Kenya vs Algeria
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to Algeria's 47.4M. Kenya is 1.1 times more populous than Algeria. Economically, Algeria ($269.3B) has a GDP 2.2 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Algeria covers 2,381,741 km², 4.1 times larger than Kenya's 580,367 km². Life expectancy in Algeria stands at 76.3 years, 12.6 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
KenyaAlgeria| Population | +12.5%53.3M | -11.1%47.4M |
| Area | -75.6%580,367 km² | +310.4%2,381,741 km² |
| GDP | -55.3%$120.3B | +123.8%$269.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -62.9%$2,132.435 | +169.8%$5,752.991 |
| Life Expectancy | -16.5%63.6 yrs | +19.8%76.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +76.1%34.7 | -43.2%19.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -53.2%5.4% | +113.5%11.6% |
| Capital | Nairobi | Algiers |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Arabic |
| Currencies | KES (Sh) | DZD (د.ج) |
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
Kenya is 1.1 times more populous than Algeria, with 53.3M residents compared to 47.4M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Algeria is a nation of 47.4M people. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate), while Algeria averages 20 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Algeria is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Algeria economy ($269.3B) is 2.2 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Algeria's GDP per capita of $5,752.991 is 161% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Algeria are on average 2.7 times wealthier than those in Kenya.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 76.3 years in Algeria, a gap of 12.6 years. Algeria (76.3 years) is 4.3 years above the global average of 72 years, while Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Kenya's infant mortality is 76% higher than Algeria's 19.7.
Geographic Comparison
Algeria (2,381,741 km²) is 4.1 times larger by land area than Kenya (580,367 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while Algeria borders 7 countries. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to Algeria's 1 timezone. Both Kenya and Algeria are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Northern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Kenya and Algeria is in land area: Kenya's 580,367 km² compared to Algeria's 2,381,741 km² represents a 76% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Algeria is in GDP per capita: Kenya's $2,132.435 compared to Algeria's $5,752.991 represents a 63% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Algeria is in GDP: Kenya's $120.3B compared to Algeria's $269.3B represents a 55% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and Algeria's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Algeria has a GDP per capita of $5,752.991, which is 2.7x that of Kenya ($2,132.435). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Algeria is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Kenya is 4.6x more densely populated than Algeria (92 vs 20 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Algeria's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Algeria live an average of 12.6 years longer than those of Kenya (76.3 vs 63.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Kenya's economy grew at 4.7% compared to Algeria's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Kenya vs Algeria for Families
For family travel, Algeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.7 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Algeria's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Kenya vs Algeria for Budget Travelers
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Algeria. However, Algeria may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Kenya vs Algeria for Retirees
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya 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.
Kenya vs Algeria Cost of Living
Algeria's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Kenya can approach or exceed average costs in Algeria's smaller cities.
Kenya vs Algeria for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Algeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Algeria covers 1. Kenya'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, Kenya or Algeria by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to Algeria's 47.4M. Kenya is 1.1 times more populous than Algeria.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya or Algeria?
Algeria has the higher GDP at $269.3B, compared to Kenya's $120.3B. Algeria's economy is 2.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Kenya and Algeria?
Algeria has a higher life expectancy at 76.3 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.6 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Algeria's is 4.3 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Kenya or Algeria?
Algeria is larger by land area, covering 2,381,741 km² compared to Kenya's 580,367 km². Algeria is 4.1 times larger than Kenya.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and Algeria?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Algeria recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or Algeria?
Algeria has lower inflation at 4.0%, compared to Kenya's 4.5%. Algeria's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Kenya's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Kenya or Algeria better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Algeria generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (19.7 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countrie...
Is Kenya or Algeria cheaper to visit?
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Algeria. However, Algeria may offer better value in ...
Is Kenya or Algeria better for retirement?
Algeria's life expectancy of 76.3 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate...
Is Kenya or Algeria more expensive to live in?
Algeria's GDP per capita is 2.7x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Algeria, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Kenya or Algeria better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Algeria, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Algeria covers 1. Kenya's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...