Saudi ArabiaAustria
Saudi Arabia has a population of 35.3M, compared to Austria's 9.2M. Saudi Arabia is 3.8 times more populous than Austria. Economically, Saudi Arabia ($1.24T) has a GDP 2.3 times larger than Austria's ($534.8B). Saudi Arabia covers 2,149,690 km², 25.6 times larger than Austria's 83,871 km². Life expectancy in Austria stands at 81.5 years, 2.8 years higher than Saudi Arabia's 78.7 years.
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Saudi Arabia wins
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Austria wins
Metric
Saudi ArabiaAustria| Population | 35.3M | 9.2M |
| Area | 2,149,690 km² | 83,871 km² |
| GDP | $1.24T | $534.8B |
| GDP Per Capita | $35,121.663 | $58,268.879 |
| Life Expectancy | 78.7 yrs | 81.5 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 4.9 | 2.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 3.0% | 5.6% |
| Capital | Riyadh | Vienna |
| Region | Asia | Europe |
| Languages | Arabic | German |
| Currencies | SAR (ر.س) | 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
Saudi Arabia is 3.8 times more populous than Austria, with 35.3M residents compared to 9.2M. Saudi Arabia is a nation of 35.3M people, while Austria is a nation of 9.2M people. In terms of population density, Saudi Arabia averages 16 people per km² (sparse), while Austria averages 110 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Saudi Arabia is classified as a high-income economy, while Austria is classified as a high-income economy. The Saudi Arabia economy ($1.24T) is 2.3 times larger than Austria's ($534.8B). Saudi Arabia's GDP per capita of $35,121.663 is 214% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 1.7 times wealthier than those in Saudi Arabia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Saudi Arabia is 78.7 years, compared to 81.5 years in Austria, a gap of 2.8 years. Austria (81.5 years) is 9.5 years above the global average of 72 years, while Saudi Arabia (78.7 years) is 6.7 years above the global average of 72 years. At 4.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Saudi Arabia's infant mortality is 88% higher than Austria's 2.6.
Geographic Comparison
Saudi Arabia (2,149,690 km²) is 25.6 times larger by land area than Austria (83,871 km²). Saudi Arabia shares borders with 7 countries, while Austria borders 8 countries. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone, compared to Austria's 1 timezone. Saudi Arabia lies in Asia, while Austria is located in Europe. Saudi Arabia is categorized within the Asia region (Western Asia), whereas Austria belongs to Europe (Central Europe).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Austria is in land area: Saudi Arabia's 2,149,690 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km² represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Austria is in population: Saudi Arabia's 35.3M compared to Austria's 9.2M represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between Saudi Arabia and Austria is in GDP: Saudi Arabia's $1.24T compared to Austria's $534.8B represents a 57% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Saudi Arabia'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 1.7x that of Saudi Arabia ($35,121.663). 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 6.7x more densely populated than Saudi Arabia (110 vs 16 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Saudi Arabia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Austria live an average of 2.8 years longer than those of Saudi Arabia (81.5 vs 78.7 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
Saudi Arabia's economy grew at 2.0% compared to Austria's -0.7%. Both economies are growing slowly, which may reflect maturity or structural challenges. Austria's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Saudi Arabia vs Austria for Families
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 4.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Saudi Arabia 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.
Saudi Arabia vs Austria for Budget Travelers
Saudi Arabia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,121.663 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Saudi Arabia 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.
Saudi Arabia vs Austria for Retirees
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Saudi Arabia 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.
Saudi Arabia vs Austria Cost of Living
Austria's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Saudi Arabia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Saudi Arabia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Saudi Arabia can approach or exceed average costs in Austria's smaller cities.
Saudi Arabia vs Austria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Saudi Arabia'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, Saudi Arabia or Austria by population?
Saudi Arabia is larger by population, with 35.3M residents compared to Austria's 9.2M. Saudi Arabia is 3.8 times more populous than Austria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Saudi Arabia or Austria?
Saudi Arabia has the higher GDP at $1.24T, compared to Austria's $534.8B. Saudi Arabia's economy is 2.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Saudi Arabia and Austria?
Austria has a higher life expectancy at 81.5 years, compared to Saudi Arabia's 78.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.8 years. Saudi Arabia's life expectancy is 6.7 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, Saudi Arabia or Austria?
Saudi Arabia is larger by land area, covering 2,149,690 km² compared to Austria's 83,871 km². Saudi Arabia is 25.6 times larger than Austria.
What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia and Austria?
Saudi Arabia recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Austria recognizes: German. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Saudi Arabia or Austria?
Saudi Arabia has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to Austria's 2.9%. Saudi Arabia'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 Saudi Arabia or Austria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Austria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.6 vs 4.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Saudi Arabia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Saudi Arabia or Austria cheaper to visit?
Saudi Arabia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $35,121.663 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Saudi Arabia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Austria. However, Austria may offer b...
Is Saudi Arabia or Austria better for retirement?
Austria's life expectancy of 81.5 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Saudi Arabia may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is Saudi Arabia or Austria more expensive to live in?
Austria's GDP per capita is 1.7x that of Saudi Arabia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Austria, while Saudi Arabia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sig...
Is Saudi Arabia or Austria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Saudi Arabia and Austria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Saudi Arabia spans 1 timezone while Austria covers 1. Saudi Arabia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretch...