JordanIsrael
Jordan has a population of 11.7M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. Jordan is 1.2 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 10.1 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Jordan covers 89,342 km², 4.1 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 5.4 years higher than Jordan's 77.8 years.
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Metric
JordanIsrael| Population | 11.7M | 10.1M |
| Area | 89,342 km² | 21,937 km² |
| GDP | $53.4B | $540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $4,618.096 | $54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | 77.8 yrs | 83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 12.2 | 2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 16.5% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Amman | Jerusalem |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | JOD (د.ا) | 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
Jordan is 1.2 times more populous than Israel, with 11.7M residents compared to 10.1M. Jordan is a nation of 11.7M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, Jordan averages 131 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While Jordan has grown at 3.65% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Jordan is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 10.1 times larger than Jordan's ($53.4B). Jordan's GDP per capita of $4,618.096 is 59% below 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 11.7 times wealthier than those in Jordan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Jordan is 77.8 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 5.4 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while Jordan (77.8 years) is 5.8 years above the global average of 72 years. At 12.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Jordan's infant mortality is 352% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
Jordan (89,342 km²) is 4.1 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). Jordan shares borders with 5 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. Jordan spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Both Jordan and Israel are located in 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 Jordan and Israel is in GDP per capita: Jordan's $4,618.096 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 91% gap. The most significant difference between Jordan and Israel is in GDP: Jordan's $53.4B compared to Israel's $540.4B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Jordan and Israel is in infant mortality: Jordan's 12.2 per 1,000 compared to Israel's 2.7 per 1,000 represents a 78% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Jordan's upper-middle-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 11.7x that of Jordan ($4,618.096). 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 3.5x more densely populated than Jordan (462 vs 131 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Jordan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Israel live an average of 5.4 years longer than those of Jordan (83.2 vs 77.8 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
Jordan's economy grew at 2.5% compared to Israel's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Jordan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Jordan vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 12.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Jordan 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.
Jordan vs Israel for Budget Travelers
Jordan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,618.096 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Jordan 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.
Jordan vs Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Jordan 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.
Jordan vs Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 11.7x that of Jordan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Jordan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Jordan can approach or exceed average costs in Israel's smaller cities.
Jordan vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Jordan and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Jordan spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Jordan'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, Jordan or Israel by population?
Jordan is larger by population, with 11.7M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. Jordan is 1.2 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, Jordan or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to Jordan's $53.4B. Israel's economy is 10.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Jordan and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to Jordan's 77.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.4 years. Jordan's life expectancy is 5.8 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, Jordan or Israel?
Jordan is larger by land area, covering 89,342 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². Jordan is 4.1 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in Jordan and Israel?
Jordan recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Jordan or Israel?
Jordan has lower inflation at 1.6%, compared to Israel's 3.1%. Jordan'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 Jordan or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 12.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Jordan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly att...
Is Jordan or Israel cheaper to visit?
Jordan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,618.096 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Jordan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in ...
Is Jordan or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Jordan 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 Jordan or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 11.7x that of Jordan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while Jordan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by...
Is Jordan or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Jordan and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Jordan spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. Jordan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. B...
Population Growth
Jordan, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Israel, 1994 to 2023