Istanbul vs Rio de Janeiro - City Size Comparison

Is Istanbul Bigger Than Rio de Janeiro?

Yes — Istanbul is 4.5x larger than Rio de Janeiro by area. Istanbul spans 5,461 km² (2,109 mi²) while Rio de Janeiro covers 1,221 km² (471 mi²) — a difference of 4,240 km². You could fit Rio de Janeiro inside Istanbul approximately 4 times.

About Istanbul

Turkey's largest city, spanning Europe and Asia. Known as "The City on Two Continents", Istanbul covers 5,461 km² with a population of 15.5 million. The city was founded around 660 BC. Istanbul is known for Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Istanbul Metro.

Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents — Europe and Asia

About Rio de Janeiro

Brazil's iconic coastal city known for Carnival. Nicknamed "The Marvelous City", Rio de Janeiro has an area of 1,221 km² and is home to 6.8 million people. It was established in 1565. Visitors come for Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, Carnival, and much more. Getting around is easy with the MetrôRio.

Rio's Christ the Redeemer statue is struck by lightning an average of 6 times per year

Metropolitan Area Comparison

Looking beyond city limits, the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area covers 6,744 km², which is 1.2x larger than greater Istanbul at 5,461 km². The Istanbul metro area is also more populous, with 15.5 million people compared to 13.5 million.

Population Density

Istanbul has a population density of 2,831 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Rio de Janeiro, with 5,528 people per km², is a densely populated city. Rio de Janeiro is noticeably denser, packing 2.0 times more people per square kilometer.

Climate & Time Zone

Istanbul has a oceanic climate while Rio de Janeiro experiences tropical savanna conditions. When it's noon in Istanbul, it's 6:00 AM in Rio de Janeiro — a 6-hour time difference.