Turkey vs Israel
Turkey has a population of 85.7M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Turkey is 8.5 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Turkey ($1.36T) has a GDP 2.5 times larger than Israel's ($540.4B). Turkey covers 783,562 km², 35.7 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 6.0 years higher than Turkey's 77.2 years.
TurkeyIsrael| Population | +745.3%85.7M | -88.2%10.1M |
| Area | +3471.9%783,562 km² | -97.2%21,937 km² |
| GDP | +151.5%$1.36T | -60.2%$540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | -70.7%$15,892.716 | +240.9%$54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | -7.3%77.2 yrs | +7.8%83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +237.0%9.1 | -70.3%2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +144.2%8.5% | -59.0%3.5% |
| Capital | Ankara | Jerusalem |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Turkish | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | TRY (₺) | ILS (₪) |
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
Turkey is 8.5 times more populous than Israel, with 85.7M residents compared to 10.1M. Turkey is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Turkey averages 109 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Turkey has grown at 1.14% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Turkey is classified as a high-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Turkey economy ($1.36T) is 2.5 times larger than Israel's ($540.4B). Turkey's GDP per capita of $15,892.716 is 42% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 3.4 times wealthier than those in Turkey.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Turkey is 77.2 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 6.0 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Turkey (77.2 years) is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years. At 9.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Turkey's infant mortality is 237% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Turkey (783,562 km²) is 35.7 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Turkey shares borders with 8 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Turkey spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Both Turkey and Israel are located in Europe and Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Turkey and Israel is in land area: Turkey's 783,562 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Israel is in population: Turkey's 85.7M compared to Israel's 10.1M represents a 88% gap. The most significant difference between Turkey and Israel is in GDP per capita: Turkey's $15,892.716 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 71% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Turkey's high-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 3.4x that of Turkey ($15,892.716). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 4.2x more densely populated than Turkey (462 vs 109 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Turkey's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Israel live an average of 6.0 years longer than those of Turkey (83.2 vs 77.2 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
Turkey's economy grew at 3.3% compared to Israel's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Turkey has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Turkey vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 9.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkey offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Turkey vs Israel for Budget Travelers
Turkey is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $15,892.716 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkey can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Turkey vs Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkey 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.
Turkey vs Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Turkey, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Turkey offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Turkey can approach or exceed average costs in Israel's smaller cities.
Turkey vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Turkey'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, Turkey or Israel by population?
Turkey is larger by population, with 85.7M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Turkey is 8.5 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Turkey or Israel?
Turkey has the higher GDP at $1.36T, compared to Israel's $540.4B. Turkey's economy is 2.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Turkey and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Turkey's 77.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 6.0 years. Turkey's life expectancy is 5.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Turkey or Israel?
Turkey is larger by land area, covering 783,562 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Turkey is 35.7 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Turkey and Israel?
Turkey recognizes the following official language: Turkish. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Turkey or Israel?
Israel has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Turkey's 58.5%. Israel's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Turkey's rate is severely elevated at 58.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Turkey or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 9.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Turkey offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Turkey or Israel cheaper to visit?
Turkey is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $15,892.716 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Turkey can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in...
Is Turkey or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Turkey 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 Turkey or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Turkey, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Turkey offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Turkey or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Turkey and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Turkey spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Turkey's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. B...