Turkey vs Italy
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to Italy's 58.9M. Turkey is 1.5 times more populous than Italy. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 1.8 times larger than Turkey's ($1.36T). Turkey covers 783,562 km², 2.6 times larger than Italy's 301,336 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 6.5 years higher than Turkey's 77.2 years.
TurkeyItaly| Population | +45.4%85.7M | -31.2%58.9M |
| Area | +160.0%783,562 km² | -61.5%301,336 km² |
| GDP | -42.9%$1.36T | +75.2%$2.38T |
| GDP Per Capita | -60.6%$15,892.716 | +154.1%$40,385.341 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.8%77.2 yrs | +8.5%83.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +295.7%9.1 | -74.7%2.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +33.3%8.5% | -25.0%6.4% |
| Capital | Ankara | Rome |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Turkish | Italian, Catalan |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | 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
Turkey is 1.5 times more populous than Italy, with 85.7M residents compared to 58.9M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate). While Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade, Italy has grown at -0.22% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while Italy is classified as a high-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 1.8 times larger than Turkey's ($1.36T). Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Italy are on average 2.5 times wealthier than those in Turkey.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 83.7 years in Italy, a gap of 6.5 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 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 9.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Turkey's infant mortality is 296% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Turkey (783,562 km²) is 2.6 times larger by land area than Italy (301,336 km²). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while Italy borders 6 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to Italy's 1 timezone. Both Turkey and Italy are located in Europe and Asia. Turkey is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Italy belongs to Europe (Southern Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and Italy is in infant mortality: Turkey's 9.1 per 1,000 compared to Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Italy is in land area: Turkey's 783,562 km² compared to Italy's 301,336 km² represents a 62% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Italy is in GDP per capita: Turkey's $15,892.716 compared to Italy's $40,385.341 represents a 61% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey's high-income economy and Italy'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 2.5x that of Turkey ($15,892.716). 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 1.8x more densely populated than Turkey (196 vs 109 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Turkey's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 6.5 years longer than those of Turkey (83.7 vs 77.2 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
Turkey's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Italy's 0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Turkey has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Turkey vs Italy for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 9.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkey offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. 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.
Turkey vs Italy for Budget Travelers
Turkey is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $15,892.716 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkey 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.
Turkey vs Italy for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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.
Turkey vs Italy Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Turkey, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Turkey offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Turkey can approach or exceed average costs in Italy's smaller cities.
Turkey vs Italy for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Italy, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Italy covers 1. Turkey'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, Turkey or Italy by population?
Turkey is larger by population, with 85.7M residents compared to Italy's 58.9M. Turkey is 1.5 times more populous than Italy.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkey or Italy?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Turkey's $1.36T. Italy's economy is 1.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkey and Italy?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Turkey's 77.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.5 years. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Italy's is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Turkey or Italy?
Turkey is larger by land area, covering 783,562 km² compared to Italy's 301,336 km². Turkey is 2.6 times larger than Italy.
What languages are spoken in Turkey and Italy?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. Italy recognizes: Italian, Catalan. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or Italy?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Italy's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Turkey or Italy better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 9.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkey offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attra...
Is Turkey or Italy cheaper to visit?
Turkey is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $15,892.716 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkey can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in s...
Is Turkey or Italy better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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 ...
Is Turkey or Italy more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 2.5x that of Turkey, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Turkey offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Turkey or Italy better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Italy, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Italy covers 1. Turkey's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...