Egypt vs Iran
Egypt has a population of 107.3M, compared to Iran's 86.0M. Egypt is 1.2 times more populous than Iran. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than Egypt's ($389.1B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 1.6 times larger than Egypt's 1,002,450 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 6.0 years higher than Egypt's 71.6 years.
EgyptIran| Population | +24.8%107.3M | -19.9%86.0M |
| Area | -39.2%1,002,450 km² | +64.4%1,648,195 km² |
| GDP | -18.1%$389.1B | +22.2%$475.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -35.7%$3,338.474 | +55.5%$5,190.17 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.8%71.6 yrs | +8.4%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +50.5%16.1 | -33.5%10.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -18.3%6.8% | +22.4%8.3% |
| Capital | Cairo | Tehran |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Persian (Farsi) |
| Currencies | EGP (£) | IRR (﷼) |
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
Egypt is 1.2 times more populous than Iran, with 107.3M residents compared to 86.0M. Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate), while Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate). Egypt has grown at 1.85% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Iran.
Economy Comparison
Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 1.2 times larger than Egypt's ($389.1B). Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Iran are on average 1.6 times wealthier than those in Egypt.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Egypt is 71.6 years, compared to 77.7 years in Iran, a gap of 6.0 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Egypt (71.6 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 16.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Egypt's infant mortality is 50% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Egypt (1,002,450 km²). Egypt shares borders with 4 countries, while Iran borders 7 countries. Egypt spans 1 timezone, compared to Iran's 1 timezone. Egypt lies in Africa, while Iran is located in Asia. Egypt is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas Iran belongs to Asia (Southern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Egypt and Iran is in land area: Egypt's 1,002,450 km² compared to Iran's 1,648,195 km² represents a 39% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Iran is in GDP per capita: Egypt's $3,338.474 compared to Iran's $5,190.17 represents a 36% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Iran is in infant mortality: Egypt's 16.1 per 1,000 compared to Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 represents a 34% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Egypt's lower-middle-income economy and Iran's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 1.6x that of Egypt ($3,338.474). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Egypt is 2.1x more densely populated than Iran (107 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 6.0 years longer than those of Egypt (77.7 vs 71.6 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
Iran's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Egypt's 2.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Iran has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Egypt vs Iran for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 16.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Egypt offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Egypt vs Iran for Budget Travelers
Egypt is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,338.474 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Egypt can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Egypt vs Iran for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Egypt 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.
Egypt vs Iran Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Egypt, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Egypt offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Egypt can approach or exceed average costs in Iran's smaller cities.
Egypt vs Iran for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Iran covers 1. Egypt'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, Egypt or Iran by population?
Egypt is larger by population, with 107.3M residents compared to Iran's 86.0M. Egypt is 1.2 times more populous than Iran.
Which country has a higher GDP, Egypt or Iran?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Egypt's $389.1B. Iran's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Egypt and Iran?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Egypt's 71.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.0 years. Egypt's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Iran's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Egypt or Iran?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Egypt's 1,002,450 km². Iran is 1.6 times larger than Egypt.
What languages are spoken in Egypt and Iran?
Egypt recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Iran recognizes: Persian (Farsi). The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Egypt or Iran?
Egypt has lower inflation at 28.3%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Egypt's inflation is severely elevated at 28.3%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Egypt or Iran better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 vs 16.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Egypt offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Egypt or Iran cheaper to visit?
Egypt is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $3,338.474 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Egypt can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specif...
Is Egypt or Iran better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Egypt may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate pr...
Is Egypt or Iran more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Egypt, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Egypt offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Egypt or Iran better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Iran covers 1. Egypt's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...