Spain vs Austria
Spain has a population of 49.3M, compared to Austria's 9.2M. Spain is 5.4 times more populous than Austria. Economically, Spain ($1.73T) has a GDP 3.2 times larger than Austria's ($534.8B). Spain covers 505,992 km², 6.0 times larger than Austria's 83,871 km². Life expectancy in Spain stands at 83.9 years, 2.3 years higher than Austria's 81.5 years.
SpainAustria| Population | +436.0%49.3M | -81.3%9.2M |
| Area | +503.3%505,992 km² | -83.4%83,871 km² |
| GDP | +222.7%$1.73T | -69.0%$534.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -39.4%$35,326.768 | +64.9%$58,268.879 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.9%83.9 yrs | -2.8%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 0.0%2.6 | 0.0%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +85.9%10.4% | -46.2%5.6% |
| Capital | Madrid | Vienna |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician | German |
| Currencies | EUR (€) | EUR (€) |
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
Spain is 5.4 times more populous than Austria, with 49.3M residents compared to 9.2M. Spain is a nation of 49.3M people, while Austria is a nation of 9.2M people. In terms of population density, Spain averages 97 people per km² (moderate), while Austria averages 110 people per km² (moderate). Spain has grown at 0.37% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Austria.
Economy Comparison
Spain is classified as a high-income economy, while Austria is classified as a high-income economy. The Spain economy ($1.73T) is 3.2 times larger than Austria's ($534.8B). Spain's GDP per capita of $35,326.768 is 26% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Austria's GDP per capita of $58,268.879 is 108% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Austria are on average 1.6 times wealthier than those in Spain.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Spain is 83.9 years, compared to 81.5 years in Austria, a gap of 2.3 years. Spain (83.9 years) is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Austria (81.5 years) is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 2.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Spain's infant mortality is 0% higher than Austria's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Spain (505,992 km²) is 6.0 times larger by land area than Austria (83,871 km²). Spain shares borders with 5 countries, while Austria borders 8 countries. Spain spans 2 timezones, compared to Austria's 1 timezone. Both Spain and Austria are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Europe and Central Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Spain and Austria is in land area: Spain's 505,992 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km² represents a 83% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Austria is in population: Spain's 49.3M compared to Austria's 9.2M represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between Spain and Austria is in GDP: Spain's $1.73T compared to Austria's $534.8B represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Spain's high-income economy and Austria's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Austria has a GDP per capita of $58,268.879, which is 1.6x that of Spain ($35,326.768). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Austria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Austria is 1.1x more densely populated than Spain (110 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Spain's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Spain live an average of 2.3 years longer than those of Austria (83.9 vs 81.5 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
Spain's economy grew at 3.5% compared to Austria's -0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Spain has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Austria's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Spain vs Austria for Families
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Spain offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Austria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Spain vs Austria for Budget Travelers
Spain is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,326.768 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Spain can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Austria. However, Austria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Spain vs Austria for Retirees
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Austria 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.
Spain vs Austria Cost of Living
Austria's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Spain, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Spain offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Spain can approach or exceed average costs in Austria's smaller cities.
Spain vs Austria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Austria covers 1. Spain'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, Spain or Austria by population?
Spain is larger by population, with 49.3M residents compared to Austria's 9.2M. Spain is 5.4 times more populous than Austria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Spain or Austria?
Spain has the higher GDP at $1.73T, compared to Austria's $534.8B. Spain's economy is 3.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Spain and Austria?
Spain has a higher life expectancy at 83.9 years, compared to Austria's 81.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.3 years. Spain's life expectancy is 11.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Austria's is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Spain or Austria?
Spain is larger by land area, covering 505,992 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km². Spain is 6.0 times larger than Austria.
What languages are spoken in Spain and Austria?
Spain recognizes the following languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician. Austria recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Spain or Austria?
Spain has lower inflation at 2.8%, compared to Austria's 2.9%. Spain's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Austria's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Spain or Austria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 2.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Spain offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attr...
Is Spain or Austria cheaper to visit?
Spain is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,326.768 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Spain can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Austria. However, Austria may offer better value in...
Is Spain or Austria better for retirement?
Spain's life expectancy of 83.9 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Austria 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 Spain or Austria more expensive to live in?
Austria's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Spain, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Spain offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Spain or Austria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Spain and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Spain spans 2 timezones while Austria covers 1. Spain's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. B...