Saudi Arabia vs Pakistan
Saudi Arabia has a population of 35.3M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 6.8 times more populous than Saudi Arabia. Economically, Saudi Arabia ($1.24T) has a GDP 3.3 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km², 2.7 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia stands at 78.7 years, 11.1 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
Saudi ArabiaPakistan| Population | -85.4%35.3M | +584.1%241.5M |
| Area | +170.0%2,149,690 km² | -63.0%796,095 km² |
| GDP | +233.7%$1.24T | -70.0%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2275.1%$35,121.663 | -95.8%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +16.4%78.7 yrs | -14.1%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -90.2%4.9 | +922.4%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -43.9%3.0% | +78.4%5.4% |
| Capital | Riyadh | Islamabad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | SAR (ر.س) | PKR (₨) |
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
Pakistan is 6.8 times more populous than Saudi Arabia, with 241.5M residents compared to 35.3M. Saudi Arabia is a nation of 35.3M people, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Saudi Arabia averages 16 people per km² (sparse), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Saudi Arabia is classified as a high-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Saudi Arabia economy ($1.24T) is 3.3 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita of $35,121.663 is 214% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Saudi Arabia are on average 23.8 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 78.7 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 11.1 years. Saudi Arabia (78.7 years) is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 922% higher than Saudi Arabia's 4.9.
Geographic Comparison
Saudi Arabia (2,149,690 km²) is 2.7 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). Saudi Arabia shares borders with 7 countries, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: Saudi Arabia's $35,121.663 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is in infant mortality: Saudi Arabia's 4.9 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is in population: Saudi Arabia's 35.3M compared to Pakistan's 241.5M represents a 85% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Saudi Arabia's high-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Saudi Arabia has a GDP per capita of $35,121.663, which is 23.8x that of Pakistan ($1,478.773). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Saudi Arabia is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 18.5x more densely populated than Saudi Arabia (303 vs 16 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Saudi Arabia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Saudi Arabia live an average of 11.1 years longer than those of Pakistan (78.7 vs 67.6 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
Pakistan's economy grew at 3.0% compared to Saudi Arabia's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Saudi Arabia vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Saudi Arabia's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Saudi Arabia vs Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Saudi Arabia vs Pakistan for Retirees
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan 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.
Saudi Arabia vs Pakistan Cost of Living
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 23.8x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Pakistan can approach or exceed average costs in Saudi Arabia's smaller cities.
Saudi Arabia vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan'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, Saudi Arabia or Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Saudi Arabia's 35.3M. Pakistan is 6.8 times more populous than Saudi Arabia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Saudi Arabia or Pakistan?
Saudi Arabia has the higher GDP at $1.24T, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. Saudi Arabia's economy is 3.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan?
Saudi Arabia has a higher life expectancy at 78.7 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.1 years. Saudi Arabia's life expectancy is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan's is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Saudi Arabia or Pakistan?
Saudi Arabia is larger by land area, covering 2,149,690 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². Saudi Arabia is 2.7 times larger than Pakistan.
What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan?
Saudi Arabia recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Saudi Arabia or Pakistan?
Saudi Arabia has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. Saudi Arabia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Pakistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median.
Is Saudi Arabia or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Saudi Arabia generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (4.9 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both c...
Is Saudi Arabia or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia may offer ...
Is Saudi Arabia or Pakistan better for retirement?
Saudi Arabia's life expectancy of 78.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access,...
Is Saudi Arabia or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita is 23.8x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Saudi Arabia, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies ...
Is Saudi Arabia or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...