Italy vs Spain
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Spain's 49.3M. Italy is 1.2 times more populous than Spain. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 1.4 times larger than Spain's ($1.73T). Spain covers 505,992 km², 1.7 times larger than Italy's 301,336 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 0.2 years higher than Italy's 83.7 years.
ItalySpain| Population | +19.5%58.9M | -16.3%49.3M |
| Area | -40.4%301,336 km² | +67.9%505,992 km² |
| GDP | +38.0%$2.38T | -27.5%$1.73T |
| GDP Per Capita | +14.3%$40,385.341 | -12.5%$35,326.768 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.2%83.7 yrs | +0.2%83.9 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -11.5%2.3 | +13.0%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -38.4%6.4% | +62.4%10.4% |
| Capital | Rome | Madrid |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | EUR (€) |
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 1.2 times more populous than Spain, with 58.9M residents compared to 49.3M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Spain is a nation of 49.3M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade, Spain has grown at 0.37% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Spain is classified as a high-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 1.4 times larger than Spain's ($1.73T). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Italy are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Spain.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 83.9 years in Spain, a gap of 0.2 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 2.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Spain's infant mortality is 13% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Spain (505,992 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Italy (301,336 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Spain borders 5 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Spain's 2 timezones. Both Italy and Spain are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Europe and Southern Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Spain is in land area: Italy's 301,336 km² compared to Spain's 505,992 km² represents a 40% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Spain is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Spain's $1.73T represents a 28% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Spain is in population: Italy's 58.9M compared to Spain's 49.3M represents a 16% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Spain'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 Spain ($35,326.768). 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 2.0x more densely populated than Spain (196 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Spain's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Spain live an average of 0.2 years longer than those of Italy (83.9 vs 83.7 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
Spain's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Italy's 0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Spain has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Spain for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Spain 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 Spain for Budget Travelers
Spain is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,326.768 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Spain 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 Spain for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Italy 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 Spain Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Spain, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Spain offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Spain can approach or exceed average costs in Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Spain for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Spain, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Spain covers 2. Spain'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 Spain by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Spain's 49.3M. Italy is 1.2 times more populous than Spain.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Spain?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Spain's $1.73T. Italy's economy is 1.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Spain?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Italy's 83.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.2 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Spain's is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Italy or Spain?
Spain is larger by land area, covering 505,992 km² compared to Italy's 301,336 km². Spain is 1.7 times larger than Italy.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Spain?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Spain recognizes: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Spain?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Spain's 2.8%. Italy's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Spain's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Italy or Spain better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Spain offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attrac...
Is Italy or Spain cheaper to visit?
Spain is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,326.768 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Spain can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in spe...
Is Italy or Spain better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Italy may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Italy or Spain more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Spain, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Spain offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Italy or Spain better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Spain, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Spain covers 2. Spain's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...