Sweden vs Austria
Sweden has a population of 10.6M, compared to Austria's 9.2M. Sweden is 1.2 times more populous than Austria. Economically, Sweden ($603.7B) has a GDP 1.1 times larger than Austria's ($534.8B). Sweden covers 450,295 km², 5.4 times larger than Austria's 83,871 km². Life expectancy in Sweden stands at 83.3 years, 1.8 years higher than Austria's 81.5 years.
SwedenAustria| Population | +15.3%10.6M | -13.2%9.2M |
| Area | +436.9%450,295 km² | -81.4%83,871 km² |
| GDP | +12.9%$603.7B | -11.4%$534.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -2.0%$57,117.488 | +2.0%$58,268.879 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.2%83.3 yrs | -2.1%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -23.1%2.0 | +30.0%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +55.8%8.7% | -35.8%5.6% |
| Capital | Stockholm | Vienna |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Swedish | German |
| Currencies | SEK (kr) | 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
Sweden is 1.2 times more populous than Austria, with 10.6M residents compared to 9.2M. Sweden is a nation of 10.6M people, while Austria is a nation of 9.2M people. In terms of population density, Sweden averages 24 people per km² (sparse), while Austria averages 110 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Sweden is classified as a high-income economy, while Austria is classified as a high-income economy. The Sweden economy ($603.7B) is 1.1 times larger than Austria's ($534.8B). Sweden's GDP per capita of $57,117.488 is 104% above 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 1.0 times wealthier than those in Sweden.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sweden is 83.3 years, compared to 81.5 years in Austria, a gap of 1.8 years. Sweden (83.3 years) is 11.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Austria (81.5 years) is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 2.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Austria's infant mortality is 30% higher than Sweden's 2.0.
Geographic Comparison
Sweden (450,295 km²) is 5.4 times larger by land area than Austria (83,871 km²). Sweden shares borders with 2 countries, while Austria borders 8 countries. Sweden spans 1 timezone, compared to Austria's 1 timezone. Both Sweden and Austria are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Europe and Central Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sweden and Austria is in land area: Sweden's 450,295 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Sweden and Austria is in infant mortality: Sweden's 2.0 per 1,000 compared to Austria's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 23% gap. The most significant difference between Sweden and Austria is in population: Sweden's 10.6M compared to Austria's 9.2M represents a 13% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sweden'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 1.0x that of Sweden ($57,117.488). 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 4.7x more densely populated than Sweden (110 vs 24 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sweden's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Sweden live an average of 1.8 years longer than those of Austria (83.3 vs 81.5 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
Sweden's economy grew at 0.8% 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
Sweden vs Austria for Families
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Austria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Sweden's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Sweden vs Austria for Budget Travelers
Sweden is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $57,117.488 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sweden 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.
Sweden vs Austria for Retirees
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Austria 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.
Sweden vs Austria Cost of Living
Austria's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Sweden, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Sweden offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Sweden can approach or exceed average costs in Austria's smaller cities.
Sweden vs Austria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sweden and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sweden spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Sweden'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, Sweden or Austria by population?
Sweden is larger by population, with 10.6M residents compared to Austria's 9.2M. Sweden is 1.2 times more populous than Austria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sweden or Austria?
Sweden has the higher GDP at $603.7B, compared to Austria's $534.8B. Sweden's economy is 1.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sweden and Austria?
Sweden has a higher life expectancy at 83.3 years, compared to Austria's 81.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 1.8 years. Sweden's life expectancy is 11.3 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, Sweden or Austria?
Sweden is larger by land area, covering 450,295 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km². Sweden is 5.4 times larger than Austria.
What languages are spoken in Sweden and Austria?
Sweden recognizes the following official language: Swedish. Austria recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sweden or Austria?
Sweden has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Austria's 2.9%. Sweden's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Austria's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Sweden or Austria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Sweden generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.0 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Austria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries...
Is Sweden or Austria cheaper to visit?
Sweden is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $57,117.488 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sweden can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Austria. However, Austria may offer better value ...
Is Sweden or Austria better for retirement?
Sweden's life expectancy of 83.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Austria 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 Sweden or Austria more expensive to live in?
Austria's GDP per capita is 1.0x that of Sweden, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Sweden offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Sweden or Austria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sweden and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sweden spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Sweden's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....