Istanbul
5,461 km²
Rome
1,285 km²
Turkey
Italy
Area Comparison
Istanbul is 4.2x larger than Rome
Population Comparison
Istanbul has 5.4x more people than Rome
Yes — Istanbul is 4.2x larger than Rome by area. Istanbul spans 5,461 km² (2,109 mi²) while Rome covers 1,285 km² (496 mi²) — a difference of 4,176 km². You could fit Rome inside Istanbul approximately 4 times.
To put Istanbul's size in perspective, its area of 5,461 km² is about 1.2x smaller than Shanghai. Meanwhile, Rome at 1,285 km² is about 1.2x smaller than London.
In more relatable units, Istanbul's 5,461 km² is about 765,000 American football fields, 92 times the area of Manhattan, or 52 times the area of Paris. Rome works out to about 180,000 American football fields, 22 times the area of Manhattan, or 12 times the area of Paris.
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, constituting the country's economic, cultural, and historical center. With a population of over 15 million, it is home to 18% of the population of Turkey. Istanbul is among the largest cities in Europe and in the world by population. It is a city on two continents; about two-thirds of its population live in Europe and the rest in Asia.
Known as "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 one of the only major cities to span two continents, with about two-thirds of its population living in Europe and the rest in Asia.
Rome is the capital city and most populated comune (municipality) of Italy. It is also the administrative centre of the Lazio region and of the Metropolitan City of Rome. A special comune named Roma Capitale with a population of 2.7 million in an area of 1,287.36 km2 (497.1 mi2), Rome is the third most populous city in the European Union by population within city limits. The Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, with a population of 4.2 million, is the most populous metropolitan city in Italy.
Nicknamed "The Eternal City", Rome has an area of 1,285 km² and is home to 2.9 million people. It was founded around 753 BC. Visitors come for Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Rome Metro.
Rome's special comune Roma Capitale spans 1,287 km2, making it the third most populous city in the EU within city limits
Looking beyond city limits, the Istanbul metropolitan area covers 5,461 km², which is 1.0x larger than greater Rome at 5,352 km². The Istanbul metro area is also more populous, with 15.5 million people compared to 4.3 million.
Istanbul has a population density of 2,831 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Rome, with 2,233 people per km², is a moderately dense city. Both cities have comparable density, though Istanbul is slightly more compact.
Both cities are in Europe, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Istanbul (Turkey) and Rome (Italy) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Istanbul has a oceanic climate while Rome experiences Mediterranean conditions. When it's noon in Istanbul, it's 10:00 AM in Rome — a 2-hour time difference.
Size Ratio
Rome fits inside Istanbul ~4 times
Istanbul covers 5,461 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Shanghai (6,341 km²), Perth (6,417 km²), Dubai (4,114 km²), Guangzhou (7,434 km²), or Karachi (3,527 km²).
Rome covers 1,285 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Los Angeles (1,302 km²), Phoenix (1,341 km²), Rio de Janeiro (1,221 km²), San Antonio (1,209 km²), or Lagos (1,172 km²).
The straight-line distance from Istanbul to Rome is 1,375 km (854 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~2h 7m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
Want to explore more? Compare city sizes for any two cities worldwide, or share your location live with friends.