Romania vs Austria
Romania has a population of 19.0M, compared to Austria's 9.2M. Romania is 2.1 times more populous than Austria. Economically, Austria ($534.8B) has a GDP 1.4 times larger than Romania's ($382.6B). Romania covers 238,391 km², 2.8 times larger than Austria's 83,871 km². Life expectancy in Austria stands at 81.5 years, 4.9 years higher than Romania's 76.6 years.
RomaniaAustria| Population | +106.9%19.0M | -51.7%9.2M |
| Area | +184.2%238,391 km² | -64.8%83,871 km² |
| GDP | -28.5%$382.6B | +39.8%$534.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -65.5%$20,080.21 | +190.2%$58,268.879 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.1%76.6 yrs | +6.4%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +107.7%5.4 | -51.9%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +7.3%6.0% | -6.8%5.6% |
| Capital | Bucharest | Vienna |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Romanian | German |
| Currencies | RON (lei) | 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
Romania is 2.1 times more populous than Austria, with 19.0M residents compared to 9.2M. Romania is a nation of 19.0M people, while Austria is a nation of 9.2M people. In terms of population density, Romania averages 80 people per km² (moderate), while Austria averages 110 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Romania is classified as a high-income economy, while Austria is classified as a high-income economy. The Austria economy ($534.8B) is 1.4 times larger than Romania's ($382.6B). Romania's GDP per capita of $20,080.21 is 28% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Austria's GDP per capita of $58,268.879 is 108% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Austria are on average 2.9 times wealthier than those in Romania.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Romania is 76.6 years, compared to 81.5 years in Austria, a gap of 4.9 years. Austria (81.5 years) is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Romania (76.6 years) is 4.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Romania's infant mortality is 108% higher than Austria's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Romania (238,391 km²) is 2.8 times larger by land area than Austria (83,871 km²). Romania shares borders with 5 countries, while Austria borders 8 countries. Romania spans 1 timezone, compared to Austria's 1 timezone. Both Romania and Austria are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Southeast Europe and Central Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Romania and Austria is in GDP per capita: Romania's $20,080.21 compared to Austria's $58,268.879 represents a 66% gap. The most significant difference between Romania and Austria is in land area: Romania's 238,391 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km² represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between Romania and Austria is in infant mortality: Romania's 5.4 per 1,000 compared to Austria's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 52% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Romania's high-income economy and Austria's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Austria has a GDP per capita of $58,268.879, which is 2.9x that of Romania ($20,080.21). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Austria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Austria is 1.4x more densely populated than Romania (110 vs 80 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Romania's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Austria live an average of 4.9 years longer than those of Romania (81.5 vs 76.6 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
Romania's economy grew at 0.9% compared to Austria's -0.7%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Austria's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Romania vs Austria for Families
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 5.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Romania offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Austria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Romania vs Austria for Budget Travelers
Romania is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $20,080.21 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Romania can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Austria. However, Austria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Romania vs Austria for Retirees
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Romania 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.
Romania vs Austria Cost of Living
Austria's GDP per capita is 2.9x that of Romania, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Romania offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Romania can approach or exceed average costs in Austria's smaller cities.
Romania vs Austria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Romania and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Romania spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Romania'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, Romania or Austria by population?
Romania is larger by population, with 19.0M residents compared to Austria's 9.2M. Romania is 2.1 times more populous than Austria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Romania or Austria?
Austria has the higher GDP at $534.8B, compared to Romania's $382.6B. Austria's economy is 1.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Romania and Austria?
Austria has a higher life expectancy at 81.5 years, compared to Romania's 76.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.9 years. Romania's life expectancy is 4.6 years above the global average of 72 years, while Austria's is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Romania or Austria?
Romania is larger by land area, covering 238,391 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km². Romania is 2.8 times larger than Austria.
What languages are spoken in Romania and Austria?
Romania recognizes the following official language: Romanian. Austria recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Romania or Austria?
Austria has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Romania's 5.7%. Austria's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Romania's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Romania or Austria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 5.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Romania offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Romania or Austria cheaper to visit?
Romania is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $20,080.21 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Romania can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Austria. However, Austria may offer better value...
Is Romania or Austria better for retirement?
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Romania may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Romania or Austria more expensive to live in?
Austria's GDP per capita is 2.9x that of Romania, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Romania offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Romania or Austria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Romania and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Romania spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Romania's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...