The USA economy is 7.7 times larger than the UK with a GDP of $27.2 trillion versus $3.5 trillion, and Americans earn 57% more per capita ($90,502 vs $57,602). The UK faces slower growth forecasts (1% in 2026) and higher government spending relative to GDP (43.68% vs 37.74%), while the USA maintains stronger economic expansion despite higher debt levels.
UK vs USA Economy — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose the USA if you seek a larger, faster-growing economy with higher individual earning potential and greater global economic influence. Choose the UK if you prioritize lower relative debt levels and a more regulated fiscal environment, though growth remains constrained by structural challenges including high tax burdens and regulatory complexity.
Compare United Kingdom Economy vs United States Economy
Advanced G7 economy with strong financial services sector and lower debt burden
World's largest nominal GDP with highest per capita income and consumer spending power
Structured comparison data for UK vs USA Economy with 312 attributes.
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UK vs USA Economy — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for UK vs USA Economy.
Why is the USA economy so much larger than the UK's?
The USA has 5.2 times the UK's population (335M vs 67M), larger landmass with more resources, and a higher per capita GDP ($90,502 vs $57,602). The USA's economy has grown faster over decades due to stronger private sector investment, lower tax burdens, and deeper capital markets, compounding into a 7.7x larger total economy by 2025.
Why is UK economic growth forecast at only 1% for 2026?
Oxford Economics warns the UK 'lacks a sustainable growth driver' due to high taxes, over-regulation, and risk-aversion among businesses. Government expenditure at 43.68% of GDP constrains private investment, while post-Brexit trade friction and weak consumer confidence further dampen growth compared to the USA's projected 3.5%.
The USA has higher absolute debt at 122.27% of GDP versus the UK's 99.90%, but the USA's larger economy ($27.2T vs $3.5T) generates more revenue to service debt. The UK's debt sustainability is also challenged by low growth (1% forecast), making both nations' long-term fiscal outlooks concerning for different reasons.
How much more do Americans earn compared to British workers?
Americans earn 57% more per capita on average: $90,502 vs $57,602 (2025 data). This gap reflects higher productivity, larger companies, stronger capital investment, and lower tax burden on businesses in the USA, though higher healthcare and education costs offset some purchasing power advantages.
Does the UK spend more on social services than the USA?
Yes. The UK spends 43.68% of GDP on government expenditure versus 37.74% in the USA. This supports universal healthcare, education, and welfare, but reduces funds available for private investment and economic growth. The USA's lower government spending as % of GDP allows higher private sector investment, contributing to faster growth.