Russia vs Turkey
Russia has a population of 146.0M, compared to Turkey's 85.7M. Russia is 1.7 times more populous than Turkey. Economically, Russia ($2.17T) has a GDP 1.6 times larger than Turkey's ($1.36T). Russia covers 17,098,246 km², 21.8 times larger than Turkey's 783,562 km². Life expectancy in Turkey stands at 77.2 years, 3.9 years higher than Russia's 73.3 years.
RussiaTurkey| Population | +70.5%146.0M | -41.3%85.7M |
| Area | +2082.1%17,098,246 km² | -95.4%783,562 km² |
| GDP | +59.9%$2.17T | -37.5%$1.36T |
| GDP Per Capita | -6.3%$14,889.019 | +6.7%$15,892.716 |
| Life Expectancy | -5.1%73.3 yrs | +5.3%77.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -59.3%3.7 | +145.9%9.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -75.0%2.1% | +299.4%8.5% |
| Capital | Moscow | Ankara |
| Region | Europe | Asia |
| Languages | Russian | Turkish |
| Currencies | RUB (₽) | TRY (₺) |
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
Russia is 1.7 times more populous than Turkey, with 146.0M residents compared to 85.7M. Russia is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Russia averages 9 people per km² (sparse), while Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate). While Russia has grown at 0.00% annually over the past decade, Turkey has grown at 1.14% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Russia is classified as a high-income economy, while Turkey is classified as a high-income economy. The Russia economy ($2.17T) is 1.6 times larger than Turkey's ($1.36T). Russia's GDP per capita of $14,889.019 is 47% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Turkey are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in Russia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Russia is 73.3 years, compared to 77.2 years in Turkey, a gap of 3.9 years. Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Russia (73.3 years) is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years. At 9.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Turkey's infant mortality is 146% higher than Russia's 3.7.
Geographic Comparison
Russia (17,098,246 km²) is 21.8 times larger by land area than Turkey (783,562 km²). Russia shares borders with 14 countries, while Turkey borders 8 countries. Russia spans 9 timezones, compared to Turkey's 1 timezone. Both Russia and Turkey are located in Europe and Asia. Russia is categorized within the Europe region (Eastern Europe), whereas Turkey belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Russia and Turkey is in land area: Russia's 17,098,246 km² compared to Turkey's 783,562 km² represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Turkey is in infant mortality: Russia's 3.7 per 1,000 compared to Turkey's 9.1 per 1,000 represents a 59% gap. The most significant difference between Russia and Turkey is in population: Russia's 146.0M compared to Turkey's 85.7M represents a 41% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Russia's high-income economy and Turkey's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Turkey has a GDP per capita of $15,892.716, which is 1.1x that of Russia ($14,889.019). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Turkey is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Turkey is 12.8x more densely populated than Russia (109 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Russia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Turkey live an average of 3.9 years longer than those of Russia (77.2 vs 73.3 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
Russia's economy grew at 4.3% compared to Turkey's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Russia has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Russia vs Turkey for Families
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 9.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkey offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Russia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Russia vs Turkey for Budget Travelers
Russia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $14,889.019 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Russia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Russia vs Turkey for Retirees
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Russia 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.
Russia vs Turkey Cost of Living
Turkey's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Russia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Russia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Russia can approach or exceed average costs in Turkey's smaller cities.
Russia vs Turkey for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Turkey, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Turkey covers 1. Russia'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, Russia or Turkey by population?
Russia is larger by population, with 146.0M residents compared to Turkey's 85.7M. Russia is 1.7 times more populous than Turkey.
Which country has a higher GDP, Russia or Turkey?
Russia has the higher GDP at $2.17T, compared to Turkey's $1.36T. Russia's economy is 1.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Russia and Turkey?
Turkey has a higher life expectancy at 77.2 years, compared to Russia's 73.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.9 years. Russia's life expectancy is 1.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Turkey's is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Russia or Turkey?
Russia is larger by land area, covering 17,098,246 km² compared to Turkey's 783,562 km². Russia is 21.8 times larger than Turkey.
What languages are spoken in Russia and Turkey?
Russia recognizes the following official language: Russian. Turkey recognizes: Turkish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Russia or Turkey?
Russia has lower inflation at 8.4%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Russia's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 2.4 times the global median, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Russia or Turkey better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Russia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (3.7 vs 9.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkey offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Russia or Turkey cheaper to visit?
Russia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $14,889.019 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Russia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in...
Is Russia or Turkey better for retirement?
Turkey's life expectancy of 77.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Russia 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 Russia or Turkey more expensive to live in?
Turkey's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of Russia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Russia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Russia or Turkey better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Russia and Turkey, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Russia spans 9 timezones while Turkey covers 1. Russia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...