Italy vs Austria
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Austria's 9.2M. Italy is 6.4 times more populous than Austria. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 4.5 times larger than Austria's ($534.8B). Italy covers 301,336 km², 3.6 times larger than Austria's 83,871 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 2.2 years higher than Austria's 81.5 years.
ItalyAustria| Population | +540.5%58.9M | -84.4%9.2M |
| Area | +259.3%301,336 km² | -72.2%83,871 km² |
| GDP | +345.2%$2.38T | -77.5%$534.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -30.7%$40,385.341 | +44.3%$58,268.879 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.6%83.7 yrs | -2.6%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -11.5%2.3 | +13.0%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +14.5%6.4% | -12.7%5.6% |
| Capital | Rome | Vienna |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | German |
| 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 6.4 times more populous than Austria, with 58.9M residents compared to 9.2M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Austria is a nation of 9.2M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Austria averages 110 people per km² (moderate). Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Austria.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Austria is classified as a high-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 4.5 times larger than Austria's ($534.8B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% 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 1.4 times wealthier than those in Italy.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 81.5 years in Austria, a gap of 2.2 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 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 13% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Italy (301,336 km²) is 3.6 times larger by land area than Austria (83,871 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Austria borders 8 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Austria's 1 timezone. Both Italy and Austria are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Europe and Central Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Austria is in population: Italy's 58.9M compared to Austria's 9.2M represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Austria is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Austria's $534.8B represents a 78% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Austria is in land area: Italy's 301,336 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km² represents a 72% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy'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 1.4x that of Italy ($40,385.341). 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
Italy is 1.8x more densely populated than Austria (196 vs 110 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Austria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 2.2 years longer than those of Austria (83.7 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
Italy's economy grew at 0.7% 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
Italy vs Austria 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. Austria 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 Austria for Budget Travelers
Italy is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $40,385.341 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Italy 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.
Italy vs Austria for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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.
Italy vs Austria Cost of Living
Austria's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Italy, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Italy offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Italy can approach or exceed average costs in Austria's smaller cities.
Italy vs Austria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Italy'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 Austria by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Austria's 9.2M. Italy is 6.4 times more populous than Austria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Austria?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Austria's $534.8B. Italy's economy is 4.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Austria?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Austria's 81.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.2 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 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, Italy or Austria?
Italy is larger by land area, covering 301,336 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km². Italy is 3.6 times larger than Austria.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Austria?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Austria recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Austria?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Austria's 2.9%. Italy'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 Italy or Austria 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. Austria offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Italy or Austria cheaper to visit?
Italy is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $40,385.341 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Italy can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Austria. However, Austria may offer better value in...
Is Italy or Austria better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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...
Is Italy or Austria more expensive to live in?
Austria's GDP per capita is 1.4x that of Italy, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Italy offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Italy or Austria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Italy's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...