Kenya vs Cameroon
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Kenya is 1.8 times more populous than Cameroon. Economically, Kenya ($120.3B) has a GDP 2.3 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Kenya covers 580,367 km², 1.2 times larger than Cameroon's 475,442 km². Life expectancy in Cameroon stands at 63.7 years, 0.1 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
KenyaCameroon| Population | +81.1%53.3M | -44.8%29.4M |
| Area | +22.1%580,367 km² | -18.1%475,442 km² |
| GDP | +125.8%$120.3B | -55.7%$53.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +16.5%$2,132.435 | -14.2%$1,830.008 |
| Life Expectancy | -0.1%63.6 yrs | +0.1%63.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -15.8%34.7 | +18.7%41.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +51.3%5.4% | -33.9%3.6% |
| Capital | Nairobi | Yaoundé |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | English, French |
| Currencies | KES (Sh) | XAF (Fr) |
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 1.8 times more populous than Cameroon, with 53.3M residents compared to 29.4M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cameroon is a nation of 29.4M people. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate), while Cameroon averages 62 people per km² (moderate). Cameroon has grown at 2.86% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Kenya.
Economy Comparison
Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Cameroon is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Kenya economy ($120.3B) is 2.3 times larger than Cameroon's ($53.3B). Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Cameroon's GDP per capita of $1,830.008 is 17% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Kenya are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Cameroon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 63.7 years in Cameroon, a gap of 0.1 years. Cameroon (63.7 years) is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years, while Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 41.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cameroon's infant mortality is 19% higher than Kenya's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Kenya (580,367 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than Cameroon (475,442 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while Cameroon borders 6 countries. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to Cameroon's 1 timezone. Both Kenya and Cameroon are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Middle Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Kenya and Cameroon is in GDP: Kenya's $120.3B compared to Cameroon's $53.3B represents a 56% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Cameroon is in population: Kenya's 53.3M compared to Cameroon's 29.4M represents a 45% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Cameroon is in land area: Kenya's 580,367 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km² represents a 18% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and Cameroon's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Kenya has a GDP per capita of $2,132.435, which is 1.2x that of Cameroon ($1,830.008). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Kenya is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Kenya is 1.5x more densely populated than Cameroon (92 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cameroon's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Cameroon live an average of 0.1 years longer than those of Kenya (63.7 vs 63.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Kenya's economy grew at 4.7% compared to Cameroon's 3.5%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Kenya vs Cameroon for Families
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Kenya's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Kenya vs Cameroon for Budget Travelers
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Kenya. However, Kenya 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 Cameroon for Retirees
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 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 Cameroon Cost of Living
Kenya's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kenya, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cameroon can approach or exceed average costs in Kenya's smaller cities.
Kenya vs Cameroon for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon'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 Cameroon by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to Cameroon's 29.4M. Kenya is 1.8 times more populous than Cameroon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya or Cameroon?
Kenya has the higher GDP at $120.3B, compared to Cameroon's $53.3B. Kenya's economy is 2.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Kenya and Cameroon?
Cameroon has a higher life expectancy at 63.7 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.1 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Cameroon's is 8.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Kenya or Cameroon?
Kenya is larger by land area, covering 580,367 km² compared to Cameroon's 475,442 km². Kenya is 1.2 times larger than Cameroon.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and Cameroon?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Cameroon recognizes: English, French. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or Cameroon?
Kenya has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Cameroon's 4.5%. Kenya's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Cameroon's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Kenya or Cameroon better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 41.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cameroon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countri...
Is Kenya or Cameroon cheaper to visit?
Cameroon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,830.008 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cameroon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Kenya. However, Kenya may offer better value i...
Is Kenya or Cameroon better for retirement?
Cameroon's life expectancy of 63.7 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, climat...
Is Kenya or Cameroon more expensive to live in?
Kenya's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Cameroon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kenya, while Cameroon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Kenya or Cameroon better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Cameroon, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Cameroon covers 1. Cameroon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...