Italy vs Greece
Italy has a population of 58.9M, compared to Greece's 10.4M. Italy is 5.7 times more populous than Greece. Economically, Italy ($2.38T) has a GDP 9.3 times larger than Greece's ($256.2B). Italy covers 301,336 km², 2.3 times larger than Greece's 131,990 km². Life expectancy in Italy stands at 83.7 years, 2.2 years higher than Greece's 81.5 years.
ItalyGreece| Population | +466.6%58.9M | -82.4%10.4M |
| Area | +128.3%301,336 km² | -56.2%131,990 km² |
| GDP | +829.1%$2.38T | -89.2%$256.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +64.0%$40,385.341 | -39.0%$24,626.148 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.7%83.7 yrs | -2.6%81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -28.1%2.3 | +39.1%3.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -25.2%6.4% | +33.6%8.5% |
| Capital | Rome | Athens |
| Region | Europe | Europe |
| Languages | Italian, Catalan | Greek |
| 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
Italy is 5.7 times more populous than Greece, with 58.9M residents compared to 10.4M. Italy is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Greece is a nation of 10.4M people. In terms of population density, Italy averages 196 people per km² (moderate), while Greece averages 79 people per km² (moderate). While Italy has grown at -0.22% annually over the past decade, Greece has grown at -0.52% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Italy is classified as a high-income economy, while Greece is classified as a high-income economy. The Italy economy ($2.38T) is 9.3 times larger than Greece's ($256.2B). Italy's GDP per capita of $40,385.341 is 44% above the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. Greece's GDP per capita of $24,626.148 is 12% below the regional average of 28,000 for Europe. On a per-capita basis, residents of Italy are on average 1.6 times wealthier than those in Greece.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Italy is 83.7 years, compared to 81.5 years in Greece, a gap of 2.2 years. Italy (83.7 years) is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Greece (81.5 years) is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years. At 3.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Greece's infant mortality is 39% higher than Italy's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Italy (301,336 km²) is 2.3 times larger by land area than Greece (131,990 km²). Italy shares borders with 6 countries, while Greece borders 4 countries. Italy spans 1 timezone, compared to Greece's 1 timezone. Both Italy and Greece are located in Europe. Both countries fall within the Europe region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Europe and Southern Europe.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Italy and Greece is in GDP: Italy's $2.38T compared to Greece's $256.2B represents a 89% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Greece is in population: Italy's 58.9M compared to Greece's 10.4M represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Italy and Greece is in land area: Italy's 301,336 km² compared to Greece's 131,990 km² represents a 56% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Italy's high-income economy and Greece's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Italy has a GDP per capita of $40,385.341, which is 1.6x that of Greece ($24,626.148). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Italy is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Italy is 2.5x more densely populated than Greece (196 vs 79 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Greece's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Italy live an average of 2.2 years longer than those of Greece (83.7 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
Greece's economy grew at 2.1% compared to Italy's 0.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Greece has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Italy vs Greece for Families
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 3.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Greece offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Italy's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Italy vs Greece for Budget Travelers
Greece is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $24,626.148 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Greece can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Italy vs Greece for Retirees
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Greece 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.
Italy vs Greece Cost of Living
Italy's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Greece, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Greece offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Greece can approach or exceed average costs in Italy's smaller cities.
Italy vs Greece for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Greece, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Greece covers 1. Greece'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, Italy or Greece by population?
Italy is larger by population, with 58.9M residents compared to Greece's 10.4M. Italy is 5.7 times more populous than Greece.
Which country has a higher GDP, Italy or Greece?
Italy has the higher GDP at $2.38T, compared to Greece's $256.2B. Italy's economy is 9.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Italy and Greece?
Italy has a higher life expectancy at 83.7 years, compared to Greece's 81.5 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.2 years. Italy's life expectancy is 11.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Greece's is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Italy or Greece?
Italy is larger by land area, covering 301,336 km² compared to Greece's 131,990 km². Italy is 2.3 times larger than Greece.
What languages are spoken in Italy and Greece?
Italy recognizes the following languages: Italian, Catalan. Greece recognizes: Greek. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Italy or Greece?
Italy has lower inflation at 1.0%, compared to Greece's 2.7%. Italy's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Greece's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Italy or Greece better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Italy generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 3.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Greece offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries h...
Is Italy or Greece cheaper to visit?
Greece is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $24,626.148 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Greece can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Italy. However, Italy may offer better value in s...
Is Italy or Greece better for retirement?
Italy's life expectancy of 83.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Greece 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 Italy or Greece more expensive to live in?
Italy's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Greece, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Italy, while Greece offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ci...
Is Italy or Greece better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Italy and Greece, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Italy spans 1 timezone while Greece covers 1. Greece's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bot...