Netherlands vs Austria
Netherlands has a population of 18.1M, compared to Austria's 9.2M. Netherlands is 2.0 times more populous than Austria. Economically, Netherlands ($1.21T) has a GDP 2.3 times larger than Austria's ($534.8B). Austria covers 83,871 km², 2.0 times larger than Netherlands's 41,865 km². Life expectancy in Netherlands stands at 81.9 years, 0.4 years higher than Austria's 81.5 years.
NetherlandsAustria| Population | +96.7%18.1M | -49.2%9.2M |
| Area | -50.1%41,865 km² | +100.3%83,871 km² |
| GDP | +127.2%$1.21T | -56.0%$534.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | +15.9%$67,520.422 | -13.7%$58,268.879 |
| Life Expectancy | +0.5%81.9 yrs | -0.5%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +34.6%3.5 | -25.7%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -30.6%3.9% | +44.1%5.6% |
| Capital | Amsterdam | Vienna |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Dutch | 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
Netherlands is 2.0 times more populous than Austria, with 18.1M residents compared to 9.2M. Netherlands is a nation of 18.1M people, while Austria is a nation of 9.2M people. In terms of population density, Netherlands averages 432 people per km² (dense), while Austria averages 110 people per km² (moderate). Netherlands has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Austria.
Economy Comparison
Netherlands is classified as a high-income economy, while Austria is classified as a high-income economy. The Netherlands economy ($1.21T) is 2.3 times larger than Austria's ($534.8B). Netherlands's GDP per capita of $67,520.422 is 141% 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 Netherlands are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Austria.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Netherlands is 81.9 years, compared to 81.5 years in Austria, a gap of 0.4 years. Netherlands (81.9 years) is 9.9 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 3.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Netherlands's infant mortality is 35% higher than Austria's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Austria (83,871 km²) is 2.0 times larger by land area than Netherlands (41,865 km²). Netherlands shares borders with 2 countries, while Austria borders 8 countries. Netherlands spans 1 timezone, compared to Austria's 1 timezone. Both Netherlands and Austria are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Europe and Central Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Netherlands and Austria is in GDP: Netherlands's $1.21T compared to Austria's $534.8B represents a 56% gap. The most significant difference between Netherlands and Austria is in land area: Netherlands's 41,865 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km² represents a 50% gap. The most significant difference between Netherlands and Austria is in population: Netherlands's 18.1M compared to Austria's 9.2M represents a 49% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Netherlands's high-income economy and Austria's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Netherlands has a GDP per capita of $67,520.422, which is 1.2x that of Austria ($58,268.879). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Netherlands is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Netherlands is 3.9x more densely populated than Austria (432 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 Netherlands live an average of 0.4 years longer than those of Austria (81.9 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
Netherlands's economy grew at 1.1% 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
Netherlands vs Austria for Families
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 3.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Netherlands offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. 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.
Netherlands vs Austria for Budget Travelers
Austria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $58,268.879 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Austria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Netherlands. However, Netherlands may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Netherlands vs Austria for Retirees
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 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.
Netherlands vs Austria Cost of Living
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Austria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, while Austria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Austria can approach or exceed average costs in Netherlands's smaller cities.
Netherlands vs Austria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Netherlands and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Netherlands spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Austria'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, Netherlands or Austria by population?
Netherlands is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Austria's 9.2M. Netherlands is 2.0 times more populous than Austria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Netherlands or Austria?
Netherlands has the higher GDP at $1.21T, compared to Austria's $534.8B. Netherlands's economy is 2.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Netherlands and Austria?
Netherlands has a higher life expectancy at 81.9 years, compared to Austria's 81.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.4 years. Netherlands's life expectancy is 9.9 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, Netherlands or Austria?
Austria is larger by land area, covering 83,871 km² compared to Netherlands's 41,865 km². Austria is 2.0 times larger than Netherlands.
What languages are spoken in Netherlands and Austria?
Netherlands recognizes the following official language: Dutch. Austria recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Netherlands or Austria?
Austria has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Netherlands's 3.3%. Austria's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Netherlands's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Netherlands or Austria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 3.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Netherlands offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both coun...
Is Netherlands or Austria cheaper to visit?
Austria is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $58,268.879 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Austria can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Netherlands. However, Netherlands may offer bet...
Is Netherlands or Austria better for retirement?
Netherlands's life expectancy of 81.9 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, c...
Is Netherlands or Austria more expensive to live in?
Netherlands's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Austria, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Netherlands, while Austria offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Netherlands or Austria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Netherlands and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Netherlands spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Austria's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching rem...