Italy vs Portugal
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Italy is 5.5 times more populous than Portugal. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 7.6 times larger than Portugal's ($313.3B). Italy covers 301,336 km², 3.3 times larger than Portugal's 92,090 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 1.4 years higher than Portugal's 82.3 years.
ItalyPortugal| Population | +448.2%58.9M | -81.8%10.7M |
| Area | +227.2%301,336 km² | -69.4%92,090 km² |
| GDP | +660.0%$2.38T | -86.8%$313.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +37.9%$40,385.341 | -27.5%$29,292.242 |
| Life Expectancy | +1.7%83.7 yrs | -1.7%82.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -11.5%2.3 | +13.0%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +3.7%6.4% | -3.6%6.2% |
| Capital | Rome | Lisbon |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Portuguese |
| 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 5.5 times more populous than Portugal, with 58.9M residents compared to 10.7M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate). While Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade, Portugal has grown at 0.11% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Portugal is classified as a high-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 7.6 times larger than Portugal's ($313.3B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Italy are on average 1.4 times wealthier than those in Portugal.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 82.3 years in Portugal, a gap of 1.4 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years. At 2.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Portugal's infant mortality is 13% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Italy (301,336 km²) is 3.3 times larger by land area than Portugal (92,090 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Portugal borders 1 country. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Portugal's 2 timezones. Both Italy and Portugal 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 Portugal is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Portugal's $313.3B represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Portugal is in population: Italy's 58.9M compared to Portugal's 10.7M represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Portugal is in land area: Italy's 301,336 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km² represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Portugal'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 1.4x that of Portugal ($29,292.242). 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 1.7x more densely populated than Portugal (196 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Portugal's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 1.4 years longer than those of Portugal (83.7 vs 82.3 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
Portugal's economy grew at 2.1% compared to Italy's 0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Portugal has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Portugal 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. Portugal offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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 Portugal for Budget Travelers
Portugal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $29,292.242 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Portugal 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 Portugal for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Portugal 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 Portugal Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Portugal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Portugal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Portugal can approach or exceed average costs in Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Portugal for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Portugal'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 Portugal by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Portugal's 10.7M. Italy is 5.5 times more populous than Portugal.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Portugal?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Portugal's $313.3B. Italy's economy is 7.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Portugal?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Portugal's 82.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.4 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Portugal's is 10.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Italy or Portugal?
Italy is larger by land area, covering 301,336 km² compared to Portugal's 92,090 km². Italy is 3.3 times larger than Portugal.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Portugal?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Portugal recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Portugal?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Portugal's 2.4%. Italy's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Portugal's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Italy or Portugal 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. Portugal offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Italy or Portugal cheaper to visit?
Portugal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $29,292.242 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Portugal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Italy. However, Italy may offer better value ...
Is Italy or Portugal better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Portugal may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climat...
Is Italy or Portugal more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Portugal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Portugal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Italy or Portugal better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Portugal, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Portugal covers 2. Portugal's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...