDP Per Capita | +15.0%$40,385.341 | -13.0%$35,121.663 |
| Life Expectancy | +6.3%83.7 yrs | -5.9%78.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -53.1%2.3 | +113.0%4.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +110.4%6.4% | -52.5%3.0% |
| Capital | Rome | Riyadh |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Arabic |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | SAR (ر.س) |
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
Italy is 1.7 times more populous than Saudi Arabia, with 58.9M residents compared to 35.3M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Saudi Arabia is a nation of 35.3M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Saudi Arabia averages 16 people per km² (sparse). Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Saudi Arabia.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Saudi Arabia is classified as a high-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 1.9 times larger than Saudi Arabia's ($1.24T). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita of $35,121.663 is 214% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Italy are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Saudi Arabia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 78.7 years in Saudi Arabia, a gap of 5.0 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Saudi Arabia (78.7 years) is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 4.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Saudi Arabia's infant mortality is 113% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Saudi Arabia (2,149,690 km²) is 7.1 times larger by land area than Italy (301,336 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Saudi Arabia borders 7 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Saudi Arabia's 1 timezone. Italy lies in Europe, while Saudi Arabia is located in Asia. Italy is categorized within the Europe region (Southern Europe), whereas Saudi Arabia belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Saudi Arabia is in land area: Italy's 301,336 km² compared to Saudi Arabia's 2,149,690 km² represents a 86% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Saudi Arabia is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Saudi Arabia's 4.9 per 1,000 represents a 53% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Saudi Arabia is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Saudi Arabia's $1.24T represents a 48% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Saudi Arabia's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 1.1x that of Saudi Arabia ($35,121.663). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 11.9x more densely populated than Saudi Arabia (196 vs 16 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Saudi Arabia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 5.0 years longer than those of Saudi Arabia (83.7 vs 78.7 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
Saudi Arabia's economy grew at 2.0% compared to Italy's 0.7%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Saudi Arabia for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 4.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Saudi Arabia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy vs Saudi Arabia for Budget Travelers
Saudi Arabia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,121.663 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Saudi Arabia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Saudi Arabia for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Saudi Arabia 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.
Italy vs Saudi Arabia Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Saudi Arabia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Saudi Arabia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Saudi Arabia can approach or exceed average costs in Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Saudi Arabia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Saudi Arabia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Saudi Arabia covers 1. Saudi Arabia'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, Italy or Saudi Arabia by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Saudi Arabia's 35.3M. Italy is 1.7 times more populous than Saudi Arabia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Saudi Arabia?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Saudi Arabia's $1.24T. Italy's economy is 1.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Saudi Arabia?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Saudi Arabia's 78.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.0 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Saudi Arabia's is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Italy or Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is larger by land area, covering 2,149,690 km² compared to Italy's 301,336 km². Saudi Arabia is 7.1 times larger than Italy.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Saudi Arabia?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Saudi Arabia recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Saudi Arabia?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Saudi Arabia's 1.7%. Italy's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Saudi Arabia's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Italy or Saudi Arabia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 4.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Saudi Arabia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Italy or Saudi Arabia cheaper to visit?
Saudi Arabia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,121.663 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Saudi Arabia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Italy. However, Italy may offer bette...
Is Italy or Saudi Arabia better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Saudi Arabia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Italy or Saudi Arabia more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Saudi Arabia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Saudi Arabia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Italy or Saudi Arabia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Saudi Arabia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Saudi Arabia covers 1. Saudi Arabia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...