Italy vs Romania
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Romania's 19.0M. Italy is 3.1 times more populous than Romania. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 6.2 times larger than Romania's ($382.6B). Italy covers 301,336 km², 1.3 times larger than Romania's 238,391 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 7.1 years higher than Romania's 76.6 years.
ItalyRomania| Population | +209.6%58.9M | -67.7%19.0M |
| Area | +26.4%301,336 km² | -20.9%238,391 km² |
| GDP | +522.3%$2.38T | -83.9%$382.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +101.1%$40,385.341 | -50.3%$20,080.21 |
| Life Expectancy | +9.3%83.7 yrs | -8.5%76.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -57.4%2.3 | +134.8%5.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +6.7%6.4% | -6.2%6.0% |
| Capital | Rome | Bucharest |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Romanian |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | RON (lei) |
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 3.1 times more populous than Romania, with 58.9M residents compared to 19.0M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Romania is a nation of 19.0M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Romania averages 80 people per km² (moderate). Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Romania.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Romania is classified as a high-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 6.2 times larger than Romania's ($382.6B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Romania's GDP per capita of $20,080.21 is 28% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Italy are on average 2.0 times wealthier than those in Romania.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 76.6 years in Romania, a gap of 7.1 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 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 135% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Italy (301,336 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Romania (238,391 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Romania borders 5 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Romania's 1 timezone. Both Italy and Romania are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Europe and Southeast Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Romania is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Romania's $382.6B represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Romania is in population: Italy's 58.9M compared to Romania's 19.0M represents a 68% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Romania is in infant mortality: Italy's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Romania's 5.4 per 1,000 represents a 57% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Romania'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 2.0x 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 Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 2.4x more densely populated than Romania (196 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 Italy live an average of 7.1 years longer than those of Romania (83.7 vs 76.6 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
Romania's economy grew at 0.9% compared to Italy's 0.7%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Romania for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 5.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Romania 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 Romania 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 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 Romania for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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.
Italy vs Romania Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Romania, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, 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 Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Romania for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Romania 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, Italy or Romania by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Romania's 19.0M. Italy is 3.1 times more populous than Romania.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Romania?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Romania's $382.6B. Italy's economy is 6.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Romania?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Romania's 76.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.1 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Romania's is 4.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Italy or Romania?
Italy is larger by land area, covering 301,336 km² compared to Romania's 238,391 km². Italy is 1.3 times larger than Romania.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Romania?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Romania recognizes: Romanian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Romania?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Romania's 5.7%. Italy'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 Italy or Romania better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 5.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Romania offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Italy or Romania 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 Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in ...
Is Italy or Romania better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 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...
Is Italy or Romania more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Romania, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Romania offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Italy or Romania better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Romania, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Romania covers 1. Romania's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...