Guatemala vs Austria
Guatemala has a population of 18.1M, compared to Austria's 9.2M. Guatemala is 2.0 times more populous than Austria. Economically, Austria ($534.8B) has a GDP 4.7 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Guatemala covers 108,889 km², 1.3 times larger than Austria's 83,871 km². Life expectancy in Austria stands at 81.5 years, 8.9 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
GuatemalaAustria| Population | +96.5%18.1M | -49.1%9.2M |
| Area | +29.8%108,889 km² | -23.0%83,871 km² |
| GDP | -78.8%$113.2B | +372.4%$534.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | -89.4%$6,150.026 | +847.5%$58,268.879 |
| Life Expectancy | -11.0%72.6 yrs | +12.3%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +588.5%17.9 | -85.5%2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -53.4%2.6% | +114.4%5.6% |
| Capital | Guatemala City | Vienna |
| Region | Americas | Europe |
| Languages | Spanish | German |
| Currencies | GTQ (Q) | 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
Guatemala is 2.0 times more populous than Austria, with 18.1M residents compared to 9.2M. Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people, while Austria is a nation of 9.2M people. In terms of population density, Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate), while Austria averages 110 people per km² (moderate). Guatemala has grown at 1.65% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Austria.
Economy Comparison
Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Austria is classified as a high-income economy. The Austria economy ($534.8B) is 4.7 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. 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 9.5 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Guatemala is 72.6 years, compared to 81.5 years in Austria, a gap of 8.9 years. Austria (81.5 years) is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 17.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Guatemala's infant mortality is 588% higher than Austria's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Guatemala (108,889 km²) is 1.3 times larger by land area than Austria (83,871 km²). Guatemala shares borders with 4 countries, while Austria borders 8 countries. Guatemala spans 1 timezone, compared to Austria's 1 timezone. Guatemala lies in North America, while Austria is located in Europe. Guatemala is categorized within the Americas region (Central America), whereas Austria belongs to Europe (Central Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Guatemala and Austria is in GDP per capita: Guatemala's $6,150.026 compared to Austria's $58,268.879 represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Austria is in infant mortality: Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 compared to Austria's 2.6 per 1,000 represents a 85% gap. The most significant difference between Guatemala and Austria is in GDP: Guatemala's $113.2B compared to Austria's $534.8B represents a 79% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Guatemala's upper-middle-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 9.5x that of Guatemala ($6,150.026). 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
Guatemala is 1.5x more densely populated than Austria (166 vs 110 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Austria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Austria live an average of 8.9 years longer than those of Guatemala (81.5 vs 72.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to Austria's -0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Austria's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Guatemala vs Austria for Families
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala 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.
Guatemala vs Austria for Budget Travelers
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala 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.
Guatemala vs Austria for Retirees
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala 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.
Guatemala vs Austria Cost of Living
Austria's GDP per capita is 9.5x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Guatemala can approach or exceed average costs in Austria's smaller cities.
Guatemala vs Austria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Guatemala'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, Guatemala or Austria by population?
Guatemala is larger by population, with 18.1M residents compared to Austria's 9.2M. Guatemala is 2.0 times more populous than Austria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Guatemala or Austria?
Austria has the higher GDP at $534.8B, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. Austria's economy is 4.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Guatemala and Austria?
Austria has a higher life expectancy at 81.5 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.9 years. Guatemala's life expectancy is 0.6 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, Guatemala or Austria?
Guatemala is larger by land area, covering 108,889 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km². Guatemala is 1.3 times larger than Austria.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala and Austria?
Guatemala recognizes the following official language: Spanish. Austria recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Guatemala or Austria?
Guatemala has lower inflation at 2.9%, compared to Austria's 2.9%. Guatemala'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 Guatemala or Austria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Guatemala or Austria cheaper to visit?
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Austria. However, Austria may offer better v...
Is Guatemala or Austria better for retirement?
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is Guatemala or Austria more expensive to live in?
Austria's GDP per capita is 9.5x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is Guatemala or Austria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Guatemala and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Guatemala spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...