South AfricaIsrael
South Africa has a population of 63.1M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. South Africa is 6.2 times more populous than Israel. Economically, Israel ($540.4B) has a GDP 1.3 times larger than South Africa's ($401.1B). South Africa covers 1,221,037 km², 55.7 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 17.1 years higher than South Africa's 66.1 years.
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Metric
South AfricaIsrael| Population | 63.1M | 10.1M |
| Area | 1,221,037 km² | 21,937 km² |
| GDP | $401.1B | $540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $6,267.187 | $54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | 66.1 yrs | 83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 24.4 | 2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 32.4% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Pretoria | Jerusalem |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | ZAR (R) | 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
South Africa is 6.2 times more populous than Israel, with 63.1M residents compared to 10.1M. South Africa is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, South Africa averages 52 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). Israel has grown at 2.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for South Africa.
Economy Comparison
South Africa is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The Israel economy ($540.4B) is 1.3 times larger than South Africa's ($401.1B). South Africa's GDP per capita of $6,267.187 is 185% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 8.6 times wealthier than those in South Africa.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Africa is 66.1 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 17.1 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while South Africa (66.1 years) is 5.9 years below the global average of 72 years. At 24.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, South Africa's infant mortality is 804% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
South Africa (1,221,037 km²) is 55.7 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). South Africa shares borders with 6 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. South Africa spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. South Africa lies in Africa, while Israel is located in Asia. South Africa is categorized within the Africa region (Southern Africa), whereas Israel belongs to Asia (Western Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Africa and Israel is in land area: South Africa's 1,221,037 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Israel is in infant mortality: South Africa's 24.4 per 1,000 compared to Israel's 2.7 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between South Africa and Israel is in GDP per capita: South Africa's $6,267.187 compared to Israel's $54,176.684 represents a 88% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Africa'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 8.6x that of South Africa ($6,267.187). 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 8.9x more densely populated than South Africa (462 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. South Africa's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Israel live an average of 17.1 years longer than those of South Africa (83.2 vs 66.1 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
Israel's economy grew at 0.9% compared to South Africa's 0.5%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges.
Travel Comparison
South Africa vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Israel for Budget Travelers
South Africa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,267.187 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa 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.
South Africa vs Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 8.6x that of South Africa, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while South Africa offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in South Africa can approach or exceed average costs in Israel's smaller cities.
South Africa vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. South Africa'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, South Africa or Israel by population?
South Africa is larger by population, with 63.1M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. South Africa is 6.2 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Africa or Israel?
Israel has the higher GDP at $540.4B, compared to South Africa's $401.1B. Israel's economy is 1.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Africa and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to South Africa's 66.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.1 years. South Africa's life expectancy is 5.9 years below 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, South Africa or Israel?
South Africa is larger by land area, covering 1,221,037 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². South Africa is 55.7 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in South Africa and Israel?
South Africa recognizes the following languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Africa or Israel?
Israel has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to South Africa's 4.4%. Israel's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while South Africa's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is South Africa or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 24.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. South Africa offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is South Africa or Israel cheaper to visit?
South Africa is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,267.187 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Africa can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer bett...
Is South Africa or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. South Africa may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, c...
Is South Africa or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 8.6x that of South Africa, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while South Africa offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is South Africa or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Africa and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Africa spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. South Africa's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchin...