Saudi Arabia and the USA differ significantly in size, population, military, economy, and cost of living. Saudi Arabia is about 4.6 times smaller in land area and has roughly 34 million people compared to the USA's 331 million. Saudi Arabia relies heavily on imported arms, being the world's largest arms importer, while the USA is a leading arms exporter with a domestically produced military inventory. The cost of living in the USA is substantially higher than in Saudi Arabia, with rent, restaurant prices, groceries, and transportation costs all significantly elevated in the USA. The USA is a highly developed country with a diverse economy and large population, while Saudi Arabia plays a prominent role in the Middle East with strategic military alliances and economic reliance on oil exports.
Here is a focused breakdown of key comparison points:
Size and Population
- Saudi Arabia: 2,149,690 km², population approx. 34 million.
- USA: 9,857,306 km², population approx. 331 million.
Military Strength
- Saudi Arabia: Modern weapon systems mainly imported from US and Europe.
- USA: Leading arms exporter, extensive domestic weapons production, NATO member.
Cost of Living Comparison
- USA's cost of living is about 54.7% higher excluding rent, and 88.0% higher including rent than Saudi Arabia.
- Rent prices in the USA are over double those in Saudi Arabia.
- Restaurant prices, groceries, transportation, and utilities are all considerably more expensive in the USA.
International Relations
- Saudi Arabia and the USA have longstanding relations dating back to the 1930s, with cooperation in various sectors.
- The USA is globally influential with military alliances like NATO; Saudi Arabia is a key player in the Middle East.
Sports
- Saudi Arabia and the USA recently competed in soccer at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, reflecting sporting engagement between the two nations.
This overview highlights major contrasts and relations between Saudi Arabia and the USA in geography, military, economics, and culture.
