Portugal vs Austria
Portugal has a population of 10.7M, compared to Austria's 9.2M. Portugal is 1.2 times more populous than Austria. Economically, Austria ($534.8B) has a GDP 1.7 times larger than Portugal's ($313.3B). Portugal covers 92,090 km², 1.1 times larger than Austria's 83,871 km². Life expectancy in Portugal stands at 82.3 years, 0.7 years higher than Austria's 81.5 years.
PortugalAustria| Population | +16.8%10.7M | -14.4%9.2M |
| Area | +9.8%92,090 km² | -8.9%83,871 km² |
| GDP | -41.4%$313.3B | +70.7%$534.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -49.7%$29,292.242 | +98.9%$58,268.879 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.9%82.3 yrs | -0.9%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 0.0%2.6 | 0.0%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +10.4%6.2% | -9.4%5.6% |
| Capital | Lisbon | Vienna |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Portuguese | 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
Portugal is 1.2 times more populous than Austria, with 10.7M residents compared to 9.2M. Portugal is a nation of 10.7M people, while Austria is a nation of 9.2M people. In terms of population density, Portugal averages 117 people per km² (moderate), while Austria averages 110 people per km² (moderate). Portugal has grown at 0.11% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Austria.
Economy Comparison
Portugal is classified as a high-income economy, while Austria is classified as a high-income economy. The Austria economy ($534.8B) is 1.7 times larger than Portugal's ($313.3B). Portugal's GDP per capita of $29,292.242 is 5% 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 2.0 times wealthier than those in Portugal.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Portugal is 82.3 years, compared to 81.5 years in Austria, a gap of 0.7 years. Portugal (82.3 years) is 10.3 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, Portugal's infant mortality is 0% higher than Austria's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Portugal (92,090 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Austria (83,871 km²). Portugal shares borders with 1 country, while Austria borders 8 countries. Portugal spans 2 timezones, compared to Austria's 1 timezone. Both Portugal 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 Portugal and Austria is in GDP per capita: Portugal's $29,292.242 compared to Austria's $58,268.879 represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Portugal and Austria is in GDP: Portugal's $313.3B compared to Austria's $534.8B represents a 41% gap. The most significant difference between Portugal and Austria is in population: Portugal's 10.7M compared to Austria's 9.2M represents a 14% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Portugal'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 2.0x that of Portugal ($29,292.242). 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
Portugal is 1.1x more densely populated than Austria (117 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 Portugal live an average of 0.7 years longer than those of Austria (82.3 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
Portugal's economy grew at 2.1% compared to Austria's -0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Portugal has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Austria's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Portugal vs Austria for Families
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Portugal 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.
Portugal vs Austria for Budget Travelers
Portugal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $29,292.242 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Portugal 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.
Portugal vs Austria for Retirees
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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.
Portugal vs Austria Cost of Living
Austria's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Portugal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Portugal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Portugal can approach or exceed average costs in Austria's smaller cities.
Portugal vs Austria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Portugal and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Portugal spans 2 timezones while Austria covers 1. Portugal'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, Portugal or Austria by population?
Portugal is larger by population, with 10.7M residents compared to Austria's 9.2M. Portugal is 1.2 times more populous than Austria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Portugal or Austria?
Austria has the higher GDP at $534.8B, compared to Portugal's $313.3B. Austria's economy is 1.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Portugal and Austria?
Portugal has a higher life expectancy at 82.3 years, compared to Austria's 81.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.7 years. Portugal's life expectancy is 10.3 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, Portugal or Austria?
Portugal is larger by land area, covering 92,090 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km². Portugal is 1.1 times larger than Austria.
What languages are spoken in Portugal and Austria?
Portugal recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. Austria recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Portugal or Austria?
Portugal has lower inflation at 2.4%, compared to Austria's 2.9%. Portugal'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 Portugal or Austria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Portugal offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is Portugal or Austria cheaper to visit?
Portugal is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $29,292.242 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Portugal can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Austria. However, Austria may offer better va...
Is Portugal or Austria better for retirement?
Portugal's life expectancy of 82.3 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, clim...
Is Portugal or Austria more expensive to live in?
Austria's GDP per capita is 2.0x that of Portugal, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Portugal offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Portugal or Austria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Portugal and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Portugal spans 2 timezones while Austria covers 1. Portugal's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote ...