Pakistan vs Iran
Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to Iran's 86.0M. Pakistan is 2.8 times more populous than Iran. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 2.1 times larger than Pakistan's 796,095 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 10.0 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
PakistanIran| Population | +180.9%241.5M | -64.4%86.0M |
| Area | -51.7%796,095 km² | +107.0%1,648,195 km² |
| GDP | -21.8%$371.6B | +27.9%$475.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -71.5%$1,478.773 | +251.0%$5,190.17 |
| Life Expectancy | -12.9%67.6 yrs | +14.8%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +368.2%50.1 | -78.6%10.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -34.7%5.4% | +53.2%8.3% |
| Capital | Islamabad | Tehran |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Urdu | Persian (Farsi) |
| Currencies | PKR (₨) | 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
Pakistan is 2.8 times more populous than Iran, with 241.5M residents compared to 86.0M. Pakistan 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, Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense), while Iran averages 52 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 1.3 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 3.5 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Pakistan is 67.6 years, compared to 77.7 years in Iran, a gap of 10.0 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 368% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 2.1 times larger by land area than Pakistan (796,095 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while Iran borders 7 countries. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to Iran's 1 timezone. Both Pakistan and Iran are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Pakistan and Iran is in infant mortality: Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 compared to Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 represents a 79% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Iran is in GDP per capita: Pakistan's $1,478.773 compared to Iran's $5,190.17 represents a 72% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and Iran is in population: Pakistan's 241.5M compared to Iran's 86.0M represents a 64% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan'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 3.5x 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 Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Pakistan is 5.8x more densely populated than Iran (303 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 10.0 years longer than those of Pakistan (77.7 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
Iran's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Pakistan's 3.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Iran has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Pakistan vs Iran for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Pakistan vs Iran 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 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.
Pakistan vs Iran for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Pakistan vs Iran Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, 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 Iran's smaller cities.
Pakistan vs Iran for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Iran 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, Pakistan or Iran by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to Iran's 86.0M. Pakistan is 2.8 times more populous than Iran.
Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or Iran?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. Iran's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and Iran?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.0 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 years below 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, Pakistan or Iran?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km². Iran is 2.1 times larger than Pakistan.
What languages are spoken in Pakistan and Iran?
Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. Iran recognizes: Persian (Farsi). The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or Iran?
Pakistan has lower inflation at 12.6%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Pakistan's inflation is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Pakistan or Iran better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 countrie...
Is Pakistan or Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in ...
Is Pakistan or Iran better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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...
Is Pakistan or Iran more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Pakistan or Iran better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and Iran, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while Iran covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income....