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United States vs Israel

United States has a population of 340.1M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. United States is 33.6 times more populous than Israel. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 53.2 times larger than Israel's ($540.4B). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 434.2 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 4.8 years higher than United States's 78.4 years.

Metric
Flag of United StatesUnited States
Flag of IsraelIsrael
Population
+3255.9%340.1M
-97.0%10.1M
Area
+43320.1%9,525,067 km²
-99.8%21,937 km²
GDP
+5220.5%$28.75T
-98.1%$540.4B
GDP Per Capita
+56.0%$84,534.041
-35.9%$54,176.684
Life Expectancy
-5.8%78.4 yrs
+6.1%83.2 yrs
Infant Mortality
+103.7%5.5
-50.9%2.7
Literacy Rate
Unemployment
+20.3%4.2%
-16.9%3.5%
Capital
Washington, D.C.
Jerusalem
Region
Americas
Asia
Languages
English
Arabic, Hebrew
Currencies
USD ($)
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

United States is 33.6 times more populous than Israel, with 340.1M residents compared to 10.1M. United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While United States has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.

Economy Comparison

United States is classified as a high-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 53.2 times larger than Israel's ($540.4B). United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 United States are on average 1.6 times wealthier than those in Israel.

Health & Quality of Life

Life expectancy in United States is 78.4 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 4.8 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years. At 5.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, United States's infant mortality is 104% higher than Israel's 2.7.

Geographic Comparison

United States (9,525,067 km²) is 434.2 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). United States shares borders with 2 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. United States spans 11 timezones, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. United States lies in North America, while Israel is located in Asia. United States is categorized within the Americas region (North America), whereas Israel belongs to Asia (Western Asia).

Key Differences

The most significant difference between United States and Israel is in land area: United States's 9,525,067 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between United States and Israel is in GDP: United States's $28.75T compared to Israel's $540.4B represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between United States and Israel is in population: United States's 340.1M compared to Israel's 10.1M represents a 97% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between United States's high-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.

At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean

Living Standards

United States has a GDP per capita of $84,534.041, which is 1.6x that of Israel ($54,176.684). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in United States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.

Population Density

Israel is 12.9x more densely populated than United States (462 vs 36 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United States's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.

Healthcare and Longevity

Citizens of Israel live an average of 4.8 years longer than those of United States (83.2 vs 78.4 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

United States's economy grew at 2.8% compared to Israel's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though United States has a modest edge in economic dynamism.

Travel Comparison

United States vs Israel for Families

For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 5.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. United States 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.

United States vs Israel for Budget Travelers

Israel is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $54,176.684 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Israel can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United States. However, United States may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.

United States vs Israel for Retirees

Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. United States 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.

United States vs Israel Cost of Living

United States's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Israel, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, while Israel offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Israel can approach or exceed average costs in United States's smaller cities.

United States vs Israel for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads choosing between United States and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United States spans 11 timezones while Israel covers 1. Israel'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, United States or Israel by population?

United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. United States is 33.6 times more populous than Israel.

Which country has a higher GDP, United States or Israel?

United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Israel's $540.4B. United States's economy is 53.2 times larger.

How does life expectancy compare between United States and Israel?

Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to United States's 78.4 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.8 years. United States's life expectancy is 6.4 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, United States or Israel?

United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². United States is 434.2 times larger than Israel.

What languages are spoken in United States and Israel?

United States recognizes the following official language: English. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.

Which country has lower inflation, United States or Israel?

United States has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Israel's 3.1%. United States's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Israel's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.

Is United States or Israel better for a family holiday?

For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 5.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. United States offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...

Is United States or Israel cheaper to visit?

Israel is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $54,176.684 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Israel can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United States. However, United States may offer b...

Is United States or Israel better for retirement?

Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. United States may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...

Is United States or Israel more expensive to live in?

United States's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Israel, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, while Israel offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...

Is United States or Israel better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between United States and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United States spans 11 timezones while Israel covers 1. Israel's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...

Population Growth — United States

Population Growth — Israel