Iran vs Pakistan
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 2.8 times more populous than Iran. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 2.1 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 10.0 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
IranPakistan| Population | -64.4%86.0M | +180.9%241.5M |
| Area | +107.0%1,648,195 km² | -51.7%796,095 km² |
| GDP | +27.9%$475.3B | -21.8%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +251.0%$5,190.17 | -71.5%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +14.8%77.7 yrs | -12.9%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -78.6%10.7 | +368.2%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +53.2%8.3% | -34.7%5.4% |
| Capital | Tehran | Islamabad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | PKR (₨) |
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
Pakistan is 2.8 times more populous than Iran, with 241.5M residents compared to 86.0M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 1.3 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iran are on average 3.5 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 10.0 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 368% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Both Iran and Pakistan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Pakistan is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: Iran's $5,190.17 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Pakistan is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 64% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 3.5x that of Pakistan ($1,478.773). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 5.8x more densely populated than Iran (303 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 10.0 years longer than those of Pakistan (77.7 vs 67.6 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
Iran's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Iran has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Pakistan for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan 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.
Iran vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Pakistan can approach or exceed average costs in Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan'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, Iran or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Iran's 86.0M. Pakistan is 2.8 times more populous than Iran.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Pakistan?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. Iran's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Pakistan?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.0 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan's is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or Pakistan?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². Iran is 2.1 times larger than Pakistan.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Pakistan?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Pakistan?
Pakistan has lower inflation at 12.6%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Pakistan's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Iran or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in ...
Is Iran or Pakistan better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan 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 Iran or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Iran or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....