Iran vs Kazakhstan
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Kazakhstan's 20.4M. Iran is 4.2 times more populous than Kazakhstan. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 1.6 times larger than Kazakhstan's ($291.5B). Kazakhstan covers 2,724,900 km², 1.7 times larger than Iran's 1,648,195 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 3.3 years higher than Kazakhstan's 74.4 years.
IranKazakhstan| Population | +320.8%86.0M | -76.2%20.4M |
| Area | -39.5%1,648,195 km² | +65.3%2,724,900 km² |
| GDP | +63.0%$475.3B | -38.7%$291.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | -63.3%$5,190.17 | +172.7%$14,154.632 |
| Life Expectancy | +4.4%77.7 yrs | -4.2%74.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +40.8%10.7 | -29.0%7.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +74.0%8.3% | -42.5%4.8% |
| Capital | Tehran | Astana |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | Kazakh, Russian |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | KZT (₸) |
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
Iran is 4.2 times more populous than Kazakhstan, with 86.0M residents compared to 20.4M. Iran is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Kazakhstan is a nation of 20.4M people. In terms of population density, Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Kazakhstan averages 7 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Kazakhstan is classified as a high-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 1.6 times larger than Kazakhstan's ($291.5B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Kazakhstan's GDP per capita of $14,154.632 is 26% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Kazakhstan are on average 2.7 times wealthier than those in Iran.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 74.4 years in Kazakhstan, a gap of 3.3 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Kazakhstan (74.4 years) is 2.4 years above the global average of 72 years. At 10.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Iran's infant mortality is 41% higher than Kazakhstan's 7.6.
Geographic Comparison
Kazakhstan (2,724,900 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Iran (1,648,195 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Kazakhstan borders 5 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Kazakhstan's 2 timezones. Both Iran and Kazakhstan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Central Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Kazakhstan is in population: Iran's 86.0M compared to Kazakhstan's 20.4M represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Kazakhstan is in GDP per capita: Iran's $5,190.17 compared to Kazakhstan's $14,154.632 represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Kazakhstan is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Kazakhstan's 2,724,900 km² represents a 40% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Kazakhstan's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Kazakhstan has a GDP per capita of $14,154.632, which is 2.7x that of Iran ($5,190.17). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Kazakhstan is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Iran is 7.0x more densely populated than Kazakhstan (52 vs 7 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Kazakhstan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 3.3 years longer than those of Kazakhstan (77.7 vs 74.4 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
Kazakhstan's economy grew at 5.0% compared to Iran's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kazakhstan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Kazakhstan for Families
For family travel, Kazakhstan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (7.6 vs 10.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iran offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Kazakhstan's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran vs Kazakhstan for Budget Travelers
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Kazakhstan. However, Kazakhstan may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Kazakhstan for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kazakhstan 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.
Iran vs Kazakhstan Cost of Living
Kazakhstan's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kazakhstan, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Iran can approach or exceed average costs in Kazakhstan's smaller cities.
Iran vs Kazakhstan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Kazakhstan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Kazakhstan covers 2. Iran'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, Iran or Kazakhstan by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Kazakhstan's 20.4M. Iran is 4.2 times more populous than Kazakhstan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Kazakhstan?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Kazakhstan's $291.5B. Iran's economy is 1.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Kazakhstan?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Kazakhstan's 74.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.3 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Kazakhstan's is 2.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Iran or Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is larger by land area, covering 2,724,900 km² compared to Iran's 1,648,195 km². Kazakhstan is 1.7 times larger than Iran.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Kazakhstan?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Kazakhstan recognizes: Kazakh, Russian. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan has lower inflation at 8.8%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Kazakhstan's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 2.5 times the global median, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Kazakhstan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Kazakhstan generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (7.6 vs 10.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Iran offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Iran or Kazakhstan cheaper to visit?
Iran is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $5,190.17 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Iran can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Kazakhstan. However, Kazakhstan may offer better value ...
Is Iran or Kazakhstan better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kazakhstan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clima...
Is Iran or Kazakhstan more expensive to live in?
Kazakhstan's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of Iran, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kazakhstan, while Iran offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly...
Is Iran or Kazakhstan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Kazakhstan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Kazakhstan covers 2. Iran's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....