Iran vs Turkey
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Turkey's 85.7M. Iran is 1.0 times more populous than Turkey. Economically, Turkey ($1.36T) has a GDP 2.9 times larger than Iran's ($475.3B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 2.1 times larger than Turkey's 783,562 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 0.5 years higher than Turkey's 77.2 years.
IranTurkey| Population | +0.3%86.0M | -0.3%85.7M |
| Area | +110.3%1,648,195 km² | -52.5%783,562 km² |
| GDP | -65.0%$475.3B | +186.0%$1.36T |
| GDP Per Capita | -67.3%$5,190.17 | +206.2%$15,892.716 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.6%77.7 yrs | -0.6%77.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +17.6%10.7 | -15.0%9.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -2.6%8.3% | +2.6%8.5% |
| Capital | Tehran | Ankara |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Turkish |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | 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
Iran is 1.0 times more populous than Turkey, with 86.0M residents compared to 85.7M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate). Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iran.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Turkey is classified as a high-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 2.9 times larger than Iran's ($475.3B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 3.1 times wealthier than those in Iran.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 77.2 years in Turkey, a gap of 0.5 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years. At 10.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iran's infant mortality is 18% higher than Turkey's 9.1.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Turkey (783,562 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Turkey borders 8 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Turkey's 1 timezone. Both Iran and Turkey are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Turkey is in GDP per capita: Iran's $5,190.17 compared to Turkey's $15,892.716 represents a 67% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Turkey is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Turkey's $1.36T represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Turkey is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Turkey's 783,562 km² represents a 52% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-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 3.1x that of Iran ($5,190.17). 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 2.1x more densely populated than Iran (109 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 0.5 years longer than those of Turkey (77.7 vs 77.2 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
Iran's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Turkey's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Iran has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Turkey for Families
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 vs 10.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iran offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Turkey's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Turkey for Budget Travelers
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran 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.
Iran vs Turkey for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkey 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 Turkey Cost of Living
Turkey's GDP per capita is 3.1x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Iran can approach or exceed average costs in Turkey's smaller cities.
Iran vs Turkey for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Turkey, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Turkey covers 1. Iran'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 Turkey by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Turkey's 85.7M. Iran is 1.0 times more populous than Turkey.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Turkey?
Turkey has the higher GDP at $1.36T, compared to Iran's $475.3B. Turkey's economy is 2.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Turkey?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Turkey's 77.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.5 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Iran or Turkey?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Turkey's 783,562 km². Iran is 2.1 times larger than Turkey.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Turkey?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Turkey recognizes: Turkish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Turkey?
Iran has lower inflation at 32.5%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Iran's inflation is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Turkey better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Turkey generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (9.1 vs 10.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iran offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Iran or Turkey cheaper to visit?
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Turkey. However, Turkey may offer better value in speci...
Is Iran or Turkey better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkey 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 Iran or Turkey more expensive to live in?
Turkey's GDP per capita is 3.1x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Turkey, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Iran or Turkey better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Turkey, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Turkey covers 1. Iran's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both co...